Using Financial Data and Psychology to Combat NIMBYism

NIMBY, or "Not In My Backyard," describes current residents’ intense opposition to proposed new development. It stems from an emotional attachment to an asset with which they identify. NIMBYism originates from inadequate awareness, fear, and/or inherent suspicion of ulterior motives. Factors such as race, income, source of income, national origin, ethnicity, and family status tend to unify the affected group and encourage its members to publicly voice their disapproval.

Why do planners keep using the same arguments and staff reports to combat NIMBYism? We can use data to increase awareness of the tradeoffs. But couldn't we also use psychological strategies to reduce the emotional attachment, fear, and suspicion? Logic clearly isn't working. What we need is a financial analyst and a psychologist to turn NIMBY into YIMBY – Yes! In My Back Yard.

Learn how to use both financial data and psychology in innovative strategies, solutions, methods, and techniques to overcome this almost insurmountable challenge facing planners. Change minds and build support among elected officials, planning commissioners, and community members.

NPC Peer Reviewers assigned this presentation a learning level of Advanced. For more on learning-level descriptions, visit our General Information Page.