American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What significant contribution did Sherry Arnstein make to planning literature?

1. Authored "Silent Spring"

2. Wrote "A Ladder of Citizen Participation"

3. Founded community housing policy

4. Developed suburban planning guidelines

The correct answer is: Wrote "A Ladder of Citizen Participation"

Sherry Arnstein made a significant impact on planning literature through her work "A Ladder of Citizen Participation." This foundational piece, published in 1969, introduced a framework that illustrates the various levels of citizen involvement in the planning process, ranging from non-participation to full citizen control. Arnstein's ladder effectively categorizes participation into eight rungs, emphasizing the importance of genuine public engagement in decision-making. The concept challenged planners to recognize that not all participation is meaningful and to strive for deeper engagement with communities, thus advancing the principles of democratic planning. By highlighting the disparities in participation levels and advocating for the empowerment of citizens, Arnstein's work has become a critical reference in discussions about participatory planning processes. This focus on citizen engagement distinguishes her contribution from the other options, which do not pertain directly to participatory frameworks in planning. For instance, "Silent Spring" is a landmark environmental text, community housing policy and suburban planning guidelines relate to different aspects of urban development rather than citizen participation specifically. Therefore, Arnstein's ladder remains a vital component in discussions of planning practice, emphasizing the need for equitable and inclusive participation.