American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

In what year was the first official, local, and permanent planning board established in Hartford, Connecticut?

1. 1905

2. 1906

3. 1907

4. 1908

The correct answer is: 1907

The first official, local, and permanent planning board was established in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1907, marking a significant milestone in urban planning history. This was a pivotal moment as it represented one of the earliest formalized approaches to planning within an American city. The establishment of such a board illustrates the growing recognition during this period of the need for organized planning to address urban growth and development challenges. Creating a dedicated planning board allowed Hartford to better manage land use, zoning, and infrastructure development, laying the groundwork for future planning practices across the United States. The timing also coincided with broader movements in the early 20th century advocating for city planning reforms, emphasizing the importance of regulation and thoughtful design in urban environments. Understanding this historical context highlights the importance of local governance in shaping the development of cities, as well as the foundation it provided for the evolution of planning practices.