American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is the goal of a Capital Improvement Program?

1. To reduce operational costs

2. To set priority projects for community infrastructure

3. To eliminate community involvement

4. To primarily focus on aesthetics

The correct answer is: To set priority projects for community infrastructure

The goal of a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is primarily to set priority projects for community infrastructure. This program serves as a planning tool for managing and prioritizing public investment in capital assets, which usually include projects like roads, schools, parks, and other essential facilities. By identifying and prioritizing these projects, a CIP helps ensure that available resources are allocated effectively to meet community needs and improve overall quality of life. The importance of prioritizing infrastructure projects lies in the need to address critical issues, such as safety, accessibility, and economic development, while also considering long-term sustainability and growth. A well-structured CIP can provide clear guidance for decision-makers, allowing them to plan for funding, maintenance, and future development in an organized manner. The other options reflect goals that are not central to the primary purpose of a CIP. While reducing operational costs can be an outcome of efficient infrastructure planning, it is not the primary focus. Eliminating community involvement would contradict the intent of a CIP, as community input is vital for identifying needs and preferences. Focusing primarily on aesthetics overlooks the broader objectives of functionality, efficiency, and service provision that a comprehensive CIP aims to achieve.