China's rapid urbanization has been built by a class of citizens called "nongmin," or peasants, many of which have migrated to urban areas for work but retain their legal status as residents of the countryside.
A recent article by David M. Barreda describes the plight of rural migrant workers in China—a "uniquely Chinese social identity" of citizens no longer working in agriculture but who retain legal status as nongmin ("peasants"). In fact, "[of] China’s 263 million 'peasant laborers' more than 60% are migrant workers, living in cities but legal residents of the countryside."
Migrant workers are an essential driver of the ongoing urbanization of China (17.7 percent of the country's 263 million migrant workers are employed in construction), but they are not permitted to stay. Permanent urban residency requires a "hukou," or certificate of urban residency.
Barreda's article is full of infographics illustrating the realities of life for migrant workers, including many challenges related to planning and land use. Government-provided affordable housing, for instance, accommodates only 0.2% of rural migrants.
Read the full story: The ‘Nongmin’ Breakdown
Hukou: China's Great Urbanization Challenge
A 2,000 year old household registration system in China ties temporary urban workers to rural life.
Sand: Another Victim of Global Urbanization
Headlined by vertical (and horizontal) sprawl in China, India, and elsewhere, the global building boom requires vast quantities of concrete and asphalt. And to get those materials, sand must be taken from the environment.
China's Urbanization Boom May Be Slowing
After a period of modernization and urban growth unrivaled in human history, several forces promise a slump, or at least a slowing. Maybe it's time to improve existing cities, not keep building new ones.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Housing is the top priority of Seattle’s sole new councilmember
Jenks campaigned on building 1,000 new units of affordable housing.
New tax cuts may slash $1.5 billion in funding for Miami transit, public parks
Amendment 3 will save Miami-Dade homeowners $2,700 in 2028.
Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania hope to finally advance climate goals post-midterms
The three states have spent years under Republican or divided control.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority