Efforts to solve the affordable housing crisis are often met with resistance from local communities, a phenomenon known as NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) pushback. This resistance not only hinders the development of new housing projects but also contributes to broader economic damage and infrastructure stagnation across the United States. Llewellyn King, in an analysis for Prescott eNews, highlights that NIMBYism restricts necessary infrastructure projects, including electricity transmission and natural gas pipelines, exacerbating the housing crisis [64ae5217].
Active NIMBYs often oppose new housing developments due to fears of increased traffic and pollution, leading to significant opposition in various regions, including Rhode Island, where developments like fish farms and new housing projects have faced local backlash [64ae5217]. The article emphasizes that local ordinances frequently prioritize preservation over progress, resulting in stagnation and missed opportunities for growth. The abandoned Yucca Mountain nuclear waste site serves as a stark example of the long-term consequences of NIMBYism, illustrating how local preferences can clash with national interests [64ae5217].
However, there is a surprising left-right alliance emerging that aims to address these issues and make America's neighborhoods less exclusive and more dense. Legislators from both sides of the political divide are working together to add duplexes and apartments to single-family neighborhoods, according to an article by The New York Times [6abf803d]. The YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement, which began in 2016, is gaining traction and advocating for housing reform. The movement seeks to overcome NIMBY pushback and create more affordable housing options.
The Yimbytown conference, traditionally a space for liberal young professionals, has expanded to include red-state Republicans who are supportive of housing reform. Republican governor Greg Gianforte of Montana signed a housing package that YIMBYs now refer to as 'YIMBY laws'. The conference also featured Republican housing reformers from Arizona and Montana, as well as a Democratic state senator from Vermont. This bipartisan support for housing reform is a significant development in addressing the affordable housing crisis.
The article highlights the sponsors of the Yimbytown conference, which include foundations like Open Philanthropy, as well as conservative and libertarian organizations like the Mercatus Center, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Pacific Legal Foundation. This diverse coalition of support demonstrates the growing recognition of the need for housing reform across the political spectrum.
California YIMBY, a leading organization in the YIMBY movement, has sponsored and prioritized several pieces of legislation for the 2024 legislative session, according to an article by California YIMBY [c594f96b]. These bills focus on bending the cost curve, refining and expanding housing production laws, and creating new pathways to homeownership. Some of the sponsored bills include SB 937, which allows home builders to delay payment of local development and impact fees; SB 1211, which encourages more ADUs on multifamily properties; and AB 1820, which requires cities to be more transparent about fees for new housing construction. High-priority bills include SB 450, which improves access to streamlined housing options; SB 1462, which allows condo developers to use pre-sale deposits for construction costs; and SB 1470, which clarifies construction defect laws for new condominiums.
In a recent opinion piece by Penny Rosenberg on democratherald.com, the concept of 'Yes in my backyard' (YIMBY) is discussed as a counter to the 'Not in my backyard' (NIMBY) mentality [b7c6e7d6]. The article highlights the high housing costs in the mid-Willamette Valley and the need to increase housing supply to meet the demand. The author supports the development of an 80-unit townhome complex in North Albany, which faced opposition from some residents concerned about water and street issues. The author believes the development will not negatively impact property values and emphasizes the need for a society where there's a place for everyone.
The rise of the YIMBY movement and the emergence of a left-right alliance for housing reform signal a shift in the approach to addressing the affordable housing crisis. By working together and advocating for more inclusive and dense neighborhoods, legislators from both sides of the political divide are aiming to create a more equitable housing landscape.