The city of Portland implemented a pilot program in 2019 allowing streamlined mixed-use development in three previously residential-only neighborhoods...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The city of Portland implemented a pilot program in 2019 allowing streamlined mixed-use development in three previously residential-only neighborhoods. Developers in these pilot areas can now combine residential and commercial spaces through a simplified approval process, while developers in other neighborhoods still face the traditional complex permitting requirements. After two years, pilot neighborhoods showed \(340\%\) more new mixed-use projects than non-pilot areas, with significantly shorter approval times and lower development costs. Urban planning experts predict that Portland will expand this program city-wide since the pilot results demonstrate that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
community members prefer mixed-use developments over traditional residential buildings.
streamlined processes produce better outcomes than traditional regulatory approaches.
the city will reduce fees for all types of development projects.
other cities will adopt similar zoning programs in their residential areas.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The city of Portland implemented a pilot program in 2019 allowing streamlined mixed-use development in three previously residential-only neighborhoods.' | What it says: Portland 2019 pilot = easier mixed-use dev in 3 neighborhoods (was residential only) What it does: Introduces the specific program being studied What it is: Context/background |
| 'Developers in these pilot areas can now combine residential and commercial spaces through a simplified approval process' | What it says: Pilot areas = simple approval for res+commercial combo What it does: Explains what the streamlined process allows What it is: Process description |
| 'while developers in other neighborhoods still face the traditional complex permitting requirements.' | What it says: Other areas = still complex permits What it does: Contrasts with the simplified pilot process What it is: Comparison/control group |
| 'After two years, pilot neighborhoods showed 340% more new mixed-use projects than non-pilot areas' | What it says: 2 years later: pilot areas = \(340\%\) more mixed-use projects What it does: Presents the key quantitative result What it is: Evidence/data |
| 'with significantly shorter approval times and lower development costs.' | What it says: Also: faster approvals + lower costs What it does: Provides additional supporting evidence What it is: Supporting evidence |
Main Point: Portland's pilot program comparing streamlined versus traditional development processes produced significantly better results in the streamlined areas.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to complete the logical conclusion about what the pilot results demonstrate.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that logically follows from the evidence and would justify expanding the program city-wide.
Any limiting keywords? None specified.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage directly compares streamlined processes (pilot areas) versus traditional complex processes (non-pilot areas)
- The evidence shows the streamlined approach produced \(340\%\) more projects, faster approvals, and lower costs
- For experts to predict city-wide expansion, the results must demonstrate the superiority of the streamlined approach
community members prefer mixed-use developments over traditional residential buildings.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims community preference for mixed-use over traditional residential
- but the passage compares approval processes, not building types
streamlined processes produce better outcomes than traditional regulatory approaches.
✓ Correct
- States that streamlined processes produce better outcomes than traditional approaches
- this directly matches what the evidence shows and justifies city-wide expansion
the city will reduce fees for all types of development projects.
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests reducing fees for all development
- the passage doesn't mention fees specifically, and the pilot only involved mixed-use development
other cities will adopt similar zoning programs in their residential areas.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims other cities will adopt similar programs
- this doesn't address what Portland's results demonstrate about Portland's own program