American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

The statement about creating a cohesive, compact city resembles what type of document?

1. A community vision statement

2. Urban zoning ordinance

3. Community budget plan

4. Local government charter

The correct answer is: A community vision statement

The statement about creating a cohesive, compact city aligns closely with a community vision statement. A community vision statement articulates the aspirations and goals that residents have for their city, focusing on desired outcomes like livability, sustainability, and compactness, which encourage connectedness and accessibility. This type of document is intended to provide a guiding framework for future development, policies, and planning efforts, capturing the collective values and priorities of the community. In contrast, other document types serve different purposes. An urban zoning ordinance establishes specific regulations for land use and development within designated areas, which is more about enforcement than vision. A community budget plan allocates financial resources and funding priorities but does not inherently reflect a comprehensive vision for spatial or community design. A local government charter is more of a foundational legal document that outlines the governance structure and powers of the local government rather than a reflection of community aspirations regarding development and cohesion. Therefore, the community vision statement is the most fitting choice that captures the intent of creating a cohesive, compact city.