This is a familiar situation in American communities: a landowner proposes a change to their land. The potential change goes to the local government for approval. Neighbors and community members have an opportunity to weigh in. Some people voice opposition. How might we know whether the community opposition is “strong” or not? It could be measured in multiple ways:

-The number of people clearly opposed to the change. This could be the difference between two opponents speaking at public meetings versus 60. Or there may be an online petition with hundreds or thousands of signatures against the proposal.

-The loudness of the opposition. Are those opposed speaking out regularly? Are their concerns expressed clearly and often online and in the media? Is the opposition clearly identifiable and known within the community? What kind of rhetoric is being used by all sides?

-The connections and resources of the opposition. Do they have the ear of leaders and politicians? Who can support the opposition? Will an unfavorable decision lead to a lawsuit?

-Is “strong” opposition that which leads to the proposal being voted or turned down?

All of this is context dependent as well. Certain proposals will generate more attention based on their location and the proposed change.

I would guess most opponents of proposed developments are spirited and believe in their cause. Whether this adds up to “strong” opposition might be much harder to judge.

(This thinking was inspired by a headline regarding a local land use proposal that some residents opposed.)