AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners Plan and Policy Development Questions and Answers

Question 1

A regional planning agency is facilitating a multi-jurisdictional process to establish a shared, long-term direction for growth and conservation.
The process heavily emphasizes public participation to identify core values and define a desired future for the region.
Which of the following planning approaches is being employed?

Accepted Answer

Visioning

Answer

Capital Improvement Programming

Answer

Zoning Ordinance Update

Answer

Strategic Planning

Question 2

A city planning department is tasked with creating a plan that has a 5-year time horizon, focuses on a few high-priority community issues, and allocates specific resources to achieve measurable objectives. This plan is designed to be agile and responsive to immediate challenges and opportunities. What type of plan is being developed?

Accepted Answer

Strategic Plan

Answer

Comprehensive Plan

Answer

Master Plan

Answer

Functional Plan

Question 3

When developing a new public health policy, which of the following is most critical to ensuring successful implementation?

Accepted Answer

Engaging frontline service providers and stakeholders during the policy development phase.

Answer

Securing the maximum possible budget for the initiative.

Answer

Drafting the policy language to be as broad as possible to allow for flexibility.

Answer

Conducting a post-implementation impact evaluation after five years.

Question 4

A planner is developing a policy to increase affordable housing. The process involves analyzing the policy's potential impacts, identifying key stakeholders, defining clear objectives, and establishing a framework for execution. This entire process, from conception to action, is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The Policy Cycle

Answer

Policy Implementation

Answer

Policy Formulation

Answer

Policy Evaluation

Question 5

Which of the following best distinguishes a Comprehensive Plan from a Strategic Plan?

Accepted Answer

A Comprehensive Plan is a broad, long-range policy guide for physical development, while a Strategic Plan is a shorter-term document focused on specific organizational goals and actions.

Answer

A Comprehensive Plan is implemented by staff, while a Strategic Plan is implemented by elected officials.

Answer

A Comprehensive Plan focuses on a short-term timeframe (3-5 years), while a Strategic Plan has a long-term horizon (20+ years).

Answer

A Strategic Plan requires extensive public participation, whereas a Comprehensive Plan does not.

Question 6

A city has just adopted a new climate action policy. To determine if the policy is achieving its intended goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing green infrastructure, the planning department must establish key performance indicators (KPIs), collect data, and analyze the results against established targets. This process is known as:

Accepted Answer

Policy Evaluation

Answer

Policy Advocacy

Answer

Public Engagement Strategy

Answer

Ordinance Drafting