American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which is NOT a benefit of urban growth boundaries?

1. Reducing urban sprawl

2. Encouraging higher density development

3. Extending public infrastructure

4. Protecting rural land

The correct answer is: Extending public infrastructure

Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) serve as a tool for managing urban development by delineating the areas where growth is permitted and restricting it beyond certain limits. The benefits associated with establishing UGBs typically include reducing urban sprawl, encouraging higher density development, and protecting rural land. When considering the option that is not a benefit of urban growth boundaries, extending public infrastructure often does not align with the primary purpose of UGBs. While UGBs can lead to improved efficiency in infrastructure development within the boundary, they primarily aim to limit growth to certain areas. By doing so, they encourage the use of existing infrastructure rather than necessitating the extension of services into undeveloped or rural areas. Consequently, extending public infrastructure can contrary to the principles of UGBs. Such infrastructures often expand into the surrounding lands when urban sprawl occurs, which is something UGBs seek to prevent. Thus, the intent of UGBs is not to extend infrastructure but rather to concentrate it within the defined urban area, making option C the correct response.