American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Who believed planning should consider the distributional effects of public and private actions?

1. Clarence Arthur Perry

2. Norman Kumholz

3. Joe Garreau

4. Kevin Lynch

The correct answer is: Norman Kumholz

Norman Kumholz is recognized for advocating that planning should take into account the distributional effects of public and private actions. His work emphasized the importance of social equity in urban planning, encouraging planners to assess how policies and projects affect different population groups, especially marginalized communities. Kumholz argued that planning decisions often have profound implications on the distribution of resources, opportunities, and quality of life within a community. This perspective aligns with the principles of social justice in planning, highlighting that successful planning needs to be rooted in an understanding of how decisions will impact various segments of the population differently. By considering these distributional effects, planners can work towards more equitable outcomes, ensuring that the benefits and burdens of planning actions are shared more fairly across society. In contrast, other figures mentioned have distinct focuses: Clarence Arthur Perry is known for his work on neighborhood planning and the neighborhood unit concept, which emphasizes community form and structure. Joe Garreau focuses on the impacts of cultural and economic factors on urban development and suburbanization. Kevin Lynch is famous for his work on the visual and perceptual aspects of urban environments, particularly through the concepts of imageability and wayfinding. Each of these individuals contributes valuable insights to the field of planning, but it is Kumholz who specifically addresses the need