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Ian McHarg’s overlay planning technique, introduced in his 1969 bookDesign with Nature, uses map overlays to identify areas suitable for development by assessing environmental constraints (e.g., floodplains, slopes). The goal is to guide development to areas where it will be least environmentally damaging (option A). The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” states, “McHarg’s overlay planning technique identifies areas for development that minimize environmental damage by analyzing natural constraints.” Option B (least economically viable) contradicts the purpose of guidingfeasible development. Options C (most physically feasible) and D (most spatially efficient) are secondary considerations, as McHarg prioritized environmental impact. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “McHarg’s method uses overlays to locate development where it is least environmentally damaging,” supporting option A.

Meaningful engagement that avoids marginalization requires a tailored approach to ensure diverse communities are actively included and their voices are heard. Option C (developing a specific plan for engaging diverse communities and adjusting methods as needed) ensures inclusivity by proactively addressing barriers to participation (e.g., language, accessibility) and adapting strategies to maximize involvement. TheAICP Code of Ethics(2022), Section A, Principle 1(f), states, “We shall seek social justice by working to expand choice and opportunity for all persons,” emphasizing the need for inclusive engagement. The APA’sPlanning for Equity Policy Guide(2019) recommends “creating targeted engagement plans for diverse communities and adapting methods to ensure participation,” aligning with option C. Option A (participation rewards) may help but does not guarantee meaningful engagement. Option B (relying solely on community partners) risks over-dependence and may not reach all groups. Option D (survey with extended duration) is a single method and may not address broader engagement needs. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) supports option C, noting, “Effective engagement involves specific plans to include diverse communities and flexibility to adjust methods.”

Early involvement in a diverse community requires building trust and understanding the community’s needs before formal planning activities begin. Attending meetings of local organizations (option D) allows planners to engage directly with residents, understand their concerns, and establish relationships, which is critical for meaningful participation. TheAICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct(2022) emphasizes under Section A, Principle 1(f), that planners should “seek social justice by working to expand choice and opportunity for all persons, recognizing a special responsibility to plan for the needs of the disadvantaged and to promote racial and economic integration.” This principle supports proactive engagement with diverse groups. Additionally, the APA’sPlanning for Equity Policy Guide(2019) recommends “engaging with community organizations early to build trust,” especially in diverse areas, as a best practice for inclusive planning. Options A, B, and C, while useful later, are less effective for early involvement: charrettes (A) and public hearings (B) are typically later-stage activities, and brochures (C) lack the direct interaction needed to build trust.

TheAICP Code of Ethics(2022), Section B, Rule 5, states, “We shall not fail to disclose a conflict of interest,” and Section A, Principle 2(b), emphasizes avoiding “even the appearance of improper influence.” The planner’s awareness of the director’s relationship with the lawyer suggests a potential conflict of interest, which must be disclosed to maintain transparency. Option D (point out the need to disclose the relationship) is the most ethical action, as it addresses the issue directly with the director, encouraging compliance with the Code. Option A (do nothing) ignores the potential conflict. Option B (subtle hint) is unprofessional and indirect.Option C (report to the mayor or chair) escalates prematurely without first addressing the director. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Planners should remind colleagues of the need to disclose conflicts of interest to avoid the appearance of impropriety,” supporting option D.

Community visioning is a participatory process that engages residents to define a shared vision for the future, which then informs the goals of a community plan. Option A (aid in the development of goals for community planning) is the primary purpose, as visioning sets thefoundation for planning by establishing community priorities. The APA’s AICP Certification Exam Content Outline (2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Community visioning is used to develop a shared vision that guides the creation of planning goals.” Option B (identify solutions) is a secondary outcome, not the primary purpose. Option C (evaluate the existing plan) is a different process, such as plan evaluation. Option D (goals for capital improvement) is too narrow, as visioning informs broader planning goals. The CPC Study Manual (2024) confirms, “The primary purpose of visioning is to establish community planning goals based on a shared vision,” supporting option A.

TheAICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct(2022) emphasizes integrity and accuracy in planning work. Section B, Rule of Conduct 1 states, “We shall not deliberately…commit a wrongful act…which reflects adversely on our professional fitness,” and Rule 3 states, “We shall not…knowingly provide inaccurate information.” The planner’s knowledge that the site plans will increase runoff contradicts the applicants’ claims, and accepting this without action would be knowingly providing inaccurate information, violating these rules. Option A (telling the supervisor this is an ethical violation and refusing to sign off) aligns with the planner’s duty to uphold integrity and avoid wrongful acts. Option B (leaking to a reporter) violates Rule 10, which prohibits “public disclosure of confidential information” without authorization. Option C (requesting an advisory opinion) is a valid step but not the first action, as the planner must address the issue directly with the supervisor first. Option D (threatening an ethics complaint) is premature and confrontational, not aligned with the Code’s emphasis on professional resolution. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) reinforces that planners must “act with integrity and correctinaccuracies,” supporting option A.

Scenario planning is a technique used in visioning to explore alternative futures, engaging stakeholders to imagine and prioritize potential outcomes for a comprehensive plan. Option D (scenario planning) is correct. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Scenario planning is a useful technique for community visioning, allowing stakeholders to explore and shape future possibilities.” Option A (fiscal impact analysis) evaluates financial impacts, not visioning. Option B (design review) ensures compliance with standards, not vision creation. Option C (capital needs assessment)focuses on infrastructure, not visioning. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Scenario planning helps create a community vision by exploring alternative futures in a comprehensive plan,” supporting option D.

Given uncertainty about the centers’ content and size, the user-needs survey must accurately capture community needs. Option C (pretest the questionnaire for workability) is the most critical factor, ensuring questions are clear, relevant, and effective before full deployment. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Research and AssessmentMethods,” states, “Pretesting a survey for workability is the most critical step when there is uncertainty, ensuring the questionnaire accurately captures needed data.” Option A (interview length) is a practical concern but less critical. Option B (follow-up time) addresses response rates, not survey design. Option D (avoid redundancy) is important but secondary to ensuring overall workability. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Pretesting is essential in user-needs surveys to ensure clarity and effectiveness,” supporting option C.

Social media surveys are prone to selection bias, as the sample may not represent the broader population—social media users skew younger and may exclude non-users (e.g., elderly, low-income groups). Option A (selection bias) is the most important to address. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Research and Assessment Methods,” states, “Selection bias is the most critical concern in social media surveys, as the platform’s user base may not reflect the general population.” Option B (non-response bias) is a concern but less dominant than selection bias in this context. Option C (framing bias) relates to question wording, not the platform. Option D (decision-making bias) is unrelated to survey design. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Social media surveys primarily face selection bias due to unrepresentative user demographics,” supporting option A.

In the early stages of presenting a development project, the focus should be on introducing the project’s purpose and gathering public input, not on detailed design elements. Option B (displaying a scale model) is least appropriate, as it presents a specific design solution before the public has had a chance to provide input, potentially alienating stakeholders. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Communication and Interaction,” advises that “early public engagement should focus on project goals, needs, and community input, avoiding detailed designs like models that may preempt feedback.” Options A (describing objectives), C (needs assessment), and D (comparing alternatives) are appropriate early steps to inform and engage the public. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “In early stages, avoid presenting specific designs like scale models, as they may limit public input—focus on objectives and needs instead,” supporting option B.