American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which method would help a city planner justify the need for affordable housing to the city council?

1. Presenting statistical data on housing shortages

2. Explaining zoning restrictions

3. Emphasizing architectural aesthetics

4. Discussing personal affiliations with developers

The correct answer is: Presenting statistical data on housing shortages

Presenting statistical data on housing shortages provides a concrete and quantifiable basis for justifying the need for affordable housing to the city council. When city planners utilize statistical data, they are able to highlight the severity and urgency of the housing situation in a systematic way. This could include metrics such as the percentage of households that are cost-burdened, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness, or comparisons of the local housing market with regional averages. Using statistical evidence allows planners to illustrate trends over time, depict demographic shifts, and identify specific populations that are most affected by the lack of affordable options. This makes it easier for city council members to grasp the implications of the housing shortage and understand why action is necessary. In contrast, other methods, such as explaining zoning restrictions, while important, may not directly convey the immediate need for additional affordable housing. Emphasizing architectural aesthetics could divert attention from the critical issue of affordability itself, and discussing personal affiliations with developers may raise concerns about conflict of interest rather than building a case based on community need. Thus, well-supported statistical data serves as a compelling argument for prioritizing affordable housing initiatives.