QUIZZ 2 Flashcards
You work for a small city and you want to determine population based on county-level population estimates for the current year. Which of the following would be the best method for estimating population?
Select one:
a.
Symptomatic
b.
Linear
c.
Step-Down
d.
Cohort Survival
County-level information can easily be converted to the town level. Because of the small size of the community, it would be difficult to use the symptomatic and cohort survival methods.
The correct answer is: Step-Down
As a planner for the state who specializes in watershed planning, you are assisting a small, but rapidly growing, suburb that is experiencing significant increases in stormwater runoff ad resulting flooding in neighborhoods. Which of the following do you recommend as the best approach for the suburb to pursue?
Select one:
a.
Floodplain regulations
b.
Expand gray infrastructure
c.
Biophilic design principles
d.
Maximum lot coverage regulations
Maximum lot coverage regulations set limits on the amount of land that may be covered by impervious surface and can be helpful in stormwater management. Floodplain regulations only apply to properties in the floodplain and require buildings to be elevated.
The correct answer is: Maximum lot coverage regulations
A national organization wanted to estimate the proportion of physically active adults in the nation. The organization decided that it would be nice to have estimates for each state as well. To accomplish this, they took a random sample of adults within each state and combined the data to obtain a national estimate. What type of sampling plan is this?
Select one:
a.
stratified random sampling
b.
simple random sampling
c.
cluster sampling
d.
systematic random sampling
When subpopulations within an overall population vary, it is important to sample each subpopulation independently. In this case, taking a sample for each state. This improves the representativeness of the sample by reducing sampling error.
The correct answer is: stratified random sampling
Which of the following is not a step in the subdivision process?
Select one:
a.
Registering the subdivision
b.
The developer surveys the land
c.
Conducting a boundary survey
d.
City Council approves the rezoning
The correct answer is that the City Council approves the rezoning. A rezoning is not associated with the subdivision of land.
The correct answer is: City Council approves the rezoning
The required principles of sustainability according to the APA’s Sustaining Places initiative are:
I. Harmony with Nature
II. Healthy Community
III. Interwoven Equity
IV. Resilient Biosphere
a.
I and IV
b.
I, II, and III
c.
All of these are correct.
d.
II and III
While a resilient biosphere is certainly important, it is not a required principle according to the APA’s Sustaining Places initiative. Instead, harmony with nature, healthy community, and interwoven equity are all required to build healthy and prosperous communities.
The correct answer is: I, II, and III
Which of the following is/are element(s) of T.J. Kent’s components of an effective master plan as noted in The Urban General Plan?
I. Long range and general
II. Comprehensive and adopted at one time with all elements integrated
III. Focused on the physical development implications of socio-economic policies
IV. Identified as the City Council’s plan
Select one:
a.
I only
b.
I and II
c.
I, II, and III
d.
I, II, III, and IV
T.J. Kent defines the comprehensive plan as a community’s official statement of policies regarding desirable future physical development; the plan should be comprehensive in scope, general in nature, and long-range in perspective.
The correct answer is: I, II, III, and IV
The city of Plannersville is developing a downtown plan. Over the last 20 years, the downtown has experienced significant disinvestment. The plan calls for one activity node to be focused on downtown housing with a park in the center. Which of the following would be the most effective method for financing the park?
Select one:
a.
GO bond
b.
LIHTC
c.
Special assessment
d.
Tax Increment Financing
TIFs are best used in blighted areas that have the potential for an increased tax base. A TIF is used to finance public improvements through the increase in tax value on the surrounding property. A GO bond and special assessment could be used, but a TIF would be the most effective and politically feasible option.
The correct answer is: Tax Increment Financing
Telephone surveys provide quick data collection, but have which of the following limitations?
Select one:
a.
Can have interviewer bias
b.
High cost
c.
Low response rate
d.
Are statistically invalid
The best answer is that the interviewer can have a bias. Bias can be introduced whenever the surveyor needs to interpret responses. It is not possible to see the respondent’s facial expressions, so the surveyor might interpret certain responses in unintended ways. Telephone surveys are more expensive than mail surveys and online surveys, but they are not considered “prohibitively expensive.” Response rates have been declining, but the sample will be statistically valid if set up correctly.
The correct answer is: Can have interviewer bias
Which of the following do TIGER files NOT include?
Select one:
a.
Census blocks
b.
Census tracts
c.
Ethnicity
d.
Roads
The core TIGER/Line Files and Shapefiles do not include demographic data, but they do contain geographic entity codes (GEOIDs) that can be linked to the Census Bureau’s demographic data. They are not embedded in the TIGER files themselves, but can be linked to demographic data. https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-line.html
The correct answer is: Ethnicity
What type of map uses scales of 1:25,000; 1:50,000; and 1:100,000?
Select one:
a.
United States Geological Survey orthophoto
b.
County soil
c.
USEMA flood plain
d.
United States Geological Survey topographic
These are the scales used in USGS topographic maps.
The correct answer is: United States Geological Survey topographic
You are organizing a regional research summit to bring together professionals in the region with researchers at the university. You are organizing a panel that will focus on basic research and how it can be taken into practice. This is known as:
Select one:
a.
Community-engaged research
b.
Translational research
c.
Applied research
d.
Basic research
Translational research aims to make findings from basic science useful for practical applications that enhance human health and well-being. It is practiced in a wide variety, of fields such as environmental science and the health, behavioral, and social sciences.
The correct answer is: Translational research
You are the Director of Community and Economic Development for a large city. At a recent City Council meeting, you were directed to develop a response to a report issued by the regional MPO about trends in transportation in the region. Most of the report is focused on the impact cars are having on existing roads and the need for more freeways. The report indicates that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to build more freeways and HOV lanes. You recognize that traffic is a hot button issue in your community, but you think the answer to traffic congestion is much more complicated than what is presented in the report. You have recently read reports that contradict the argument that building more roads solves traffic problems. In your report to the council, which of the following recommendations should you make?
Select one:
a.
Recommend that the report as submitted be adopted by the City Council, with the stipulation that you will meet with the MPO to express your concerns.
b.
Recommend that key staff and councilmembers meet with the MPO to discuss the recommendations in the report and discuss how the MPO’s findings could be incorporated into long-range transportation planning in the city.
c.
Ask the transportation division of your department to conduct a detailed transportation study and compare this to the findings in the report.
d.
Advise the City Council to reject the report since its recommendations are based on flawed reasoning.
MPOs and regional planning organizations are sometimes accused of prioritizing highway-building at the expense of transit, investment in transportation demand management, or other options. Your best course of action is to promote direct communication and try to emphasize the importance of integrating MPO objectives with the city’s long range transportation planning objectives, which are likely to include transit and other alternatives.
The correct answer is: Recommend that key staff and councilmembers meet with the MPO to discuss the recommendations in the report and discuss how the MPO’s findings could be incorporated into long-range transportation planning in the city.
Which of the following areas is not known for all of these examples of cross-jurisdictional planning?
Select one:
a.Portland, OR
b.Columbus, OH
c.Orlando, FL
d.Phoenix, AZ
Orlando, FL
You have been hired as a rural planner for a county government. One of the small towns in your jurisdiction has a population of 2,400 people and has indicated that they want to undertake a comprehensive plan. Which of the following elements would likely NOT be included in the comprehensive plan?
Select one:
a.
Transportation and circulation
b.
Zoning
c.
Land use
d.
Housing conditions
Zoning is a part of the implementation of a comprehensive plan, and although zoning ideally conforms with the plan, it is usually not included as part of the comprehensive plan. Land use, housing, and transportation/circulation are common subjects included in a comprehensive plan.
The correct answer is: Zoning
You recently read about a community in Colorado that used a meeting in a box technique where the public was provided with a box filled with discussion questions, popcorn, and paper and pencils to take notes. The idea was to have people get together with neighbors and then mail back their boxes. You want to undertake a similar approach, which will allow you to discuss traffic calming approaches with neighborhood residents in small informal discussions. Which of the following techniques best meets your needs:
Select one:
a.
Focus Group
b.
Plebiscite
c.
Interview
d.
Coffee Klatch
A coffee klatch is a small, informal discussion with a group of people in a private home with light refreshments. The planner typically has a short presentation followed by questions and discussion.
The correct answer is: Coffee Klatch
Operations and long-term maintenance costs should be considered in which of the following budgeting techniques?
Select one:
a.
Planning Programming Budget System
b.
Performance budgeting
c.
Zero-Based Budget
d.
Capital Improvement Plan
The best answer is CIP because it can include operating costs and long-term maintenance costs. PPBS is about linking planning and budgeting and making the budget reflect objectives, strategies, and plans. Performance budgeting ties budgets to performance objectives. Zero-based budgeting starts from a “zero base,” and every function within an organization is analyzed for its needs and costs.
The correct answer is: Capital Improvement Plan
As the Planning Director in Dallas, you just completed an update to your comprehensive plan and as a result are now updating the capital improvement program (CIP). The update to the CIP should include which of the following?
I. Land acquisitions
II. Police cars
III. Pavement repairs
IV. Concurrency
Select one:
a.
II and III
b.
I, II, and III
c.
I and IV
d.
I, II, III, and IV
According to “Planning and Urban Design Standards,” a capital improvements program (CIP) is typically a five- to seven-year plan for planning and funding public facilities and infrastructure. It includes both the construction of new facilities and the rehabilitation or replacement of existing capital facilities. A key element is the link between growth in a community and timing of capital investments—also known as concurrency.
The correct answer is: I and IV
A charette is best used for…
a.
a project with a primary “visionary” or sole leader.
b.
a design project that does not require participatory planning to be successful.
c.
a planning project with a long-term design and implementation plan.
d.
a visible design project that will impact people’s lives.
A charrette is an intense, short-term workshop that strives to design a land use planning project or envision a solution to a planning problem. Charrettes are best for uniting multiple stakeholders in close collaboration on a distinct project that people will interact with often, such as a public park or transportation station or system.
The correct answer is: a visible design project that will impact people’s lives.
Of the following, which is the highest rung on Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation?
a.
Consultation
b.
Participation
c.
Partnership
d.
Therapy
The Arnstein Ladder of Citizen Participation steps are as follows (in ascending order): Manipulation, Therapy, Informing, Consultation, Placation, Partnership, Delegated Power, Citizen Control.
The correct answer is: Partnership
The City Engineer has recently completed the capital improvement program. In an effort to synchronize development with capital improvements, which of the following regulatory techniques should be implemented?
Select one:
a.
Large-lot zoning
b.
Moratorium
c.
Concurrency requirement
d.
Building permit caps
The correct answer is concurrency. A concurrency requirement means that development cannot occur until capital improvements are in place.
The correct answer is: Concurrency requirement
Which of the following uses might require a conditional use permit?
Select one:
a.
Single-family home
b.
Apartment building
c.
Warehouse
d.
Church
A church may require a conditional use permit.
The correct answer is: Church
You are evaluating a new district plan to determine the extent to which it meets the city’s connectivity goals. You calculate a connectivity index and write in your report:
Select one:
a.
The district plan has a low ratio, but could be improved by reducing the number of dead-end and cul-de-sac streets.
b.
The district plan has a low ratio, indicating that the district is well connected.
c.
The district plan has a high ratio, indicating that the district is poorly connected.
d.
The district plan has a high ratio, but could be reduced by reducing the number of dead-end and cul-de-sac streets.
A roadway connectivity index refers to the density of connections in a road network and the directness of links. A well-connected road has many short links and intersections, with minimal dead ends. As the connectivity increases, travelers have more route options and more direct travel between destinations. There are several methods to calculate ratios: the higher the ratio, the greater the connectivity.
The correct answer is: The district plan has a low ratio, but could be improved by reducing the number of dead-end and cul-de-sac streets.
Which of the following is the best way to resolve a conflict in the community?
Select one:
a.
A referendum
b.
Consensus building
c.
Mediation
d.
Delphi method
Mediation can be effective when you are working with a large group, but for a community, consensus building is more effective. Consensus building (also called collaborative problem solving or collaboration) is essentially mediation of a conflict which involves many parties. While consensus building is probably most often used in environmental disputes, it is applicable to many other kinds of public policy disputes as well at the community, state, and international levels.
The correct answer is: Consensus building
What is the annual rate of interest paid on a bond that a borrower pays to the bondholder?
Select one:
a.
General obligation rate
b.
Bond rate
c.
Coupon rate
d.
Certificate of obligation rate
The coupon rate is the rate of interest for bonds, notes, and other securities.
The correct answer is: Coupon rate
As the planning director for a large city with a struggling downtown, you have decided to undertake a SmartCode planning process. Which of the following public participation tools would be the most appropriate?
Select one:
a.
Hold a public hearing
b.
Host a design charrette
c.
Create a downtown newsletter
d.
Organize a stakeholder meeting
Explanation: As part of the SmartCode procedures, a design charrette is held to determine the pedestrian sheds, transects, and design guidelines for the planning area. Other techniques could be useful, but the charrette is essential as part of the SmartCode process.
The correct answer is: Host a design charrette
As the planner for the city of Growthville, the homebuilders association has requested a meeting with you to discuss the city’s development fees, which are being reviewed and could potentially be increased. You consult with the city attorney in advance of the meeting and review with her the planning department’s process of evaluating the fees. Based on the Dolan case, which of the following is the city attorney most likely to find legally defensible?
Select one:
a.
You divide the city into sewer districts and project the population growth and expected land uses for each district. You determine the expected amount and cost of off-site improvements needed to support growth. You determine the proportionate impact of each land use on the sewer system and allocate a portion of the cost on a per unit basis for residential and a per square foot basis for commercial uses.
b.
You divide the city into sewer districts and project the population growth and expected land uses for each district. You determine the expected amount and cost of on-site and off-site improvements needed to support growth. You determine the proportionate impact of each land use on the sewer system and allocate a portion of the cost on a per unit basis for residential and a per square foot basis for commercial uses.
c.
You determine the city-wide cost of sewer improvements needed based on the projected population growth. You decide to increase the residential impact fees by the amount needed to cover the cost of the sewer improvements.
d.
You determine the city-wide cost of sewer improvements needed based on the projected population growth. You determine that instead of paying fees, development projects should dedicate land to support the expansion of sewer infrastructure.
In the Dolan v. City of Tigard case, the court found that the exaction on a property must be roughly proportional in nature and extent to the impact of the proposed land development. Among the answer choices, the best answer is allocating the proportionate impact based on land use for the off-site improvements. Off-site improvements are ones for which only a portion of the impact would be created by individual development, while on-site improvements can typically be fully attributed to the development.
The correct answer is: You divide the city into sewer districts and project the population growth and expected land uses for each district. You determine the expected amount and cost of off-site improvements needed to support growth. You determine the proportionate impact of each land use on the sewer system and allocate a portion of the cost on a per unit basis for residential and a per square foot basis for commercial uses.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Ebenezer Howard’s Garden Cities?
Select one:
a.
They were surrounded by open space
b.
They were to include housing, retail, and industry
c.
They included only single-family housing
d.
They were connected by railways
Garden cities included a mix of housing types, included duplexes and multi-family units.
The correct answer is: They included only single-family housing
Why do planners use economic forecasting?
Select one:
a.
To determine the budget for the next year
b.
To determine capital facilities needs
c.
To provide a basis for determining land use
d.
To determine the demand for retail space
Economic forecasting helps to determine the growth in jobs in the community, which translates to demand for commercial business land uses.
The correct answer is: To provide a basis for determining land use
Since 1950, annual energy consumption in the United States is:
Select one:
a.
Decreasing
b.
Staying the same
c.
Increasing
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, annual energy consumption increased dramatically between 1950 and 2000. Since 2000, there has been some leveling off. Of course, it is important to note that U.S. population has more than doubled since 1950.
The correct answer is: Increasing
Which of the following would be the most effective methodology for conducting an environmental impact statement?
Select one:
a.
Scoping
b.
None of the above
c.
Checklists
d.
Networks
The Scoping Report (including Plan of Study for Ennvironmental Impact Assessment) requires descriptions of the proposed activity, any feasible and reasonable alternatives, the property and the environment that might be affected, and the manner in which the biological, social, economic, and cultural aspects of the environment may be impacted by the proposed activity. The Scoping Report will also detail the public participation process undertaken.
The correct answer is: Scoping
For which of the following could the AICP Ethics Officer revoke a member’s certification, after following procedures outlined in the Code of Ethics?
Select one:
a.
A member was called before a court to testify in a court case
b.
A member knowingly infringed on the copyright of another person
c.
A member fails to pay a traffic ticket and has a warrant out for their arrest
d.
A member was involved in a traffic accident that results in the death of a pedestrian
Section E Discipline of Members in the AICP Code of Ethics states “Conduct covered by this section shall include, but not be limited to, a finding in a civil case that the member has engaged in defamation or similar unlawful action, has knowingly infringed the copyright or other intellectual property of another, or has engaged in perjury.”
The correct answer is: A member knowingly infringed on the copyright of another person
Recent news stories about drinking water contamination in a neighboring region led to public concern about the safety of your city’s public water supply. You prepare a public presentation for the city council explaining how the city is protecting the drinking water supply. You emphasize that the best way the city is protecting the drinking water supply is by:
Select one:
a.
Estuary restoration
b.
Requiring separation from development and the water supply
c.
Educate citizens on avoiding putting chemicals down the drain
d.
Anti-dumping regulations
Separation from a water supply is an effective way to protect water quality. The separation can be 200 or more feet –– depending on soil conditions and water flow.
The correct answer is: Requiring separation from development and the water supply
As part of the development review team, you are the lead planner reviewing a proposal to redevelop a 50-acre parcel into a single-family subdivision. As part of your review you are concerned that the site may have been used for toxic waste in the past. In your staff report you write that you are concerned that the site may be a:
Select one:
a.
Drosscape
b.
Blueway
c.
Locally Undesirable Land Use
d.
Greenfield
In your staff report, you express your concern that the site may be a Drosscape. Drosscape is an urban design framework that examines urbanized regions as the product of past economic and industrial processes. The concept focuses on the redesign and adaptive reuse of “waste landscapes” within regions.
The correct answer is: Drosscape
A property owner plants some very tall trees in their yard that block sunlight to a neighboring yard. Under what circumstances could the neighbor with the blocked sunlight compel the neighbor with the tall trees to have their trees removed?
Select one:
a.
If the neighbor with blocked sunlight is able to obtain a solar access easement
b.
If the tree-planting neighbor did not properly notify the neighboring property about their plan to plant tall trees
c.
If the neighbor is able to gain the support of the planning commission
d.
If the neighbor secures enough votes from the planning commission
Private easements occur when a property owner sells an easement to an individual. A property owner who has granted a solar access easement to their neighbor may not be allowed to plant trees or construct buildings, either of which would block sunlight, next to the easement.
The correct answer is: If the neighbor with blocked sunlight is able to obtain a solar access easement
Economic base analysis looks at the current economic situation to determine future economic possibilities. Economic base analysis includes which of the following?
Select one:
a.
Projections of future job growth
b.
A current inventory of office and industrial space and occupancy
c.
An assessment of current employment by industry
d.
All of these are included in an economic base analysis.
Economic base analysis was developed as part of the Regional Plan of New York and its Environs in 1928. This analysis divides industries into two categories. Basic industries are those that can export from a region. For example, automobiles can be exported. Economic base analysis compares employment in the region to national levels of employment in the same industry. In this case only the employment data by industry would be used to complete the economic base analysis.
The correct answer is: An assessment of current employment by industry
Which of the following tools was used to gain public feedback about the World Trade Center proposals developed by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation?
Select one:
a.
Interactive Geographic Information System
b.
Online discussion forums
c.
Electronic town hall meeting
d.
Online deliberative polling
The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey held an online discussion via an electronic town hall meeting to gain feedback on proposals for the world trade center site redevelopment.
The correct answer is: Electronic town hall meeting
What is the name of a fund established to manage the revenues and expenditures of a golf course?
Select one:
A.
revenue fund
B.
general fund
C.
enterprise fund
D.
bond fund
An enterprise fund is an account established to manage the revenues and expenditures of a self-sufficient activity such as a golf course, zoo, parking garage, minor league baseball park etc.
From Washington State’s Office of Financial Management:
“Enterprise Funds account for any activity for which a fee is charged to external users for goods or services.” – so that would describe a golf course.
“Special Revenue Funds account for the proceeds of specific revenue sources. The fund is used to record the proceeds from specific revenue sources for which fund usage is restricted.”
Note that a revenue bond is issued by a municipality and backed by a specific stream of revenue (like building a stadium).
The correct answer is: enterprise fund
Which of the following was most important for advancing environmental justice?
Select one:
a.
Clean Water Act
b.
National Environmental Policy Act
c.
Executive Order 12898
d.
Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act
Executive Order 12898 (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1994-02-16/html/94-3685.htm) stated that federal actions shall address environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. Every federal agency has as its mission to try to address environmental justice.
The correct answer is: Executive Order 12898
The metropolitan waste management landfill is making plans for a major expansion to handle the region’s waste management needs over the next 20 years. The City Manager has requested that you, as a planner, prepare a position paper that describes any environmental justice issues. Which of the following would be an environmental justice issue?
Select one:
a.
Discrimination according to race, religion, or income status in any program receiving state financial assistance
b.
Discrimination in any program receiving federal financial assistance
c.
Housing discrimination
d.
Job discrimination
The correct answer is discrimination in any program receiving federal financial assistance. Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits intentional discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin under any program receiving federal financial assistance. In 1994, President Clinton signed an Executive Order that directed all federal agencies to ensure that their policies and practices do not have disproportionate adverse environmental or health impacts on low-income or minority communities.
The correct answer is: Discrimination in any program receiving federal financial assistance
You are a planner in California working on an integrated regional water management plan. Which of the following outreach strategies would be best for communities possibly affected by environmental justice issues?
Select one:
a.
Identify water agencies and irrigation districts in all areas
b.
Work with public agencies and non-profit staff to facilitate outreach efforts
c.
Place information, documents and other materials in local libraries
d.
All of the above
All of these items should be a component of a public outreach strategy intended to reach into communities that could be affected by environmental justice issues.
The correct answer is: All of the above
