YIMBY Movement

The legislative push for housing at the local, state, and federal levels is being bolstered by a growing movement of Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) advocates (including Yes in God's Backyard (YIGBY) advocates for building housing on church-owned properties). Proponents of the YIMBY movement are working to counter resistance to new housing development by identifying and championing the discrete benefits that denser development patterns can bring to communities. One of the most prominent YIMBY voices is the YIMBY Action network, which aims to make housing more affordable for everyday people.

YIMBY advocates have been active in removing exclusionary policies such as single-family-only zoning regulations in favor of building local support for "missing middle" housing, limiting parking requirements, building housing in areas with significant transit access, advancing the role of renters in public engagement, and growing local racial, ethnic, and income diversity. But while YIMBY advocates have been critical to the success of pro-housing plans and legislation in California and other states, some housing advocates and community organizations have criticized the YIMBY movement for being antagonistic and self-interested.

Planners should engage with all local stakeholders, including YIMBY advocates and other local groups, as they work to build support for affordable housing efforts in their communities.