“YIMBY” sounds like it’s an updated version of “Yippie,” the ’60’s counter-cultural movement.
In fact, it’s the (inevitable?) backlash to NIMBY, short for “Not in My Backyard” (replace the “N” with a “Y” for “Yes”).
YIMBY’s proponents argue that stratospheric Bay Area housing prices are ultimately explained by too little supply, thanks to politics.
Ergo, its solution is to exert countervailing political pressure, and ultimately, create more supply.
Lots more supply.
The tactics and mindset of groups like BARF (“Bay Area Renters’ Federation”) is the focus of a provocative NYT piece titled, “In Cramped and Costly Bay Area, Cries to Build, Baby, Build.”
Thanks to Brad and Alan Crystal for forwarding the link.
P.S.: Given that the Bay Area and San Francisco in particular are, shall we say, geographically circumscribed, the pro vs. anti-development debate ultimately comes down to a matter of density and housing mix.
