The AICP Code calls for professional competence. In a case where you understand why incentives may be logical but your report may go against city wishes, what should you do?

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Professional competence means providing objective, evidence-based analysis that informs decision-makers and serves the public interest, even when findings run counter to a client’s wishes. In this situation, the best course is to present factual evidence supporting your conclusions so the city can weigh options and decide. You should lay out the data, the reasoning, the incentives considered, and the expected impacts, including trade-offs and reasonable alternatives, so the city can make an informed choice.

This approach preserves professional independence, transparency, and the duty to inform rather than tailor results to please a client. Refusing to present analysis, crafting a report that only mirrors city wants, or avoiding discussion of potential impacts would undermine the quality of planning and violate ethical responsibilities.