Housing 101: What Do We Mean When We Say NIMBY and YIMBY?

There are a lot of phrases that are used when talking about issues around housing, homelessness, and food insecurity. Two you might have heard before are NIMBY and YIMBY. 

These are simply acronyms. NIMBY, the older of the two, stands for “Not In My Back Yard.” And, of course, YIMBY stands for “Yes In My Back Yard.” Let’s take a minute to learn about these phrases and their basic definitions . . . how they’re not really about back yards (but kind of are).

What Does NIMBY Mean?

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, NIMBY was first coined in the 1970s to refer to people who oppose development in their neighborhoods. Developments such as apartment complexes, homeless shelters, or even renewable energy projects are opposed for various reasons, including potential increases in crime, traffic, noise, and possible decreased property values. People opposing these developments often cite concerns about the environmental impacts of building and the cultural preservation of their neighborhoods. Many who identify as NIMBY-leaning agree that development is needed to help others, but they would rather it not be near their own homes. 

What Does YIMBY Mean?

The YIMBY position emerged – of course – in response to NIMBYism. The 2010s housing crisis helped push the YIMBY movement by supporting increasing the supply of housing within cities where housing costs had escalated to unaffordable levels. The YIMBY movement also supports infrastructure development, like increased affordable housing, high-speed rail lines, homeless shelters, and other visible social service sites. YIMBY advocates have also supported rezoning that would allow denser housing to be developed or repurposing unused spaces like shopping malls into housing. Many YIMBY-identifiers believe that an increase in overall housing supply can address affordability and enhance urban communities. 

Understanding YIMBY and NIMBY Attitudes

Let’s do a thought exercise. Imagine a town that is bordered on one side by a large dam. The dam is an architectural marvel. Because of this, it’s also nice to look at. But, after a hundred years, it’s starting to leak through small cracks that need to be patched. 

NIMBYs are all for patching the cracks, as long as the patches are on the other side of the wall from their view. YIMBYs are also for patching the cracks, but forget that the work takes more than enthusiasm – it takes materials, labor, time, and the trust of the people living downstream.  

NIMBYism is now shorthand for local resistance to change, especially when that resistance seems self-serving. NIMBYism often comes from concerns about personal well-being or local interests; it can have far-reaching effects that hinder progress, further inequality, and prevent needed infrastructure and housing developments. 

YIMBYism promotes housing development and addresses affordability, but can overlook serious concerns related to community character, environmental impact, and infrastructure. Critics can (and have) argued that rapid development leads to gentrification, displacing long-term neighborhood residents, and strains local resources. There are also concerns about YIMBY policies not considering the needs of existing communities and prioritizing growth, leading to a number of social issues.

Housing Goes Beyond NIMBY and YIMBY

Unfortunately, we’re living at a difficult moment in time. The cost of living is up. Rents and home prices are at all-time highs. While we see new market-rate housing going up on the sides of the freeway to and from work daily, there aren’t enough new housing units to meet America’s needs, and even less of project-based affordable housing units. The National Association of Realtors has estimated the shortage of single-family and multi-family housing to be 5.5 million units! 

Whether you are a NIMBY or a YIMBY, people on both sides can agree on one simple fact: we need more housing. Housing is essential. It goes beyond providing shelter – housing creates equitable and thriving communities. 

Despite their differences, YIMBY and NIMBY movements share common ground in their concern for the well-being and sustainability of their communities. Both groups care about maintaining quality of life, safety, and character of their neighborhoods. They can also agree on the importance of responsible development, but differ on how to balance growth and change. 

Let’s go back to our thought exercise. The dam is leaking and needs to be patched. NIMBY and YIMBY may disagree on how the dam is patched, they agree on why the dam needs to be patched. 

This is another reason why Open Heart Kitchen is needed. 

Each day, our Vineyard Resource Center serves hundreds of free meals to anyone in need and provides access to social services as well as shower, laundry, and mail facilities. Each night, Vineyard transforms into the Open Heart Refuge, a 30-bed year-round overnight shelter for adults who are in crisis or experiencing homelessness. Open Heart Refuge is the third-largest overnight shelter in Alameda County. Operating 7 nights a week, the program also provides dinner and breakfast to clients. 

Housing for all is a goal. Shelter is a daily necessity. Open Heart Kitchen is here to support people who need us during the short and long term. Join us!