American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is the significance of Cincinnati, Ohio's planning actions in 1925?

1. It was the first city to adopt a comprehensive plan.

2. It was the first city to create zoning laws.

3. It was the first city to use public subsidies for housing.

4. It was the first city to establish a planning commission.

The correct answer is: It was the first city to adopt a comprehensive plan.

Cincinnati, Ohio's planning actions in 1925 are significant because it was indeed the first city to adopt a comprehensive plan. This milestone marked a transformative moment in urban planning as it emphasized a holistic approach to city development, taking into account various factors such as land use, transportation, housing, and public services within a single strategic framework. The adoption of a comprehensive plan served as a blueprint for future growth and development, setting a precedent for other cities across the United States to follow suit in formalizing their planning processes. This was critical in the evolution of planning practices, as comprehensive planning became a cornerstone of effective urban management and policy. The other options, while relevant to the field of urban planning, do not accurately reflect the significant action taken by Cincinnati in 1925. Some cities had previously implemented zoning laws, public subsidies for housing, or established planning commissions, but the comprehensive plan adopted by Cincinnati in that year stands out as a landmark achievement in the history of urban planning.