Today, Explained How the YIMBYs won
36 snips
Jul 17, 2025 
Henry Grabar, a staff writer at Slate focused on housing politics, and Marina Balotnikova, editor at Vox's Future Perfect, dive into the triumph of the YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) movement in California. They discuss major reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act aimed at alleviating the housing crisis. The conversation also highlights how modern urban housing policies can align with environmental goals, the threats posed by restrictive zoning, and the stark contrast of housing challenges across the U.S.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
NIMBYs vs YIMBYs Anecdote
- First hearing about NIMBYs means people opposing apartments in their backyard.
- YIMBYs want apartments built in their backyard and even on top of them, illustrating two opposing housing attitudes.
CEQA's Surprising Impact on Housing
- CEQA mandates environmental review for almost all development projects including housing.
- It unexpectedly halted or slowed housing construction after a 1972 Supreme Court case.
CEQA's Dual Legacy
- CEQA helped protect the environment but also slowed housing drastically.
- This has led to affordability crises and homelessness in California.
