What YIMBYs are learning from their victories across the country
Feb 19, 2025
auto_awesome
Annemarie Gray, who leads Open New York after serving as a policy advisor, and Felicity Maxwell, a dedicated housing advocate in Austin, discuss the YIMBY movement's triumphs in tackling the housing crisis. They share insights on collaboration between cities, including key reforms in New York and Austin. The duo examines the balance of increasing housing supply while addressing community concerns, highlighting the importance of bipartisan support and grassroots movements. Learn how they are paving the way for sustainable urban development.
The YIMBY movement is achieving significant housing reforms in major cities like New York and Austin through strategic advocacy and community engagement.
Recent successes in housing policy, including upzoning and eliminating parking minimums, reflect a paradigm shift towards increased urban density and inclusion.
Facing NIMBY opposition, advocates are building coalitions with diverse demographics to promote equitable housing access and counteract organized resistance.
Deep dives
The Rise of the YIMBY Movement
The YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement has gained significant traction as a response to the housing crisis affecting many U.S. cities. This movement advocates for increased housing supply to combat issues such as economic stagnation, rising inequality, and urban sprawl. Recent victories in cities like New York and Austin, including reforms like upzoning and reduced parking requirements, exemplify the momentum behind YIMBY initiatives. As communities recognize the importance of expanding housing options, the movement reflects a shift towards addressing long-standing urban development challenges.
Successes in New York City
In New York City, significant reforms have taken place in recent years, marking a departure from decades of stagnation in housing development. Anne-Marie Gray, an advocate, highlighted key rezonings and the successful passage of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal, which aims to legalize accessory dwelling units and ease office-to-housing conversions. These reforms represent a citywide approach to housing policy that challenges the NIMBY mindset, aiming to create more equitable housing opportunities across diverse neighborhoods. The push for policy reform at both the city and state levels underscores a growing recognition of the need for systemic change in housing policy.
Austin's Housing Victory
Austin has experienced a dramatic shift in its housing landscape as advocates successfully implemented reforms to meet the demands of a growing population. Felicity Maxwell shared that the city has eliminated previous parking minimums and adopted policies allowing for increased residential density, such as permitting three units by right on single-family lots. These changes emerged from a decade of advocacy and have reshaped the trajectory of housing supply in Austin, addressing previous barriers to development. The results reflect a community ready for growth and a changing political landscape that supports proactive housing solutions.
Overcoming NIMBY Resistance
Both New York City and Austin have faced formidable NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) opposition, rooted in fears of gentrification and community displacement. Advocates recognize the need to engage a broader demographic, including younger renters and those affected by the housing crisis, to counterbalance the organized opposition. Strategies involve building coalitions with diverse groups and emphasizing shared interests to promote sustainable housing development. The efforts aim to transcend traditional neighborhood preservation narratives, steering the conversation toward inclusivity and equitable access to housing.
The Future of Housing Advocacy
Looking ahead, both cities are focused on leveraging recent successes to further housing reforms at the state level. New York is exploring statewide bills aimed at addressing housing affordability and tenant protections, while Austin advocates for a range of legislative initiatives to expand housing supply. The growing network of YIMBY advocates facilitates knowledge sharing and strategic collaboration across different regions, fostering a cohesive movement. As both regions work towards integrating transit-oriented development alongside housing initiatives, the potential for transformative change in urban dynamics appears increasingly achievable.
In this episode I'm joined by Annemarie Gray and Felicity Maxwell to discuss how the YIMBY movement is finally cracking the code on housing reform in major American cities. We examine the recent groundbreaking victories in New York City and Austin, exploring how pro-housing groups are learning from each other through networks like Welcoming Neighbors Network, and wrestle with the challenge of increasing housing supply while protecting existing communities.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
