American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the primary aim of the Housing Act of 1949?

1. To increase federal funding for urban transportation

2. To construct approximately 800,000 housing units

3. To establish national zoning laws

4. To enforce building codes across states

The correct answer is: To construct approximately 800,000 housing units

The Housing Act of 1949 primarily aimed to address the severe housing shortage that followed World War II. This act provided a framework for the construction of approximately 800,000 housing units, recognizing the urgent need for affordable housing for veterans and their families, as well as the general population. The act played a significant role in promoting urban renewal and offered federal funding to support the development of new housing, thereby contributing to post-war recovery and economic growth. By focusing on the construction of a substantial number of housing units, the legislation directly targeted the need for better living conditions, helped stabilize communities, and fostered the growth of suburbs as part of a broader vision for improving urban living environments. In contrast, while the act indirectly influenced urban development, it did not focus on urban transportation, establish national zoning laws, or enforce building codes, which were not its core objectives. The emphasis was firmly placed on alleviating the housing crisis faced by many Americans during that period, making the construction of housing units the most pertinent goal of the 1949 Housing Act.