American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which New Town is NOT mentioned as a forerunner of modern developments?

1. Columbia, Maryland

2. Reston, Virginia

3. Greenbelt, Maryland

4. Palo Alto, California

The correct answer is: Palo Alto, California

Palo Alto, California, is not commonly referenced as a forerunner of modern developments in the context of New Town planning. The other options—Columbia, Maryland; Reston, Virginia; and Greenbelt, Maryland—are widely recognized examples of planned communities that embody the principles of New Town movement, which emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to urban sprawl and the needs for community-focused living environments. Columbia, Maryland, was developed in the 1960s with a strong emphasis on community, environmental sustainability, and integrated spaces for residential, educational, and recreational use. Similarly, Reston, Virginia, was designed in the 1960s as an innovative community that aimed to blend urban and suburban living, emphasizing public spaces, and access to nature. Greenbelt, Maryland, is a classic example of a New Deal-era planned community, focused on affordable housing and community cohesion, developed in the 1930s. In contrast, while Palo Alto is notable for its significance in Silicon Valley and as a center of education and technology, it does not share the same historical context or development intentions associated with New Towns.