American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Growth Management goal 5 aims to address which of the following?

1. Facilitating complete urbanization

2. Preventing or mitigating negative and fostering positive externalities

3. Eliminating zoning regulations

4. Encouraging population growth in suburban areas

The correct answer is: Preventing or mitigating negative and fostering positive externalities

The correct answer focuses on preventing or mitigating negative externalities and fostering positive externalities, which is a fundamental aspect of growth management. This goal acknowledges that development can lead to various unintended consequences, both beneficial and detrimental, that impact the community and environment. By promoting strategies that minimize negative externalities—such as traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and loss of green spaces—while enhancing positive externalities—such as improved public services, economic opportunities, and social cohesion—growth management aims to create more sustainable and livable communities. In many cases, urban growth and development can cause significant challenges if not properly managed. By addressing both negative and positive externalities, growth management encourages a holistic approach to planning, encouraging the development of infrastructure, housing, and services that align with community goals and needs. The other options present different concepts that do not align with the primary focus of goal 5. For instance, facilitating complete urbanization and encouraging population growth in suburban areas can lead to their own set of challenges that may not necessarily consider the external effects on surrounding communities. Eliminating zoning regulations runs contrary to the objectives of structured growth management, which relies on regulations to guide development in a way that mitigates adverse impacts.