American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What landmark decision addressed the issue of racial segregation in affordable housing in New Jersey?

1. Golden v. Planning Board of Ramapo

2. Penn Central Transportation Co. v. City of New York

3. Mt. Laurel v. State of New Jersey

4. Boston v. Massachusetts

The correct answer is: Mt. Laurel v. State of New Jersey

The landmark decision that addressed the issue of racial segregation in affordable housing in New Jersey is known as Mt. Laurel v. State of New Jersey. This case, decided by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 1975, was pivotal in shaping affordable housing policy in the state. The court ruled that municipalities have a constitutional obligation to provide their fair share of affordable housing, particularly considering the needs of low-income individuals and families. This case arose in the context of exclusionary zoning practices, where towns used zoning laws to limit the availability of affordable housing, effectively segregating low-income residents from wealthier areas. By ruling that towns could not deny affordable housing opportunities based on socioeconomic status and that the state needed to take action to correct these practices, the court established a precedent that aimed to promote more equitable access to housing across different communities. This decision led to subsequent legislation and court rulings intended to ensure that local governments actively participate in the creation of affordable housing, thereby addressing issues of racial segregation and promoting social justice within the housing market in New Jersey.