AICP Questions Bank

Brownfield reuse assessments evaluate the feasibility of redeveloping contaminated sites, focusing on practical and economic factors. I (market receptiveness) assesses demand for the sitepost-remediation. III (surrounding uses) ensures compatibility with nearby development. IV (funding and partnerships) identifies resources for cleanup and redevelopment. II (architectural standards) is not a primary concern, as it pertains to design, not feasibility. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” states, “Brownfield assessments should evaluate market demand, compatibility with surrounding uses, and funding opportunities.” TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Key considerations for brownfield reuse include market receptiveness, surrounding uses, and funding/partnerships, but not architectural standards,” supporting option D (I, III, and IV).

A green portfolio in a revolving loan fund supports businesses with environmentally sustainable practices. Option I (bicycle manufacturer) promotes sustainable transportation, reducing emissions. Option II (compost bin distributor) supports waste reduction and sustainability. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” states, “Green portfolio funds typically support businesses like bicycle manufacturers and compost distributors, which align with environmental sustainability goals.” Option III (affordable housing builder) focuses on social equity, not necessarily green practices unless specified. Option IV (computer manufacturer) is not inherently green without specific sustainability practices. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Green portfolio loans are available to businesses like bicycle manufacturers and compost distributors for their environmental benefits,” supporting option A (I and II).

Frederick Law Olmsted, a pioneer in landscape architecture, designed parks like Central Park (1858) that served dual purposes: recreation for public enjoyment and engineering functions like stormwater management. Option C (urban parks for recreation and engineering) reflects this contribution. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” states, “Olmsted demonstrated that parks could serve both recreational and engineering purposes, such as drainage, as seen in Central Park.” Option A (garden cities) relates to Ebenezer Howard. Option B (street landscaping) was not Olmsted’s focus. Option D (private complexes) is unrelated to his public park designs. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Olmsted’s parks combined recreation with engineering solutions like stormwater management,” supporting option C.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a funding mechanism where the projected increase in property tax revenue generated by a development is used to finance public improvements in the designated area, such as infrastructure or redevelopment projects. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan Implementation,” defines TIF as “a method to fund public improvements by capturing the incremental tax revenue increase resulting from development within a defined district.” Option A (Impact Fee) is a one-time fee on developers to offset infrastructure costs, not based on future tax increases. Option B (Tax Abatement Program) reduces taxes to attract development, not to fund improvements. Option C (Tax Exemption Strategy) similarly involves tax relief, not revenue capture. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “TIF uses the projected increase in tax revenue from a development to finance public improvements in the area,” supporting option D.