Ace Your AICP American Planning Association Exam

Brainstorming is a structured process used in planning to generate and evaluate ideas, often in community engagement or visioning sessions. The correct sequence begins with identifying the issues to set the focus, followed by developing ideas to address those issues, organizing related ideas into categories, and finally assessing the ideas for feasibility and impact. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Communication and Interaction,” outlines the brainstorming process as “1) define the problem or issue, 2) generate ideas, 3) group and organize ideas, and 4) evaluate ideas,” which matches option A: Identify issues -> Develop ideas -> Organize related ideas -> Assess ideas. Options B, C, and D deviate from this logical sequence—B assesses ideas before organizing them, C starts with developing ideas before identifying issues, and D is entirely out of order. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms this process, stating, “Brainstorming starts with issue identification, followed by idea generation, organization, and assessment,” supporting option A.

Evaluating a historic preservation district focuses on preservation outcomes. Option I (increase in square footage of rehabilitated properties) measures physical preservation efforts, a direct indicator of success. Option III (increase in property values) reflects economic benefits, often tied to preservation’s impact on desirability. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam ContentOutline(2022), under “Plan Implementation,” states, “Success of historic preservation districts is often measured by the extent of rehabilitated properties and increases in property values.” Option II (low- and moderate-income housing) is unrelated to preservation goals. Option IV (traffic flow) is not a primary measure of preservation success. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Key metrics for historic preservation districts include rehabilitated square footage and property value increases,” supporting option B (I and III).

Overly detailed urban public spaces, with excessive elements like banners, furnishings, and signage, can overwhelm the streetscape, drawing attention away from retail window displays and reducing their visibility and appeal. Option A (banners, furnishings, and signage distract consumers) is correct. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” states, “Excessive details in public spaces, such as banners and signage, can distract from retail displays, reducing their effectiveness.” Option B (dislike or feel unsafe) is not directly tied to detail. Option C (prefer malls) is a broader trend, not specific to detail. Option D (sign ordinances) limits signage, not detail. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Too many public space details can distract from retail window displays,” supporting option A.