YIMBY

Government & Politics abbreviation · Political

YIMBY
Stands forYes in my backyard
CategoriesGovernment & Politics

YIMBY stands for Yes in my backyard, a political abbreviation.

Movement and its supporters advocating construction of more housing and infrastructure, especially by loosening zoning rules, to reduce housing costs. YIMBY groups lobby city councils and state legislatures for denser development near jobs and transit.

Example: YIMBY activists packed the hearing to support the apartment tower.

Usage notes

The movement grew in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 2010s and spread to other expensive regions in the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia. Its supporters span the political spectrum, and several states have passed laws allowing duplexes or apartments near transit partly in response. Critics question how much new market-rate housing lowers rents.

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