American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was a key result of federal housing programs following World War II?

1. Increase in urbanization

2. Revival of inner cities

3. Growth of suburban communities

4. Decrease in transportation infrastructure

The correct answer is: Growth of suburban communities

The correct answer highlights the significant impact of federal housing programs implemented after World War II, particularly through initiatives like the GI Bill and other subsidies aimed at boosting housing availability. These programs encouraged the development of residential areas outside of urban centers, which led to the rapid expansion of suburban communities. The federal government supported low-interest loans for veterans and their families, making it more feasible for them to purchase homes in these newly developed suburbs. This shift played a critical role in changing the landscape of American living, facilitating the movement of families away from cities and into suburban areas, where larger plots of land and single-family homes were more accessible. In contrast, the other choices don't capture the primary trend resulting from these housing policies. Urbanization had been ongoing prior to World War II, and although there was some form of revival in some inner cities due to post-war economic growth, the more pronounced effect was the flight to the suburbs. The idea of a decrease in transportation infrastructure contradicts the investments made during this time in roadways and highways to accommodate the growing suburban population. Therefore, the phenomenon of suburban growth directly correlates with the strategic decisions made by federal housing programs in the post-war period.