Abstract
This chapter, excerpted from Mastering Land Use Politics, explores how public opposition has transformed land use planning from a process of consensus-building into a confrontational battleground. Drawing on real-world examples, national polling data, and decades of campaign experience, Patrick F. Fox dissects the evolving strategies of development opponents—including digital organizing, political pressure, and procedural sabotage. The paper profiles key actors in the opposition landscape and provides actionable insights for planners, developers, and policymakers navigating these dynamics.
Keywords: Land Use Politics, Public Opposition, Real Estate Development, NIMBY, Planning Process, Public Hearings, Community Engagement, Urban Policy, Local Government
Declaration of Interest
Patrick F. Fox is the founder and CEO of Consensus Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in land use politics and development approvals. He is the author of Mastering Land Use Politics, from which this chapter is excerpted. The views expressed reflect his professional experience and independent research.
