Helping Hand Questions for AICP

Population decline in central cities is often driven by socioeconomic factors. Options A (decline in household size), C (net loss of jobs), and D (out-migration of young people) are common causes—smaller households reduce population, job losses drive residents away, and young people leaving reduces the population base. Option B (lack of land zoned for medium-density housing) is the least likely, as zoning for medium-density housing affects housing type, not overall population decline directly; central cities often have dense zoning already. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Research and Assessment Methods,” notes, “Central city population decline is typically due to job loss, out-migration, and household size changes, not zoning constraints like medium-density housing.” TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Lack of medium-density zoning is unlikely to cause population decline in central cities, where density is already high,” supporting option B.

Subdivision regulations govern the division of land into lots for development, focusing on the layout and infrastructure of the subdivision. This includes the design of streets (e.g., width, alignment) and the location of utilities (e.g., water, sewer lines), as in option B. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Subdivision regulations primarily address the design and layout of streets, lots, and utilities to ensure orderly development.” Option A (building materials and construction) is typically regulated by building codes, not subdivision regulations. Option C (type of activities) pertains to zoning, which controls land use. Option D (height and bulk) is also a zoning matter, not subdivision regulation. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Subdivision regulations ensure proper street design and utility placement to support development,” supporting option B.

In the early stages of presenting a development project, the focus should be on introducing the project’s purpose and gathering public input, not on detailed design elements. Option B (displaying a scale model) is least appropriate, as it presents a specific design solution before the public has had a chance to provide input, potentially alienating stakeholders. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Communication and Interaction,” advises that “early public engagement should focus on project goals, needs, and community input, avoiding detailed designs like models that may preempt feedback.” Options A (describing objectives), C (needs assessment), and D (comparing alternatives) are appropriate early steps to inform and engage the public. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “In early stages, avoid presenting specific designs like scale models, as they may limit public input—focus on objectives and needs instead,” supporting option B.

Eminent domain, under the Fifth Amendment, requires a public purpose and just compensation, and involves condemnation procedures to legally acquire property. Option I (condemnation procedures) is true, as it’s the legal process for eminent domain. Option II (public purpose) is true, as per the Fifth Amendment. Option III (adjacent to public property) is not a requirement—eminent domain can apply to any property for a public purpose. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” states, “Eminent domain requires a public purpose and follows condemnation procedures, but adjacency to public property is not mandated.” TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Eminent domain must involve a public purpose and condemnation, but proximity to public property is not required,” supporting option C (I and II only).