AICP Plan and Policy Development 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which technique is used in policy analysis to estimate the financial costs and benefits of a proposed policy over its expected life?
- Environmental impact assessment
- Cost-benefit analysis (Correct answer)
- Needs assessment
- SWOT analysis
Correct answer: Cost-benefit analysis
Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) quantifies and compares the monetary costs and benefits of a policy or project to assess its net value.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a 'housing element' in a California-style comprehensive plan?
- To regulate architectural design standards
- To identify sites and policies to accommodate projected housing needs (Correct answer)
- To set maximum rent controls citywide
- To establish historic preservation districts
Correct answer: To identify sites and policies to accommodate projected housing needs
A housing element identifies adequate sites and programs to meet the jurisdiction's share of regional housing needs across all income levels.
Question 3: The concept of 'horizontal consistency' in planning refers to:
- Agreement between local and state plans
- Consistency among different jurisdictions' plans in a region (Correct answer)
- Alignment between a plan's text and its maps
- Flat topographic requirements for development
Correct answer: Consistency among different jurisdictions' plans in a region
Horizontal consistency refers to coordination and compatibility among plans of different jurisdictions at the same governmental level, such as neighboring cities.
Question 4: An 'implementation matrix' in a comprehensive plan typically includes which of the following?
- Traffic count data and level-of-service grades
- Actions, responsible parties, timelines, and funding sources for each policy (Correct answer)
- Environmental baseline measurements
- Demographic projections by census tract
Correct answer: Actions, responsible parties, timelines, and funding sources for each policy
An implementation matrix translates plan policies into actionable items by specifying who is responsible, when it must be done, and how it will be funded.
Question 5: In collaborative planning theory, 'communicative rationality' (Habermas) emphasizes which of the following?
- Technical optimization of land use decisions
- Reaching consensus through open, inclusive dialogue free from coercion (Correct answer)
- Maximizing economic efficiency in resource allocation
- Following established regulatory procedures strictly
Correct answer: Reaching consensus through open, inclusive dialogue free from coercion
Habermas's communicative rationality holds that legitimate planning decisions emerge from inclusive, transparent dialogue where all stakeholders can participate without coercion.
Question 6: Which scenario best illustrates a 'wicked problem' in planning?
- A code amendment requiring a specific setback measurement
- Reducing regional traffic congestion while balancing growth, equity, and environmental concerns (Correct answer)
- Rezoning a single parcel from residential to commercial
- Updating a parks master plan maintenance schedule
Correct answer: Reducing regional traffic congestion while balancing growth, equity, and environmental concerns
Wicked problems are complex, interconnected policy challenges with no definitive solution, exemplified by traffic congestion that links land use, economics, equity, and environment.
Question 7: A 'form-based code' differs from conventional zoning primarily because it:
- Regulates uses more strictly than building form
- Emphasizes physical form and design standards over land use separation (Correct answer)
- Applies only to historic districts
- Is adopted at the state rather than local level
Correct answer: Emphasizes physical form and design standards over land use separation
Form-based codes regulate the physical form, scale, and design of buildings and public spaces rather than primarily segregating land uses.
AICP Plan and Policy Development 3
Which technique is used in policy analysis to estimate the financial costs and benefits of a proposed policy over its expected life?