American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which city was the first American city to adopt a new comprehensive plan following World War II?

1. Cincinnati

2. Chicago

3. New York City

4. Los Angeles

The correct answer is: Cincinnati

Cincinnati was the first American city to adopt a new comprehensive plan following World War II, specifically in 1948. This comprehensive plan was a response to the urban challenges and opportunities that arose in the post-war era, reflecting the need for cities to modernize and expand in a structured way. The plan aimed to address issues such as housing, transportation, and economic development, which were essential as cities experienced significant population growth and changes in socio-economic dynamics during that time. The significance of Cincinnati's comprehensive plan lies in its role as a pioneering model for other cities across the United States that were looking to revitalize and improve their urban environments in the wake of the war. It set a precedent for planning practices that emphasized systematic approaches to urban development and integration of community involvement into the planning process. Thus, Cincinnati's early adoption of such a plan positioned it as a leader in the evolution of urban planning methodologies in the years following World War II.