AICP Ethics cards (Section A: Principles to Which We Aspire)

How should the exchange of ideas be facilitated in the planning process?

Ensure meaningful, timely, and informed participation, especially from underrepresented and marginalized communities. (2.2)

Why is it important to focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the planning process?

The reflect the diversity of the community and ensure broad participation, including from those who lack formal organization or influence. (2.2)

What should planner promote and preserve in their work according to section 2?

Promote excellence in design and conserve the integrity and heritage of the natural and built environment, using sustainability and resilience as guiding principals. (2.3)

What must be identified when considering alternative actions in planning?

The human and environmental consequences, including short and long-term costs and benefits, as well as social and cultural values to be preserved. (2.4)

How should planners approach public engagement on planning issues?

Educate and empower the public about the relevance of planning issues to everyone's lives. (2.6)

What is expected when describing and commenting on the work of other professionals?

It should be done in a fair and professional manner. (2.7)

What ethical stance should planners take regarding the rights of all persons and groups?

Respect the rights of all persons and groups, and do not discriminate against or harass others (2.8)

What is the primary responsibility of people who participate in the planning process

Continuously pursue and faithfully serve the public interest (Sect. 1)

What is the first step in serving a truly inclusive public interest

Examine our own cultures, practices, values, and professional positions to understand our conscious and unconscious biases and privileges. (1.1)

Why is it important to be conscious of the rights of others in the planning process?

To develop better communication, more effective, respectful, and compassionate planning efforts with all communities, especially underrepresented and marginalized communities. (1.2)

What special concern should planners have regarding the consequences of actions?

Long-range consequences of past and present actions. (1.3)

What should planners pay special attention to when making decisions?

The interrelatedness of decisions and their unintended consequences. (1.4)

How should equity principles be incorporated in the planning process?

As the foundation for preparing plans and implementation programs to achieve more socially just decision-making. (1.5)

What should be done to address historical impediments to racial and social equity in existing plans?

Implement changes in regulations, policies, and procedures; develop metrics and track plan implementation to measure progress toward equitable outcomes. (1.5)

What approach should be taken to analyze ethical issues in planning?

Systematically and critically analyze ethical issues; strengthen organizational capabilities to apply ethical principles in serving the public. (1.6)

What role does mentoring play in promoting ethical behavior in planning?

Mentoring emerging professionals in ethical behavior is essential, along with holding individuals and organizations accountable for their conduct. (2.6)

What is the main ethical obligation of people who participate in the planning process according to section 2?

They shall do so with integrity. (Sect. 2)

What is required for providing information on planning issues?

Timely, adequate, clear, accessible, and accurate for all affected persons, governmental bodies, the public, clients, and decision makers. (2.1)

What should planners do to continuously improve their professional capabilities and effectiveness in the planning process?

Enhance their professional education and training in their career, as well as in their ability to work as participants in the planning process and with allied professionals. (2.5)

What is the primary focus of those participating in the planning process according to Section 3?

Work to achieve economic, social, and racial equity. (Sect. 3)

What should planners create to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities?

Create plans that ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities, structuring prospects for upward economic mobility, a sense of belonging, and enhanced quality of life. (3.1)

What responsibility do planners have regarding historic patterns of inequity?

Planners have a unique responsibility to eliminate historic patterns of equity tied to planning decisions, such as those in zoning ordinances and land use plans. (3.1)

How should planners seek social justice in the planning process?

By identifying and expanding choice and opportunity for all persons, with an emphasis on planning with marginalized or disadvantaged groups and promoting racial and economic justice. (3.2)

What should planners urge when policies or institutions do not meet the needs of marginalized groups?

Urge the alteration of policies, institutions, and decisions that do not help meet their needs. (2.2)

How should planners address existing plans and procedures that result in discrimination or environmental injustice?

Recognize the work to mitigate the impacts of these plans and procedures, especially in historically low-income neighborhoods. (3.3)

What should be ensured in historically low-income neighborhoods regarding public and private sector investment?

Ensure that the benefits of investment are defined by the local community and that affordable housing, services, and facilities are improved with equal access for all residents, including people with disabilities. (3.3)

What role should planners play in supporting the rights of indigenous people?

Promote the inherent rights of indigenous people and work with them on developments affecting theirs lands and resources. (3.4)

What is a key focus for planners regarding affordable housing and services?

Promote an increase in the supply and quality of affordable housing, and ensure improved services and facilities with equal access for all residents. (3.3)

What is the overarching duty of people who participate in the planning process according to Section 4?

Safeguard the public trust. (Sect. 4)

How should planners deal with participants in the planning process?

Deal fairly with all participants. (4.1)

What type of professional judgment should planners exercise?

Fair, honest, skilled, informed, and independent professional judgment. (4.2)

What should planners avoid when taking official actions?

Do not let official actions be influence by personal relationships. (4.3)

Under what conditions should planners serve as advocates for the public or private sector?

Only when the client's objectives are legal and consistent with the public interest. (4.4)

What must planners avoid relation to conflicts of interest?

Avoid any conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest when accepting assignments from clients or employers. (4.5)

What should planners disclose to the public?

Disclose all personal and pecuniary interests regarding any planning process decision to be made. (4.6)

What should a planner do if they have a personal or pecuniary interest in a matter under deliberation?

Abstain completely from participation and leave any chamber where the matter is being deliberated. (4.6)

What is the policy on accepting gifts or favors in the planning process?

Neither seek nor accept any gifts or favors, nor offer any, if it might influence objectivity as an advisor or decision-maker. (4.7)

When should planners participate in a matter?

Only if they are adequately prepared and able to render thorough and diligent services. (4.8)

What actions should planners avoid in relation to the planning process?

Deliberately committing any wrongful act that reflects adversely on the planning process. (4.9)

What should planners avoid implying when seeking business?

Avoid stating or implying the ability or willingness to influence decisions by improper means. (4.10)

What is a planner's duty if they discover corruption?

Expose corruption wherever it is discovered (4.11)

What is the primary goal for practicing planners according to Section 5?

Improve planning knowledge and increase public understanding of planning activities. (Sect. 5)

How should planners contribute to the development of the planning profession?

By improving knowledge and techniques, sharing results of experience and research, and making work relevant to solving community problems. (5.1)

What should planners do before applying customary solutions to planning situations?

Examine the applicability of planning theories, methods, research, and standards to each particular situation, and establish their appropriateness.

What standards should planners strive to achieve in their professional work?

High standards of professionalism, including integrity, knowledge, and ongoing professional development. (5.3)

What should planners do throughout their careers to maintain professional excellence?

Obtain professional education and, for AICP members, comply with Certification Maintenance requirements. (5.4)

How should planners promote the value of AICP and FAICP credentials?

Expand recognition of the value of these credentials and acknowledge those who achieve and maintain them. (5.4)

What is the responsibility of planners toward the advancement of the profession?

Commit to the advancement of the planning profession by contributing time and resources to the professional development of students, interns, beginning professionals, and colleagues. (5.5)

How should planners support underrepresented groups within the profession?

Increase opportunities for underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in the profession, and to achieve AICP certification. (5.5)

What kind of activities should planners contribute to in their communities?

Contribute time and effort through pro bono planning activities, particularly for groups lacking adequate planning resources. (5.6)