What is the YIMBY movement?


YIMBY stands for Yes In My Back Yard. The YIMBY movement is a grassroots response to the phenomenon of NIMBYism, which stands for Not In My Back Yard, and is the name for concentrated local opposition to societally-beneficial resources. For example, NIMBY neighbors might oppose the construction of a new hospital in their neighborhood on the grounds that it will increase local traffic. The whole city will benefit from the new hospital, but the immediate neighbors will oppose it on these grounds regardless of where in the city it is constructed.

The YIMBY movement in the United States is primarily concerned with housing. YIMBY organizations have been formed across the country to support measures that will increase the supply of housing, such as repealing bans on the construction of apartment buildings.