ADDENDUM: My comments in this thread about #NIMBY and fear of change relate to what I might call “good faith” NIMBY. It’s important tho, to speak the truth that much of the history of NIMBY has been about much darker things, like racism & classism. That crap doesn’t get a pass based on human nature.

12. So I’ll keep calling for more badly needed density, more change, but always #DensityDoneWell. Listening/learning, smart design, multi-modal, with livable amenities. Let’s keep talking about #NIMBY & #YIMBY. But let’s DEFINITELY not leave out my favourite, QUALITY IN MY BACKYARD #QIMBY. Thanks.

11. My observation is that, just like #YIMBY was push-back against #NIMBY, many cities are seeing a predictable pushback against any YIMBY that seemed to skip over good faith conversations about how to grow WELL. It concerns me that such pushback may see cities lose ground instead of make progress.

9. In my experience working in cities all over the world, the cities that are truly addressing our biggest challenges in serious ways, have honest community conversations about change, combined with real political will and leadership despite fear of change. #NIMBY is neither ignored nor pandered to.

7. I’ve said for years that if wrong decisions are made due to #NIMBY fears, it won’t be NIMBYs I mostly blame (altho given the obviousness of our crises, “human nature” doesn’t excuse them). I’ll blame decision-makers who knew better, had the information and evidence, and still did the wrong thing.

4. But fear of change and #NIMBY needn’t be debilitating when it comes to smart, responsible and badly-needed change in your city. Cities that are skillful and self-confident listeners can learn a lot from NIMBY fears, and that learning can help make decisions better and approaches more successful.

2. Many studies have shown that it’s normal to fear change to an unusual degree when it’s first proposed (see status quo bias) even when change is constant, & to weigh potential loss more heavily than we value potential gain. So #NIMBY likely can’t be avoided. Change will always be hard everywhere.