American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which organization was the first statewide citizens organization to support planning?

1. Ohio Planning Conference

2. Los Angeles County Planning Association

3. New York City Planning Board

4. American Planning Association

The correct answer is: Ohio Planning Conference

The Ohio Planning Conference is recognized as the first statewide citizens organization to support planning. Established in the early 20th century, this organization played a pivotal role in advocating for better planning practices and emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in local governance and land-use decisions. Its establishment marked a significant milestone in the evolution of planning as a profession and discipline, promoting the idea that effective urban and regional planning should be guided by the needs and desires of the community. By fostering awareness about planning issues within the public sphere, the Ohio Planning Conference set a precedent for similar organizations across the United States. This emphasis on citizen engagement has remained a core principle in planning practices to this day, highlighting the importance of inclusive decision-making processes in achieving sustainable and equitable development. In contrast, the other organizations listed may have made important contributions to planning in their respective regions or fields but did not serve as the pioneering statewide citizens organization for planning advocacy.