American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

In which year did the Council of Government (COG) movement begin in Detroit?

1. 1954

2. 1961

3. 1949

4. 1960

The correct answer is: 1954

The Council of Government (COG) movement in Detroit began in 1954 as a response to the growing need for coordinated regional planning and development in metropolitan areas. This movement aimed to address issues that extended beyond the boundaries of individual municipalities, encouraging collaboration among local governments for comprehensive planning and efficient use of resources. The establishment of COGs helped facilitate regional cooperation in addressing transportation, land use, and environmental challenges, marking a significant shift in how urban planning was approached in the post-World War II era. Prior to this movement, planning efforts were largely fragmented, often focused only on local jurisdictions without considering broader regional impacts. The timing of 1954 is crucial as it reflects a period when metropolitan areas were experiencing significant population growth and urban sprawl, making intergovernmental collaboration increasingly necessary. Understanding the historical context and significance of this movement sheds light on the evolution of urban planning practices and the importance of regional governance in addressing complex social, economic, and environmental challenges in metropolitan areas.