American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a common strategy for managing urban growth?

1. Smart growth initiatives

2. Urban sprawl

3. Infill development

4. Transit-oriented development

The correct answer is: Urban sprawl

Urban sprawl is characterized by low-density, automobile-dependent development that typically extends outwards from city centers into rural areas. This phenomenon often leads to the inefficient use of land, increased traffic congestion, higher infrastructure costs, and negative environmental impacts. Unlike the other options that aim to manage urban growth in a more sustainable and organized manner, urban sprawl represents a lack of planning and control over growth patterns. In contrast, smart growth initiatives focus on developing sustainable communities by promoting compact and efficient land use, protecting open spaces, and providing multi-modal transportation options. Infill development encourages the reuse of underutilized land within existing urban areas, while transit-oriented development seeks to enhance public transportation access and encourage higher density projects near transit hubs. These strategies promote more sustainable urban environments, while urban sprawl often works against those goals.