American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What term describes an intensive, interactive problem-solving process with meetings focused on specific topics?

1. Alinsky's Organizations

2. Advocacy Planning

3. A Charrette

4. Citizen Referendum

The correct answer is: A Charrette

A charrette is a term used to describe an intensive, interactive problem-solving process that involves meetings focused on specific topics, particularly in the context of urban planning and design. During a charrette, stakeholders, including community members, planners, designers, and other affected parties, come together to collaborate on solutions to complex issues such as land use, transportation, and community development. This collaborative approach encourages open dialogue and gathers diverse perspectives, allowing participants to jointly create informed and innovative proposals. The charrette process is characterized by its time-limited nature, often occurring over several days or weeks, and emphasizes hands-on engagement and active participation. This contrasts sharply with other methods of planning that may be more formal or less interactive. Other options relate to different planning concepts. Alinsky's Organizations pertain to community organizing strategies that advocate for social change, while advocacy planning focuses on representing and voicing the interests of marginalized groups in the planning process. A citizen referendum is a direct voting process through which citizens can vote on specific legislative proposals or changes. Each of these approaches has its own methods and goals, but none embody the intensive, workshop-like format that characterizes a charrette.