In contrast to the efforts of residents who oppose any form of denser development in their neighborhoods despite demand and research that suggests a growing appeal for it, a new grassroots movement is opposing limitations on housing development that contribute to housing shortages and higher rents.

Unlike the NIMBY (not in my backyard) movement, YIMBYs “support abundant housing and sustainable infill in growing cities.” In fact, YimbyTown, a conference of likeminded housing advocate organizations like the San Francisco Bay Area Renters Federation (yes, BARF) will be held June 17-19 in Boulder, Colorado.

So what bearing, if any, does this have on cities like Columbus? Yes, we hear complaints of high rents here, but not necessarily from housing shortages as from other market forces – demand outpacing supply, but not for lack of opportunity.

Nevertheless, how much do residents here “own” their neighborhoods to the extent of determining the fate of future housing projects and land use practices? Is this property rights versus neighborhood rights? And what is the long-term effect of restricting urban infill development in light of the many positive benefits of increased density underscored by the insight2050 initiative spearheaded by ULI Columbus, Columbus 2020 and MORPC?

Written By:
Jonathan Barnes
Principal, Jonathan Barnes Architecture and Design