271: Conditions for upgrading a county to a city

Upon hearing Lin Zifeng's explanation of the infrastructure proposal, Wei Ting's face was filled with anticipation and longing, and she immediately expressed her full support.

In fact, this was not surprising, because anyone with sufficient political acumen would not oppose such a beneficial endeavor for the country and its people.

If the plans in this proposal were fully implemented, the urban quality of Yushu County would improve significantly, further highlighting the professional achievements of them, the County Leaders.

The reason Lin Zifeng and Xu Minghao wanted to promote such a proposal was based on the developmental needs of the local area in various aspects, though it would not be an exaggeration to call it a project for political achievements; it was a matter of perspective.

"After such a proposal is passed, before seeing any results, some people will inevitably gossip that we are engaging in vanity projects just to secure political achievements. Regarding this, we must be mentally prepared in advance." Lin Zifeng said, his eyes full of wisdom shining brightly.

"Secretary, everything has two sides. The point you raised is unavoidable, but the implementation of these projects is closely related to the masses of Yushu County. Who doesn't want their hometown to have convenient and developed transportation, making travel fast and safe? Who wouldn't want others to give a thumbs up when mentioning their hometown, saying it has developed well? With the support of the people, even if there is some noise, it will be drowned out in the ocean of the people's praise." Wei Ting said confidently.

Hearing Wei Ting's words, a sun-like smile bloomed on Lin Zifeng's face. He smiled and said, "Secretary Wei is right. No matter what, we must rely on the power of the people. As long as we genuinely do practical things for the local masses, why fear some petty people whispering behind our backs? Their negative comments will be drowned out by the spit of the masses. As long as it is for the people and for the sake of local development and construction, it is politically correct. It seems I need to strengthen my study of the Party's theoretical knowledge."

"Secretary, you are busy with work every day, and it is inevitable that there are some things you might overlook. Isn't that why you have me, your deputy? I will remind and assist you at any time." When no one else was present and she was alone with Lin Zifeng, Wei Ting spoke quite casually. After all, the two had worked together before, and although their relationship was not as close as that with Jiang Yufei, she was still one of those in their circle who was relatively close to him.

"Then I will trouble Secretary Wei. Let's not talk about other things for now. You've been in my Office for over half an hour; tell me the purpose of your visit today?" Lin Zifeng said with a chuckle.

"Just now, hearing the good news you shared, Secretary, I completely forgot the purpose of my visit. Secretary, I also have some good news to report to you." Wei Ting said, clapping her hands.

"Oh, it seems today is a good day! I wonder what good news Secretary Wei has brought? I would love to hear the details." Lin Zifeng said happily, a flash of anticipation in his eyes.

"Secretary, the latest census data has been released. Our county's original resident population was 437,000, with 46,000 holding non-agricultural household registrations. After this census, five years later, our county's resident population has grown to over 487,000, with the number of non-agricultural urban household registrations growing to 56,000. This set of data proves that our county is more suitable for the masses to live and work in peace and contentment; this is the best proof of the improvement in the people's happiness." Wei Ting was the person in charge of this census work in Yushu County, so she spoke eloquently about the specific figures.

"The growth in population base and the increase in urban household registrations indeed demonstrate the improvement in the living environment of our Yushu County." Lin Zifeng said, nodding with a smile.

"Secretary, the benefits of such data go further. Since I took charge of the census work, I specifically researched policies related to population. A county can apply for County-to-city conversion if its resident population exceeds 500,000, its urban household registrations exceed 60,000, and its annual GDP exceeds 300 million. Our county's resident population is already approaching 500,000, and with another 4,000 more urban residents, we will meet the standard. Our annual GDP has long exceeded 300 million. Therefore, we are only one step away from the goal of County-to-city conversion. If our Yushu County really undergoes County-to-city conversion, we will have greater autonomy in planning and finance, and we can obtain more fiscal reserves to be used for various aspects of urban construction. Our administrative level and regional influence will also be further enhanced, which can better promote integrated economic development." Wei Ting said excitedly.

Hearing what Wei Ting said, Lin Zifeng stood up abruptly. Wei Ting, confused, stood up as well. Lin Zifeng reached out and grasped Wei Ting's hand. "Secretary Wei, thank you for your attentiveness. To be honest with you, I had overlooked the work regarding the demographic dividend; this is definitely a mistake in my work. County-to-city conversion will definitely bring many benefits to the masses and the government. I chose the right person to be in charge of this census work, hahaha." After expressing his sincere gratitude to Wei Ting, Lin Zifeng could not help but laugh heartily.

He couldn't help but be excited and happy. Today's three events were all great news; it was as if Yushu County had activated a cheat code and was favored by the heavens.

Xu Minghao had just submitted the infrastructure planning proposal. After discussion and research, they planned to launch large-scale urban infrastructure and transportation construction once it was passed by the County Party Standing Committee. Just as they were raising the urban profile and building the county-wide transportation hub, Cao Shuang reported the good news that the Jinghua Logistics and Trade Group Company was going to invest in a logistics industrial park. The logistics industrial park, once established in Yushu County, would drive the economic development of the surrounding areas, and the large amount of urban infrastructure construction they were about to undertake would come in handy; these two projects would have a complementary effect. Now, Wei Ting had reported to him about the important work of County-to-city conversion, which he had somewhat neglected. The previous urban infrastructure construction and the investment from the Jinghua Logistics and Trade Group Company would both be huge boosts for the County-to-city conversion. As the leader of Yushu County, how could Lin Zifeng not be excited and happy!

"Secretary, you have to oversee the overall situation of all aspects of the county's work. The work regarding the demographic dividend is inherently more abstract. If it weren't for the fact that our county is about to meet the standards for County-to-city conversion, even I wouldn't have paid much attention to it. You don't need to criticize yourself." Wei Ting said, her eyes shining.

The two had a tacit understanding, and Lin Zifeng did not continue this topic further. He pointed to the sofa and said, "I was a bit too excited just now. Let's sit down and talk!"

After Wei Ting sat down as requested, she continued, "Secretary, although our Yushu County's GDP last year did not make it into the top 100 counties in the country, it was infinitely close to the last place. This year, our county is very likely to enter the ranks of the top 100 counties. We are already number one in the entire Chunhua City and have vaguely become the second economic and trade center of Chunhua City. Therefore, as long as our resident population and urban population base meet the standards, our application for County-to-city conversion will definitely pass through the layers of approval."