Over the past few decades, developers grew accustomed to nothing but staunch opposition to dense affordable housing project proposals.
Within the past 10 years, though, in some areas such as California, Chicago, Seattle, and Portland, Ore., a new YIMBY (Yes, In My Backyard) movement has sprung up to support affordable housing development. In fact, some of these advocates, often wearing t-shirts and buttons inscribed with the YIMBY slogan, show up at public hearings and city council meetings to express their view.
Some of those embracing YIMBYism lobby state legislatures to enact pro-housing initiatives. With so many people struggling to find a home or pay rent, it is perhaps no surprise that this grassroots movement has emerged.
The new public support for even large high-rise projects is a welcome change for developers and may be improving the equation for construction of more housing for middle class and working class people.
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