The Birth of Regional Planning: Lessons from Los Angeles County

Which county formed the first regional planning commission and when?

• A. San Francisco County in 1920
• B. Los Angeles County in 1922
• C. Cook County in 1930
• D. Miami-Dade County in 1940

Answer: (B)

The first regional planning commission was established in Los Angeles County in 1922. This was a significant development in the field of urban and regional planning, as it marked the formal recognition of the need for coordinated planning efforts across multiple jurisdictions. The establishment of the commission was driven by the rapid growth of the Los Angeles region during that era, which brought challenges related to land use, transportation, and infrastructure. The formation of the regional planning commission in Los Angeles set a precedent for other areas to create similar bodies, emphasizing collaboration among local governments to address common urban issues. This commission served as a model for regional planning activities that combine efforts of various localities, recognizing that urban problems often stretch beyond single municipal boundaries. The other options represent later developments in regional planning and do not reflect the pioneering efforts initiated by Los Angeles County. Cook County, for example, established its planning commission in 1930, and while San Francisco County and Miami-Dade County contributed to regional planning efforts, they did so in later decades. Therefore, the correct answer highlights an important milestone in the history of regional planning in the United States.

When you think about modern urban planning, it’s easy to overlook the milestones that got us here. Well, right off the bat, let’s talk about a game-changing moment in American history—1922—when Los Angeles County created the first regional planning commission. Yep, you heard that right! Following this trailblazer, many other counties would eventually catch on to the growing need for collaborative efforts in managing urban spaces.

But why was this such a significant step? Picture it: the roaring '20s in Los Angeles. The city was growing faster than a kid on a sugar rush! Rapid population growth led to various challenges: land use restrictions, transportation chaos, and infrastructure demands that stretched beyond what individual cities could manage. It became crystal clear that to tackle these issues effectively, local governments would need to join hands.

Here’s the kicker: having a regional planning commission meant that instead of approaching urban problems in isolation and missing the bigger picture, multiple jurisdictions could collaborate. This wasn’t just about a single city or township making decisions; it was about pooling resources, knowledge, and insights to create a vision for the entire region.

And guess what? The groundwork laid by Los Angeles didn’t just stop there. It sparked a trend! Other places followed suit. Cook County got serious about its planning in 1930, but they were definitely late to the game compared to LA. San Francisco and Miami-Dade County, while notable, were joining the regional planning parade well after L.A.’s initial leap into organized, multi-jurisdictional collaboration.

So, when you’re gearing up for the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam, keep this in mind: understanding the history of regional commissions is not just trivia. It's about grasping how past efforts shape today's strategies. If you can connect the dots between historical context and contemporary planning issues, you’re really onto something!

So, what’s the takeaway? The establishment of that 1922 commission didn’t just address immediate needs; it set a precedent for future planning adventures. Urban planning isn’t just about skyscrapers and zoning laws; it’s about people—our needs, our challenges, and the communities we create together.

As you study for the AICP Exam, remember: knowing where regional planning began can empower you to think critically about where we’re headed. The confluence of history and practice in urban planning offers rich insights that can elevate your understanding and practice. And who knows? You might just find a bit of inspiration for your future projects lurking in the vibrant history of Los Angeles County.