Buying The Farm

Voters in northwest Michigan will decide in November whether to pay farmers to waive their development rights.

1 minute read

October 12, 2004, 5:00 AM PDT

The scenic Lake Michigan shoreline and attractive communities are home to brisk population growth in northwest Lower Michigan, creating an economic boost that is also generating rapid change in the local landscape. To preserve the area's scenic beauty and local character--and deter the transformation of local farmland to new strip malls, housing developments, big box stores, and office parks--voters in five townships in Grand Traverse and Antrim Counties will consider a new tax that would raise up to $10 million to fund the purchase of farmers' development rights. The vote is thought to have state and national significance, providing evidence of whether the public will pay to implement land use policy based on smart growth principles.

Thanks to Deborah Myerson

FULL STORY: Up North, Voters Weigh Buying Farmers' Development Rights

Sunday, October 10, 2004 in Michigan Land Use Institute

Land Use Michigan

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

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.