Peasants losing their means of living while government is getting kickbacks.
It is estimated that 80% of the farmland that has been turned into development zones in China has been acquired illegally. Resulting land disputes have pitted poor peasants with no ownership rights against violent local governments that are responding with arrests and retaliation. "Local officials lease the land to developers at high prices and use the windfall on ambitious construction projects that help them build reputations and gain promotions." The central government, mindful of history, is now attempting to exert direct control on land use.
Thanks to Ratna Amin
FULL STORY: Land Grabs Sow Pain, Poverty for Chinese Farmers
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
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Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
Skagit Transit
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners