Which organizational structure is organized around the basic functions of urban decision making such as land use and transportation?

• A. Organization by Geographic Area
• B. Organization by Function
• C. Organization by Process
• D. Organization by Time Frame

Answer: (B)

Organizing by function means shaping an urban planning agency around the main policy areas that drive decisions—like land use, transportation, housing, and economic development—rather than by where a project is located, the steps in a process, or the timing of activities. This setup puts experts in each critical area in charge of their domain, making it easier to develop deep, specialized knowledge and to coordinate across departments on projects that touch multiple policy areas, such as a new development that affects zoning and transit together.

If an organization were arranged by geographic area, units would be grouped by place (neighborhoods or districts) rather than policy topic. If it were organized by process, each unit would handle a stage in the workflow (data gathering, analysis, public engagement, adoption) rather than a policy area. If it were organized by time frame, units would be structured around schedules or deadlines rather than subject matter. So the structure described is best understood as organizing by function.