American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What does an Enabling Act empower local governments to do?

1. To enact zoning ordinances

2. To take private property for public use

3. To carry out functions in the public interest

4. To establish citizen advisory groups

The correct answer is: To carry out functions in the public interest

The Enabling Act provides local governments with the authority and framework to carry out functions and responsibilities that serve the public interest. This legislative mechanism allows municipalities to create and implement local laws and regulations, such as ordinances and policies, that address the needs and desires of the community they serve. With this empowerment, local governments can engage in various activities, ensuring that development, housing, land use, and other critical areas reflect the aspirations of their constituents. While enacting zoning ordinances, taking private property for public use, and establishing citizen advisory groups all relate to the operations of local governments, these specific actions stem from the broader authority granted by the Enabling Act. For instance, zoning ordinances are a specific application of this authority, enabling a local government to regulate land use within its jurisdiction. Nonetheless, the core essence of the Enabling Act is about empowering local governments to fulfill their roles and responsibilities efficiently in the public interest.