American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What typically occurs during the evaluation phase of land use planning?

1. Implementation of the plan.

2. Feedback collection from the community.

3. Monitoring of plan effectiveness.

4. Preparation of future plans.

The correct answer is: Monitoring of plan effectiveness.

During the evaluation phase of land use planning, monitoring of plan effectiveness is a crucial activity that allows planners to assess how well the implemented plans meet their stated goals and objectives. This phase involves collecting data and analyzing the outcomes of the land use strategies enacted. The aim is to determine if the desired outcomes are being achieved and to identify any unintended consequences or areas needing adjustment. Monitoring can include various metrics such as land use changes, population growth rates, economic impacts, and environmental conditions. By evaluating these aspects, planners can make informed decisions about potential modifications needed to improve future performance or to inform subsequent iterations of the plan. In contrast, implementation of the plan refers to the actual execution of the strategies outlined in a land use plan, which occurs prior to evaluation. Feedback collection from the community may happen during earlier phases of the planning process, for instance, during public engagement and consultation periods to inform the planning. Preparation of future plans generally takes place after evaluation, as lessons learned from monitoring effectiveness can guide the development of new or revised plans. Thus, the evaluation phase specifically focuses on monitoring how well the existing plans are functioning in achieving their intended outcomes.