Chris Elmendorf

In this engaging discussion, Chris Elmendorf, a law professor at UC Davis and an expert on housing politics, delves into the surprising reasons behind NIMBYism. He reveals that aesthetics and design play crucial roles in public opposition to housing developments. Notably, he shares insights from experiments showing that the reputation of architects and the appearance of buildings can significantly sway public opinion. Elmendorf also discusses effective strategies for YIMBY advocates, including pre-approved designs and thoughtful urban planning to mitigate aesthetic concerns.