American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which of the following principles is a focus of urban planning related to equity?

1. Environmental Sustainability

2. Historical Preservation

3. Social Justice

4. Economic Growth

The correct answer is: Social Justice

The principle that focuses on equity in urban planning is centered around social justice. Social justice addresses issues of fairness and equity, ensuring that all individuals and communities have equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes that affect their lives. In the context of urban planning, this includes considerations such as affordable housing, accessibility to public services, and the representation of marginalized communities in planning decisions. When urban planners prioritize social justice, they strive to create environments that do not disproportionately benefit one group over another, aiming to reduce inequalities in health, wealth, and access to amenities. This approach can involve community engagement, participatory planning processes, and policies designed to uplift disadvantaged populations. While the other principles listed—environmental sustainability, historical preservation, and economic growth—are critical components of urban planning, they do not inherently emphasize equity in the same way that social justice does. Environmental sustainability focuses on maintaining ecological balance, historical preservation aims to protect cultural heritage, and economic growth generally centers on the overall enhancement of economic activity, which may not always distribute benefits equitably among all community members.