Infill: A YIMBY Podcast

The Newest Tool for YIMBY Voters

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the Infill Podcast, we’re giving listeners an inside look at YIMBY Action’s new Scorecards for statewide elected officials, starting with Virginia. Rising housing prices are a huge concern for American voters. YIMBY Action’s Scorecards will be a critical tool for residents to understand which elected officials are taking bold action on housing, so we can make our neighborhoods more affordable for everyone.

In this discussion, we’ll talk to the architect behind the first YIMBY Action Scorecard, our very own Senior Campaigns Manager Joh Gehlbach. We’ll discuss what these Scorecards tell voters, what we’re already learning from this Virginia iteration, and how this tool will help voters and advocates cut through the noise and hold legislators accountable.

Read the Scorecard: https://yimbyaction.org/scorecards/2025-virginia-state-scorecards/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: yimbyaction.org/join

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction

How One Gen Z Leader Wants to Use YIMBYism to Save Chicago

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Meet Drake Warren, a 26-year-old running for Cook County Commissioner in Illinois. He is an engineer and housing advocate who fell in love with Chicago in college. Now, he wants to give back to the community he has made a home in by running for a local government office. He believes that Chicago has begun to lose its YIMBY roots and wants to serve his community by running for office, so that he can help more homes be built in his city and county.

On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Action's Jennifer Borrero speaks with Drake about why he was inspired to run for Cook County Commissioner. He breaks down what he thinks current leaders are missing in housing policy, and why more people must become familiar with local politics. They also discuss the importance of having balanced experiences in government and finally, how we can get more young folks plugged into local government and advocacy. If you're curious about what it's like to run for local office or want to hear a great discussion about how local politics shapes the world around us, then this is the episode for you. Tune in!

Learn more about Drake Warren: https://drakefor10.com/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: yimbyaction.org/join

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Why Nothing Works: Breaking the Gridlock on Housing and Progress with Author Marc Dunkelman

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Law’s Executive Director Sonja Trauss sits down with author Marc J. Dunkelman to tackle one of the biggest questions facing Americans today: why are we unable to build the infrastructure, housing, and public works that our communities so desperately need? Drawing from his new book, Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress — and How to Bring It Back, Dunkelman explores how even well-intentioned procedural reforms, community protections, and environmental reviews can create veto points that stall change, particularly in housing policy.

They also delve into the shift in Americans’ connectedness that has impacted our political landscape, what tactics and reforms could cut through the red tape, and how housing advocates can push for structural shifts that unlock homebuilding, transit, and equity. Finally, Marc and Sonja explore the similarities and differences between Dunkelman’s thesis in Why Nothing Works and the thesis of Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson in their book, Abundance. In addition to highlighting the challenges of the bureaucratic processes we have now, Dunkelman also encourages readers and listeners of this episode to consider who should have the power to make decisions on behalf of communities. Tune in to hear more about the changes that Dunkelman has written about in American politics, and the historical context of the tension we are still feeling today as we navigate decisions about the architecture of power.

Get Marc Dunkelman’s newest book, Why Nothing Works, here: https://rjjulia.com/book/9781541700215

Learn more about YIMBY Action: yimbyaction.org/join

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Cheat Codes for Housing, Politics, and Prosperity with Economist Daryl Fairweather

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 9 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Action Managing Director Gillian Pressman speaks with Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather. Daryl recently released her book, Hate the Game: Economic Cheat Codes for Life, Love, and Work, and she is a keynote speaker at the upcoming 2025 YIMBYTown conference in New Haven.

Tune in to hear Gillian and Daryl dive into her YIMBY origin story and why she is starting a YIMBY Action chapter in Wisconsin. You'll also hear about why Daryl supports grassroots organizing as such a powerful tool for reform, and why we need YIMBYs to build power across coalitions to change the politics that are causing our housing shortage. Daryl also discusses how the lenses of identity inform how people show up for (or against) housing.

Get Daryl's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hate-Game-Economic-Cheat-Codes/dp/0226839524

Learn more about YIMBY Action: yimbyaction.org/join

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Building the Abundance Coalition

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 2 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Abundance has been the hot topic on a lot of our minds since Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson released their book earlier this year. But how do we make the vision of Abundance politics become a reality? A new coalition of advocates may serve as the answer.

On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Action's Gillian Pressman speaks with Deputy Director at the Breakthrough Institute, Alex Trembath, about how the Abundance coalition and movement are beginning to take form. The Breakthrough Institute is the lead host of the upcoming Abundance Conference, where hundreds of leaders and activists will come together to chart the course for the Abundance movement.

Tune in to learn more about the environmental work that the Breakthrough Institute does, how advocates can come together even while having differences in frameworks and approaches to advance a shared vision, and what Alex is hoping to see come from the Abundance Conference and movement!

Learn more about the Breakthrough Institute: https://thebreakthrough.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: yimbyaction.org/join

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Innovations That Scale Part 2: Ivory Prize Winners on Scaling Housing Solutions

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Action's Mariah Redfern talks directly with the 2025 Ivory Prize winners. These three trailblazing leaders are tackling the housing crisis through innovation in design, finance, and policy.

Reframe Systems is revolutionizing construction with AI-powered microfactories that drastically cut costs and build time, helping scale sustainable housing faster. Grounded Solutions Network is creating a new path to homeownership with its Homes for the Future fund, making shared equity models more accessible to low-income families. Florida Housing Coalition, the force behind Florida’s Live Local Act, shows how bold state-level zoning reforms and strategic implementation can unlock thousands of homes.

You'll hear our guests discuss their unique approach to affordability and scalability, the biggest barriers they face in their work, and how YIMBYs and regular people can support their efforts.

Learn more about Reframe Systems: https://www.reframe.systems/

Learn more about Grounded Solutions Network: https://groundedsolutions.org/

Learn more about Florida Housing Coalition: https://flhousing.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: yimbyaction.org/join

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Innovations That Scale: Ivory Prize Winners Tackling Housing Affordability

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 5 Aug 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Innovation and YIMBYism are a combination that could help our communities become more affordable, climate resilient, and equitable in the years to come. On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Action's Courtney Porcella sits down with Abby Ivory, Managing Director at Ivory Innovations, to discuss a competition that puts innovation at the forefront of the effort to solve our housing affordability crisis.

Tune in to learn about Ivory Innovation's Ivory Prize and its 2025 winners. Courtney and Abby discuss the three game-changing organizations advancing housing affordability through policy, finance, and construction. These bold leaders are finding their own unique ways to increase opportunity for Americans to live in homes that they can afford. You won't only hear about the 2025 winners in this episode, but you'll also get insights into how past winners are scaling solutions and influencing change. Abby also gives insights into how different levers of change can create a ripple effect in our housing system, and why collaboration across public, private, and non-profit ecosystems is vital to increasing affordability.

Learn more about Ivory Innovations: https://www.ivoryinnovations.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: yimbyaction.org/join

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

The Legacy of Housing Inequity and the Role of the YIMBY Movement

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Action's Marketing Manager Mariah Redfern sits down with artist, activist, and educator Mark Harris to explore the history of redevelopment in San Francisco’s Fillmore District and how systemic displacement continues to impact Black communities today.

Mark shares his personal journey from corporate life to art and activism, and how his work with the Anti-Eviction Mapping Project uncovered the erasure of what was once the “Harlem of the West.” Together, they unpack the legacy of urban renewal, zoning as a tool of modern segregation, and the need to diversify the pro-housing movement.

Tune in to hear a deep dive into how history shapes the present—and why building a future of abundant housing requires as many voices, especially different kinds of voices, as possible.

Check out Mark's work with the AEMP: https://antievictionmap.com/dislocationblack-exodus

Find more of Mark's work: https://www.artofmarkharris.com/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/join/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

How YIMBYs Can Help End Segregation: A Discussion with Richard and Leah Rothstein

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 1 Jul 2025 17:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Infill, Sonja Trauss is joined by renowned author Richard Rothstein and his daughter Leah Rothstein, co-authors of the book Just Action, also known as the sequel to Richard's groundbreaking work The Color of Law. Together, they explore how housing laws perpetuate segregation and what local communities can do to fight back and build more integrated, equitable neighborhoods.

In this discussion, Trauss and the Rothsteins tackle the hard questions: Why don't race-neutral policies go far enough? How do local efforts build momentum when national politics seem stalled? And what can everyday people do to push for change in their own backyards?

Tune in to hear more about Richard’s and Leah’s journey into writing Just Action, why race-conscious remedies are necessary to address the legacy of government-sanctioned segregation, and get actionable ideas for how your community can organize to make a difference.

Read Just Action: https://www.rjjulia.com/book/9781324093244

Read The Color of Law: https://www.rjjulia.com/book/9781631494536

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

How We Build A Future of Abundance

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Infill, Gillian Pressman talks with two powerhouse voices: Sonja Trauss, founder of the YIMBY movement and Executive Director of YIMBY Law, and Misha Chellam, founder of the Abundance Network. Together, they unpack the transformative idea of “abundance,” sparked by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s new book. They explore what resources it takes to build abundance and how we can build the political power to make a future of abundance our reality.

You'll hear thoughts on how YIMBY and Abundance movement leaders are creating systems that empower local advocates to get involved in politics, how different kinds of people in your movement can help you win, and the benefits of various approaches to building power.

Whether you're new to the YIMBY movement or deep in the policy trenches, this episode will inspire you to think bigger, act bolder, and advocate harder for a future of abundance for all of us.

Read the Your Role in Abundance Substack article: https://modernpower.substack.com/p/your-role-in-abundance

Learn more about the Abundance Network: https://www.abundancenetwork.com/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Zellnor Myrie on Housing, Opportunity, and the Future of NYC

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 2 May 2025 17:30:00 +0000

In this episode of Infill, YIMBY Action Board member Sonja Trauss speaks with Zellnor Myrie, New York State Senator, and mayoral candidate, to discuss why New York housing policies matter far beyond city limits. They discuss how the NYC housing shortage impacts the national economy, what plans Myrie has to enact bold YIMBY policies across the state, and why voters across the country should care about the outcome of this pivotal race.

Zellnor shares his housing platform and unpacks his thoughts on everything from rent stabilization to affordable housing supply to mixed-income public housing and the future of short-term rentals. Tune in to hear his ambitious vision to make New York more affordable, equitable, and opportunity-rich for everyone. If you want to hear more about what kinds of actions leaders in large cities can and should be thinking about to tackle our national housing shortage, give this episode a listen!

Learn more about Zellnor's campaign: https://www.zellnor.nyc/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

How Local Zoning Codes Shape Our World: A Conversation with Sara Bronin

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 8 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Infill, YIMBY Law's Executive Director, Sonja Trauss, sits down with Sara Bronin—architect, attorney, professor, and author—for a deep dive into the rules that shape where and how we live. They discuss findings from the National Zoning Atlas, the power of local zoning codes, and how land use policy affects everything from housing affordability and environmental sustainability to food systems and even nightlife.

Tune in to hear how zoning has been used to block housing, how it's tied to segregation and climate change, and how rethinking it at all levels of government could unlock more equitable and livable communities. Sonja and Sara also discuss what it's like to build a nationwide zoning map, why seemingly small rules like minimum unit sizes matter, and how advocates everywhere can put zoning data to work to create more abundant housing for all of us! Tune in to hear the discussion.

Read Key to the City: https://wwnorton.com/books/key-to-the-city

Learn more about the National Zoning Atlas: https://www.zoningatlas.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Climate Change & Housing: What the LA Wildfires Taught Us About Housing Policy

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 3 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0000

In January 2025, wildfires in Los Angeles killed at least 29 people, destroyed thousands of homes, and displaced thousands more. After the fires, Angelenos and their elected officials began figuring out what came next. On this episode of the Infill Podcast, our California Organizing Director, Leora Tanjuatco Ross, speaks with Azeen Khanmalek, Executive Director of the pro-housing advocacy group Abundant Housing LA, and Jordan Grimes, a Resilience Manager at the climate-focused Bay Area organization Greenbelt Alliance.

In this episode, you'll get insights into some of the short and long-term implications of housing availability and affordability for people in LA after the fires. As we continue to see the effects of climate change in California and other areas, our guests dive into why dense housing is so critical to ensure that homes can be as resilient as possible and to mitigate the consequences of climate-related displacement. You'll also hear about different policies and lessons that elected officials can and should act on to rebuild in the wake of the lost homes and to prepare for future climate disasters.

Read our LA Fires Policy Memo: https://yimbyaction.org/blog/policy-memo-la-fires-and-impacts-on-housing/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/yimbyaction.bsky.social

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yimbyaction

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Pro-Housing Policies to Lower the Cost of Living

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Everyone knows that the cost of living, especially housing, has reached a high that feels unsustainable for most Americans to maintain. So, what can we do to solve this problem?

In 2024, the Chamber of Progress released its Democratic Cost of Living Agenda. The Agenda is a low-cost policy framework with actionable recommendations for legislators to help lower costs in several sectors for families.

On this episode of the Infill podcast, YIMBY Action's Mariah Redfern speaks with the author of the Cost of Living Agenda, Dr. Gary Winslett. They discuss the policies that the Chamber of Progress suggests as solutions for high housing prices, why we must take new approaches to our housing policy, and how people can get involved.

Read the Democratic Cost of Living Agenda: https://bringcostsdown.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on X: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

New Year, New Homes: A Conversation with Senator Brian Schatz of Hawai'i on Housing

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the Infill podcast, our Executive Director Laura Foote speaks with Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawai'i. They discuss why housing is a priority issue for Senator Schatz, how folks are thinking about the housing shortage at all levels of government and the unique opportunity that Democrats and Republicans have to work together on this issue for Americans.

Our nation's housing shortage is pushing residents out of their neighborhoods, exacerbating homelessness, and contributing to unequal outcomes in health, finances, and more. In this episode, Senator Schatz and Laura Foote discuss how we got here and what methods it will take to make community members and elected officials understand the importance of building more homes.

Learn more about Senator Brian Schatz: https://www.schatz.senate.gov/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Introducing "Density Zones": A New Policy Idea for Federal Intervention in Local Housing Policy

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:49:46 +0000

On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Law's Executive Director Sonja Trauss speaks with Dr. Adam Ozimek, Chief Economist for the Economic Innovation Group about their idea to get the federal government more involved in housing policy.

Pro-housing advocates understand that we need to incentivize local governments to remove barriers to building new homes. The Economic Innovation Group has come up with a new idea called "Density Zones" to empower local governments to facilitate more building by incentivizing them with rewards from the federal government proportional to the number of new homes built. So, how would this work?

The first step would be for the federal government to develop standardized zoning and building codes drawn from best practices nationwide. Then, municipalities would have the ability to adopt this code for specific areas within their jurisdiction. These standardized best practices would help streamline building by providing a set of rules that developers can use to operate with. Finally, areas that meet the program's targets would be rewarded with "Density Dividends," which could be used to do things like building infrastructure or new schools to accommodate the new homes.

Tune in to learn more about the ideas that the Economic Innovation Group is working on, and how they think "Density Zones" could make it easier for state and local governments to their tackle housing shortages.

Learn more about Density Zones: https://agglomerations.substack.com/p/how-the-next-president-can-solve

Learn more about the Economic Innovation Group: https://eig.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

A Paradise of Small Houses: An Interview with Author Max Podemski

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Infill Podcast, YIMBY Law's Executive Director Sonja Trauss speaks with author Max Podemski about his new book "A Paradise of Small Houses: The Evolution, Devolution, and Potential Rebirth of Urban Housing." In his book, Podemski discusses the history of housing in the United States and the factors that drove housing production in our country's early days.

Although today Americans typically view single-family detached homes as our American dream, Podemski tells the story of immigrants and working class communities whose dreams of dense, multi-family homes served as expressions of American ingenuity and social mobility. By looking at the history of cities like Boston and its triple deckers, or Los Angeles and its bungalow courts, we can see how the kinds of homes that cities are known for are tied to the the motivating factors for what types of housing was prioritized and why.

These lessons are particularly valuable today as our nation faces as shortage of homes, and Americans are seeking solutions for how to solve it. Our ideals about what kinds of homes should be prioritized in American culture are intrinsically tied to our historical views of class and race. Podemski's book gives us a unique lens into how these views have shaped our communities today. Tune in to hear more from Sonja Trauss and Max Podemski about "A Paradise of Small Houses," the history of housing in the US, and how our history is impacting us now.

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Get the book: https://www.beacon.org/A-Paradise-of-Small-Houses-P2037.aspx

Area Median Income Lookup: https://ami-lookup-tool.fanniemae.com/

How to Make the Federal Government More YIMBY

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 3 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Americans are struggling to stay afloat due to high housing prices caused by our nation’s housing shortage. Fortunately, there is a growing number of voices advocating for pro-housing policy solutions. Up For Growth is a national, cross-sector member network committed to solving the housing shortage and affordability crisis. While many advocates focus on solutions to the housing shortage at the local and state levels, Up For Growth supports federal policies that will increase the number of homes throughout the country.

On this episode of the Infill podcast, you’ll hear from our Executive Director Laura Foote and Up For Growth’s National Policy Director David Garcia about what the federal government’s current attitude is on pro-housing policies, how we can inspire more bold policy solutions, and why it is critical to have bipartisan support for pro-housing legislation.

In particular, one federal bill that Up For Growth and YIMBY Action are supporting is the YIMBY Act. In this episode you will learn more about what the YIMBY Act does to promote pro-housing solutions and housing affordability, as well as why we need to tell our congress members to act NOW to bring the YIMBY Act to a vote before the year ends. You can email your congress members to support the YIMBY Act using our online tool below!

Email Your Congress Members About the YIMBY Act: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-your-representative-bring-the-yimby-act-to-a-vote

Learn More about YIMBY Action: https://new.yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on X: https://x.com/yimbyaction

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction

Learn more about Up For Growth: https://upforgrowth.org/

Tracking The Hottest Pro-Housing Policy Trends in the U.S.

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:30:00 +0000

On this episode of the Infill Podcast, YIMBY Action's Business Membership Manager, Courtney Porcella, speaks to Ivory Innovation's Hannah Gable about trends in pro-housing policy, what legislation is being passed in different regions of the country, and what advocates can do to replicate pro-housing wins in more communities.

Ivory Innovations is a nonprofit working to advance innovation around housing affordability in the United States. This Summer, Ivory Innovations launched their Housing Policies & Initiatives Database. The free, online database contains information on emerging, pro-housing policy innovations including federal, state, and local bills across four major, trending policy areas: "Yes in God's Backyard", office-to-residential conversions, social housing, and transit-oriented development.

Tune in to hear insights from Hannah Gable on what kinds of pro-housing legislation she's seeing pick up traction, and what barriers and levers to passing legislation elected officials are thinking about.

Be sure to dive into the database at the link below. If you'd like to see Ivory Innovations explore data on other policies, share your ideas on their feedback form linked below.

Explore the Database: https://ivoryinnovations.org/housing-policies-database

Suggest More Topics For Ivory Innovations: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-phvbFGcf69lS5X9H0NDIfsYoC0W7j0U1Flc47l6DwSw9Hg/viewform

Learn More about YIMBY Action: https://new.yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on X: https://x.com/yimbyaction

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction

YIMBYs In Action: How Hawai’i YIMBY is Changing the Conversation on Housing

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 25 May 2024 18:00:00 +0000

In 2020, U.S. census data analysis revealed that, for the first time, Native Hawai'ians living in the continental U.S. outnumbered those living in Hawaii. Redfin reports that the median home list price is currently $825,000.

High cost of living and a lack of affordable homes have continued to be huge challenges for natives and transplants living in Hawai'i. Listen to this episode of Infill to hear what advocates are doing to make homes more affordable.

This year in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we wanted to highlight all of the amazing work that our Hawai’i YIMBY chapter is doing and how it is impacting native Hawai'ians on the islands.

Listen in to hear our conversation with Hawai’i YIMBY volunteer leaders Damien Waikaloa and Matt Popovich. We spoke about how they got started in the YIMBY movement, the missing middle housing policies they’re organizing around now, and why they think YIMBYism is so important to uplift Hawai'ians.

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Learn more about Hawai’i YIMBY: https://hawaiiyimby.com/

Follow Hawai’i YIMBY on Twitter: https://x.com/hiyimby/

Follow Hawai’i YIMBY on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiiyimby/

Virginia YIMBYs are Bringing Pro-Housing Legislation to Center Stage

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:30:00 +0000

Virginia is short 105,000 homes while rents have gone up 13% in the last 5 years. Despite housing costs rising astronomically, local governments are largely not stepping up to help facilitate or build more homes. That’s why our local YIMBY chapters are taking matters into their own hands, and demanding action from State Officials.

Tune in to this episode of Infill to hear from volunteer leaders from our chapters YIMBYs of NoVA, YIMBY Hampton Roads, and RVA YIMBY. They break down the four state-wide YIMBY bills they are advocating for, share insights on how they are learning to successfully work with state legislators and local coalition partners, and explain why grassroots organizing is critical to get elected officials to take action on housing.

YIMBY volunteers in Virginia are not only bringing their state one step closer to a future of abundant, affordable, inclusive housing. They are also paving the way for YIMBYs in other states to learn strategies to build power in their communities and connect with new folks who share our vision for a better future.

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimb

yaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Learn more about YIMBYs of NoVA: https://www.yimbysofnova.org/

Learn more about RVA YIMBYs: https://rvayimby.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Hampton Roads: https://yimbyhamptonroads.org/

Single Stair Reform: A Tool to Streamline Dense Housing

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Single stair reform is a powerful tool to make it easier and faster to build more homes. Cities like Seattle and New York are changing the way that they build multi-family housing to fill their neighborhoods with denser housing options. Now, advocates can help their own communities do the same.

Single stair reform in housing advances more affordable and diverse housing options by allowing fewer staircases in apartment buildings while maintaining safety standards. YIMBY Action was joined by East Bay for Everyone and the Livable Communities Initiative for an in-depth discussion about organizing for local single stair reform. Listen to a panel of experts and organizers to learn more about how single stair reform works and what you can do to promote it in your community!

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Learn more about East Bay for Everyone: https://eastbayforeveryone.org/

Learn more about the Livable Communities Initiative: https://www.livablecommunitiesinitiative.com/

How U.S. Housing Policy Divides Our Neighborhoods by Economic Class: A Conversation with Richard Kahlenberg

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Law’s Executive Director Sonja Trauss speaks with Richard Kahlenberg, author of Excluded: How Snob Zoning, Nimbyism, and Class Bias Build the Walls We Don't See. The pair discuss how U.S. housing policy segregates our neighborhoods by creating barriers to allowing folks of all incomes to live in high-resource communities through exclusionary zoning.

According to Kahlenberg, class segregation has doubled since the 1970s. Although there are laws that prohibit explicit racial discrimination, many communities avoid legal repercussions by instead excluding potential neighbors based on income– disproportionately impacting Black and Brown people.

How does Kahlenberg believe we can correct this class-based exclusion in housing? One idea of his is a National Economic Fair Housing Act to give people the ability to sue communities that exclude them based on income. Tune in to hear more thoughts from Kahlenberg on what kinds of policies he believes will integrate our neighborhoods, lower the cost of housing, and dismantle barriers to creating more homes in all communities.

Get the Book: https://www.rjjulia.com/yimby

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

What is the VITAL Act? Unpacking New Federal Legislation with The Kelsey

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0000

The United States' efforts to provide accessible and affordable homes for all individuals have fallen short. The Kelsey, a disability rights advocacy group, is pioneering disability-forward housing solutions that are accessible and inclusive.

In this episode, Laura Foote, executive director of YIMBY Action sits down with Allie and Hunter from the Kelsey to discuss the VITAL Act, a piece of federal pro-housing legislation. The passage of this act provides a powerful solution to increasing access to secure, affordable, and inclusive housing for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens.

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Learn more about the Kelsey: https://thekelsey.org/

Follow The Kelsey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKelseyMore

Follow The Kelsey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekelseymore

Follow The Kelsey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekelseymore

Affordable Housing in America with Rep. Maxwell Frost

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Affordable housing is absolutely essential, but there are so many obstacles that prevent it from being funded and built. In this episode, YIMBY Action Executive Director sits down with Congressman Maxwell Frost to talk about how he’s working to remove those obstacles at the federal level.

Congressman Frost is the first Gen Z candidate to get elected to Congress! Before being elected, he helped lead our Orlando Chapter, Orlando YIMBY. Both YIMBY Action and Orlando YIMBY endorsed him in 2022, and we’re excited to have another YIMBY in Congress!

If you're ready to get involved in the pro-housing movement, join YIMBY Action as a Member! Members get access to a vibrant online community with thousands of advocates and experts. Members also get access to exclusive events, trainings, and other perks! Plus, if you join in August 2023, you get a free shirt 🙌

Become a Member by volunteering or donating $35 or more: https://bit.ly/yimbymembership2023

Links:

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yimbyaction

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Follow Rep. Maxwell Frost on X: https://x.com/RepMaxwellFrost

Follow Rep. Maxwell Frost on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@repmaxwellfrost

Follow Rep. Maxwell Frost on Instagram: https://instagram.com/repmaxwellfrost

CA Legislation Update with Abram Diaz

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 23:01:58 +0000

Hear from YIMBY Action's Alex Melendrez and Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California's Abram Diaz as they discuss updates on California pro-housing legislation and their work in the fight for abundant, affordable housing.

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on X (formerly known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yimbyaction

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

YIMBYs in Action: Northern Virginia

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:00:00 +0000

One of our fastest-growing Chapters, YIMBYs of Northern Virginia, recently celebrated the legalization of "missing middle" housing in Arlington, Virginia. This means that multifamily buildings with up to six homes were legalized in neighborhoods that had previously only allowed single-family detached homes.

In this episode, Jane Natoli, our SF Organizing Director, sits down with two Leaders from the YIMBYs of Northern Virginia, Jane Green and Alex Goyette. They discuss what it took to win in Arlington and how they plan to apply what they learned to a new opportunity to advocate for more homes in Alexandria.

Links:

Learn more about YIMBYs of NoVA: https://www.yimbysofnova.org/home

Read about the win in Arlington: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/03/22/arlington-missing-middle-vote-zoning/

Read about the projects that are already being proposed under the missing middle program: https://www.arlnow.com/2023/07/06/new-more-than-a-dozen-missing-middle-permit-applications-are-in-the-works-so-far/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Urban Environmentalism in Chicago

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:25:00 +0000

What if we could preserve the environment, increase housing affordability, and reduce car dependency all at once? That's exactly what Urban Environmentalists advocate for. In this episode, our Environmental Director Joanna Gubman sits down with Urban Environmentalist Leader Robert Spragg and Chicago Alderman Matt Martin. They discuss the importance of Urban Environmentalism, the uniqueness of what the movement looks like in Chicago, and what's next for their advocacy.

Links:

Learn more about Urban Environmentalists: https://www.urbanenvironmentalists.org/

Read a recent Op-Ed from our Chicago Chapter Leaders about what's possible for housing affordability in the city:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-chicago-housing-crisis-adu-three-flat-20230602-cdsfnykx4ndndazxxxq627iqcq-story.html

Follow Urban Environmentalists on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UrbanEnviroIL

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

The Housing Advocate and the Censure

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 6 Jun 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Kylie Clark wrote an email to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to alert them about an anti-housing referendum in the town where she worked. The Town Council's reaction was extreme and illegal. Listen to Kylie's story as she sits down with our National Chapter Manager, Alex Melendrez.

Links:

Read about the censure: https://losgatan.com/council-censures-commissioner-over-white-anti-housing-men-comment/

Read about the censure being revoked: https://losgatan.com/censure-of-clark-reversed-after-aclu-threat/

https://www.redbluffdailynews.com/2023/03/09/aclu-calls-censure-of-los-gatos-commissioner-unconstitutional/

Learn more about housing elements and our campaign to make them fair and equitable: https://www.fairhousingelements.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

The Pathway to Affordable Housing In California

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 22 May 2023 20:35:00 +0000

In March, we assembled some of California state legislature’s most powerful pro-housing champions to discuss their latest legislative efforts to alleviate California’s housing shortage and affordability crisis.

Hear from Assembly Housing Committee Chair Buffy Wicks, Senate Housing Committee Chair Scott Wiener, and Assembly Social Housing Select Committee Chair Alex Lee on their plans to help get more homes built in California. They discussed CA legislation that aims to streamline housing production, particularly for affordable housing, make it easier for non-profits and religious institutions to build housing, and create mechanisms to support social housing in the state for residents at all income levels.

Learn more about how state leaders in California plan to tackle the housing shortage, help supply more affordable housing, and organize pro-housing advocates to work together to support key legislation.

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Learn more about SB 423: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/article275357451.html

Learn more about SB 4: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-06/california-churches-nonprofit-colleges-could-build-homes-on-their-land-with-new-bill

Learn more about AB 309: https://milpitasbeat.com/assemblymember-alex-lee-wants-to-bring-social-housing-to-california/

https://www.californiasocialhousing.org/

The State of Farmworker Housing

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0000

There are an estimated 2.4 million farmworkers in the United States. Farmworkers across the country are doing some of the most essential work in our society, but they are not given access to acceptable housing options. Challenges in supply, affordability, and safety are posing a huge threat to farmworkers.

On Cesar Chavez Day YIMBY Action's Alex Melendrez had a conversation with Rudy Espinoza, YIMBY Action Board Member and longtime housing and farmworker activist, and Veronica Z. Garcia who is the Chief Real Estate Development Officer with Peoples Self Help Housing in San Luis Obispo, CA. They spoke about the landscape of farmworker housing in California and nationally, how systemic barriers are impacting farmers as they seek to find safe and affordable housing, and what YIMBYs can do to mobilize for more farmworker housing.

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Zoning is on a Holiday in California

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 21:00:00 +0000

For 40 years, California has analyzed upcoming housing needs based on populations across its cities and required all local governments to submit plans to illustrate how they will contribute more housing in their areas to help the State meet its housing goals. This is called the California housing elements process. Despite the fact that submitting a compliant housing element is part of state law, NIMBY cities have continued to lie about where they plan to build housing in their plans— or have decided to not attempt to submit a plan at all. Now, YIMBYs have stepped in.

With the growing set of eyes on each city to help alleviate the housing shortage, YIMBY Action and YIMBY Law are inviting all property owners to take matters into their own hands using a tool called the Builder's Remedy. The Builder's Remedy is a California state law that forces cities with non-compliant housing elements to automatically approve any housing project as long as at least 20% of the homes are low-income or 100% of them are moderate-income.

Get a deep dive from our Executive Directors, Laura Foote and Sonja Trauss, and Emeryville Vice Mayor Courtney Welch about how California cities have been handling their housing elements processes, the consequences for noncompliant cities, and how property owners can take advantage of this open season on state zoning policies.

Learn more about the Builder's Remedy: https://www.yimbylaw.org/buildersremedy

Follow Vice Mayor Courtney Welch: https://twitter.com/cw4emeryville

Follow YIMBY Law on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Yimby_Law

Follow YIMBY Law on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YIMBYLaw

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

The Return of Social Housing: Breaking Down The Newest CA Bill

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In January 2023 California Assembly Member Alex Lee introduced Assembly Bill 309, a Social Housing Bill that aims to increase access to housing for all Californians. But how does social housing help solve the housing shortage?

Our Executive Director, Laura Foote, recently spoke with Assembly Member Lee and Darrell Owens, Policy Analyst for California YIMBY about the California Social Housing Bill. They talked through the big picture for Lee’s Social Housing Bill, discussed the history of social housing in the U.S. and abroad, and answered some common questions about how social housing works in practice.

Learn more about AB 309: https://www.californiasocialhousing.org/

Follow Assembly Member Lee on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alex_lee

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

How Homelessness and Housing Are Shaping Politics: California Spotlight

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:30:00 +0000

Last month, we voted for dozens of pro-housing candidates across the country. The YIMBY voting bloc continues to grow, and we’re seeing that growth in dozens of pro-housing wins this year. NIMBY voices are losing their influence.

YIMBY Action Board Member Anthony Dedousis recently spoke with Councilmember-elect Jesse Zwick of Santa Monica, and Councilmember-elect Chelsea Byers of West Hollywood. They both got involved in local government to help tackle homelessness. Now, they’re sharing insights on how running pro-housing campaigns helped them win their races and how they plan to push pro-housing policies in their City Council roles.

About Chelsea Byers:

Chelsea is a social impact strategist and community organizer. She currently serves as a Human Services Commissioner in the City of West Hollywood. She is also an appointee to the 6th Cycle Housing Element Task Force in West Hollywood.

About Jesse Zwick:

Jesse is a public policy and communications advisor, a renter advocate. Before getting involved in local politics, Jesse was a journalist for DC’s The New Republic Magazine and was a director and screenwriter. He worked on projects such as Nashville, Parenthood, and About Alex.

Links:

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Dive Into The California Builder's Remedy: Q&A With Dave Rand

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 8 Dec 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Many local governments in California exacerbate the housing shortage by ignoring state-mandated requirements for new housing projects— especially when it comes to affordable housing. The CA Builder's Remedy, a consequence of state housing law noncompliance, might be the key to getting more housing built anyway.

In California, if a city does not plan for the number of homes required by the state, the city has to approve any housing project as long as at least 20 percent of the homes are low-income or 100 percent of them are moderate-income. This process is what we call the Builder's Remedy.

YIMBY Law spoke with Dave Rand, a land use lawyer who is working on several builder’s remedy projects in Southern California, most notably in Santa Monica. Get Dave's insights into how the Builder's Remedy may be a pathway to new, affordable housing units in California, what challenges threaten Builder's Remedy projects, and how we can overcome those challenges.

Links:

More on the Builder's Remedy: https://www.yimbylaw.org/buildersremedy

More on Santa Monica vs The Builder's Remedy: https://www.yimbylaw.org/law-journal/whos-afraid-of-some-extra-height

Learn more about YIMBY Law: https://yimbylaw.org/who-we-are/

Follow YIMBY Law on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Yimby_Law

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Latinx Leaders In The YIMBY Movement

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:00:00 +0000

The housing shortage has impacted communities across the country. But have you ever wondered how it has affected specific groups? Or how those most impacted by the housing shortage have responded to its consequences? YIMBY Action’s Organizing Manager Alex Melendrez spoke with Irving Torres and Noelia Corzo about how leaders in the Latinx community have been pushing the pro-housing movement forward.

Irving is the Director of Community Engagement at All Home, an organization focused on creating economic mobility opportunities for extremely low-income (ELI) people. Noelia was a YIMBY Action-endorsed candidate for San Mateo County Supervisor, and serves as a Board Trustee for the San Mateo-Foster City School District.

Get insights into how Irving and Noelia got started in pro-housing advocacy, their takes on how the housing crisis impacts the Latinx community, and what these leaders are doing to create change.

Links:

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

How An LA Lawsuit Could Help Upzone California

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 9 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

When a Los Angeles developer attempted to build a multi-family apartment building, the LA City Government illegally denied the project. That’s when YIMBY Law stepped in.

In this episode, you’ll hear from YIMBY Law’s Executive Director Sonja Trauss, and YIMBY Law legal counsel Ryan Patterson about the details of the lawsuit and why it has implications for zoning across California.

Links:

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Appraising California's Newest Housing Laws

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 3 Nov 2022 22:34:59 +0000

Dozens of pro-housing laws were passed in California this year, but how will they impact the future of housing in the state? In this episode, our Policy Director Rafa Sonnenfeld sits down with Steve Wertheim to talk about the top pro-housing bills of the year and how they will help address the housing shortage that drives up prices in communities across the state.

Steve is a Senior Consultant with the California Assembly Housing Committee. He works with Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, who is the Chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee and a housing champion for the YIMBY movement.

Links:

Read YIMBY Action's top 10 list of California housing bills: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BIuVU3pF6ynomyqoLhmBCAnbpFRNdCra/view?usp=sharing

Learn more about Buffy Wicks' work on housing: https://buffywicks.com/record/housing-homelessness/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

YIMBYs in Action: Orlando, Florida

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 22:00:00 +0000

Come meet our Orlando chapter!

In this episode, our Volunteer Podcast Producer Ed sits down with Austin Valle who co-founded our chapter Orlando YIMBY. Austin talks about why he cares about housing and how Orlando YIMBY is fighting for abundant, affordable housing in Orlando. He shares what it was like to start a chapter, how his personal story drives his activism, and how his group is working with their neighbors to welcome even more people to the community they love.

Links:

Learn more about Orlando YIMBY: https://www.moreneighborsdallas.org/

Follow Austin Valle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/austinvalle

Follow Orlando YIMBY on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrlandoYIMBY

Follow Orlando YIMBY on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoYIMBY/

Follow Orlando YIMBY on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlandoyimby/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

What ever happened to Social Housing in CA?

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 7 Sep 2022 22:00:00 +0000

Why must the good die young?

This year, California Assemblymember Alex Lee introduced the California Social Housing Act (AB 2053). YIMBY Action sponsored the bill, organized in support of it, and worked with fellow supporting organizations to get it passed.

The bill got through several hurdles but ultimately died in the legislature several months ago. In this episode of Infill, Sonja Trauss, one of the founding members of the YIMBY movement, sits down with Paul Williams, founder of the Center for Public Enterprise. They discuss social housing, details about the California Social Housing Act, and why the bill died.

Links:

Read about the California Social Housing Act: https://www.californiasocialhousing.org/

Read the full Social Housing Bill: https://trackbill.com/bill/california-assembly-bill-2053-the-social-housing-act/2226585/

Follow Paul Williams on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PEWilliams_

Follow the Center for Public Enterprise on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PubEnterprise

Learn more about the Center for Public Enterprise: https://www.publicenterprise.org/

Follow Sonja Trauss on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SonjaTrauss

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

YIMBYs in Action: Dallas, Texas

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 16:17:03 +0000

Come meet the founders of our Dallas chapter!

In this episode, our National Chapter Manager Jes sits down with DeDe and Adam who founded our chapter More Neighbors Dallas.

The two of them share why they care about housing and how they're fighting for abundant, affordable housing in Dallas. They share what it was like to start a chapter, how their previous experiences help drive their activism, and how they're working with their neighbors to welcome even more people to the community they love.

Links:

Learn more about More Neighbors Dallas: https://www.moreneighborsdallas.org/

Follow More Neighbors Dallas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NeighborsDTX

Follow More Neighbors Dallas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeighborsDTX

Follow More Neighbors Dallas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moreneighborsdallas/

Follow More Neighbors Dallas on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moreneighborsdallas

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Planning for Housing or Planning to Fail? San Francisco's Housing Element

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 16:14:10 +0000

The first draft of San Francisco's housing plan was released last week and guests Chris Elmendorf and David Broockman talk about what it means for the city as well as the state overall.

Cities across California are creating housing plans (aka "housing elements") that will be in effect for the next eight years. YIMBYs have successfully advocated for laws that help make sure this process is especially impactful. Because of these laws, the housing element process can potentially add millions of homes in communities across the state.

The California State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) plays an important role in making sure that cities comply with these laws. This is in contrast to the housing element process just a few years ago, when there were few methods in place to ensure housing plans were practical and ultimately implemented. Now, there are several consequences for submitting a non-compliant plan.

Chris Elmendorf is a UC Davis law professor and David Broockman is a professor at UC Berkeley.

Links:

Learn more about housing elements: https://yimbyaction.org/rhna/

Volunteer to help make housing plans fair across the state: https://www.fairhousingelements.org/volunteer

Learn more about 2700 Sloat: https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-s-next-west-side-housing-battle-will-be-on-16710991.php

https://sfrichmondreview.com/2022/03/08/new-housing-proposed-on-sloat-blvd-between-45th-46th-aves/

Learn more about Shawn Kumagai: https://www.shawnkumagai.com/

Follow Shawn Kumagai on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShawnKumagai

Follow Chris Elmendorf on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSElmendorf

Follow David Broockman on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dbroockman

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

YIMBYs in Action: San Luis Obispo County, California

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 8 Aug 2022 17:31:19 +0000

In this episode, our volunteer podcast producer Ed talks with two of our leads from San Luis Obispo County, California! Hear from Krista and Kevin on what they've been working on and how they're advocating for housing in their community!

They also talk about how SB 9 and SB 10 have impacted SLO County. Both bills passed in California last year, and they became law at the beginning of 2022. SB 9 legalizes duplexes and lot splits so up to four homes can be built on lots that currently only have a single-family detached home. SB 10 makes it easier for cities and towns to allow multifamily buildings that include up to ten homes.

Links:

Learn more about SLOCo YIMBY: https://www.slocoyimby.org/

Follow SLOCo YIMBY on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SlocoYimby

Follow SLOCo YIMBY on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sloco_yimby/

Follow Krista on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kinder_fiercer

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

California Housing Law Enforcers

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 16:00:16 +0000

YIMBYs in California advocate for laws to address the housing shortage and housing affordability crisis, but what happens after the Governor signs them?

Housing law enforcement is an important but often less flashy part of the process of making housing abundant and affordable. Housing law enforcement is possible because of volunteers, organizations like YIMBY Law, the CA Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Attorney General's office. Working together, we're able to hold cities accountable to the laws that are passed, including dozens of California cities that don't have housing plans that are compliant with state law.

In this episode, Louis Mirante from California YIMBY sits down with David Pai, Deputy Attorney General in the Housing Strike Force, and David Zisser, the Assistant Deputy Director in the HCD Housing Accountability Unit. They talk about what housing law enforcement looks like at the state level and when they intervene.

Special thanks to our friends at California YIMBY for hosting this event! To get involved and support housing law enforcement in California, become a watchdog! https://www.fairhousingelements.org/volunteer

Links:

Watch the video on YouTube (with all the slides mentioned): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWveuGw7C3k

Become a housing element watchdog: https://www.fairhousingelements.org/volunteer

Learn more about housing elements: https://www.fairhousingelements.org/explainer

Learn more about California YIMBY's work: https://cayimby.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

More Affordable Homes, Less Parking: Making the Most of Density Bonus Programs

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 28 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000

A new report from Circulate San Diego shows us what's possible with density bonus programs. Laura sits down with Colin Parent and Jesse O'Sullivan to talk about their Homerun for Homes report that outlines the outcomes from the program.

Links:

Check out the Homerun for Homes report: https://circulatesd.org/homerunforhomes

Learn more about Colin Parent and Jesse O'Sullivan at Circulate SD: https://www.circulatesd.org/staff_and_interns

More from Colin Parent on his article "City-Wide: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth," which outlines how housing reform is more likely to be successful when it's made across a larger geography: https://www.circulatesd.org/citywide

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Breaking Down the CA Housing Budget

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 21 May 2022 17:00:00 +0000

California Governor Newsom released a revised version of the state's budget on May 13th, so what does it mean for housing? Laura Foote sits down with Michael Lane, the State Policy Director for SPUR Urbanist, to discuss the details.

SPUR is a nonprofit public policy organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. They bring people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the big problems cities face. They are recognized as a leading civic planning organization and respected for its independent and holistic approach to urban issues.

Links:

More details on the California State budget: https://ebudget.ca.gov

Learn more about SPUR: https://www.spur.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

How to Get More YIMBYs Elected, with Giselle Hale and Jon Wizard

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 9 May 2022 23:56:49 +0000

Electing pro-housing legislators is one of the most efficient ways to address the housing shortage.

YIMBY Action and our chapters across California have worked hard to find the best pro-housing candidates running for the state legislature. And these two candidates have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their willingness to support housing.

Hear from Jon Wizard and Giselle Hale as they talk about their backgrounds on housing and the impact that we can all have on these races and others.

Jon Wizard is running for State Assembly District 30, which covers the California Central Coast from just south of Santa Cruz through Monterey, all the way down past San Luis Obispo.

Giselle Hale is running to represent Assembly District 21, which covers the peninsula including Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, Foster City, San Carlos, Redwood City, and East Palo Alto.

Links:

Support Jon Wizard's campaign: https://electwizard.com/

Support Giselle Hale's campaign: https://www.gisellehale.com/

See YIMBY Action's 2022 endorsements: https://yimbyaction.org/endorsements/

Matt Haney and the Power of Pro-Housing Campaigns

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 17:19:55 +0000

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney won the special election for California Assembly District 17 on April 19! By using a strong pro-housing message, his campaign demonstrated just how compelling a pro-housing message is for voters. Pro-housing platforms hold a lot more power than they did just a few years ago.

Housing moves voters. So many of us have been directly affected by the housing shortage and we're ready to make the change we NEED to see in our communities.

The YIMBY voting bloc is growing.

Hear from Assemblymember-elect Matt Haney about his winning campaign message and how other candidates outside of San Francisco can use similar messages to get out the vote!

Links:

SF Chronicle coverage: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Matt-Haney-s-Assembly-victory-is-a-coup-for-17108666.php

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

YIMBY Law takes on NIMBY cities in CA

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 23:09:53 +0000

Last week, YIMBY Law announced three lawsuits against San Francisco and Los Angeles for not approving general plan compliant housing projects.

Join YIMBY Action Executive Director Laura Foote and YIMBY Law Executive Director Sonja Trauss discuss the ins and outs of these lawsuits, some of the reasons cities give for not approving housing projects, and how you can be involved in holding your city accountable too.

Links:

Think your city is breaking a housing law? Submit it here: https://www.yimbylaw.org/submit-issue

See the full press release about the lawsuits on YIMBY Law’s website: https://www.yimbylaw.org/press

Donate to YIMBY Law to help keep up enforcement! https://www.yimbylaw.org/donate

Follow YIMBY Law on Twitter for their hot takes and city shenanigan updates: https://twitter.com/Yimby_Law

Follow YIMBY Law on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YIMBYLaw/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

San Francisco Housing Debate 2022 - AD 17

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:50:37 +0000

The four candidates for San Francisco's Assembly District 17 go head to head on housing policy. We dug in with David Campos, Matt Haney, Bilal Mahmood, and Thea Selby on their perspectives on California's biggest problem: housing. This Special Election was triggered when Assemblymember David Chiu was appointed to become San Francisco's City Attorney. Last day to vote in the primary is February 15th. The top two candidates will continue on to the General Special Election.

Hosted by YIMBY Action chapters SF YIMBY, Northern Neighbors, Urban Environmentalists, Grow the Richmond, Streets for People, and Southside Forward.

Moderated by SF YIMBY Board Member Brandon Powell, with militant timekeeping by YIMBY Action Executive Director Laura Foote.

Questions provided by YIMBY Leads and Members.

Links:

See our endorsement for this race: https://yimbyaction.org/endorsements/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Small Sites, Big Arguments

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 17:21:25 +0000

What is San Francisco's Small Sites Program? What does it do? Who benefits from it?

YIMBY Action Executive Director Laura Foote and Mission Housing Executive Director Sam Moss break it down and talk about the arguments in support of the program and against it.

Learn more about the Small Sites Program: https://sfmohcd.org/small-sites-program

Learn more about Mission Housing: https://missionhousing.org/

Follow Mission Housing on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissionHousing

Follow Mission Housing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionHousing

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Follow YIMBY Action on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Instagram: https://instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Follow YIMBY Action on Facebook: https://facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Build Back What Exactly?

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 16:32:51 +0000

All the talk in Congress about the Build Back Better Act and the federal infrastructure package is confusing. It seems to change so quickly, it's hard to keep up.

What got passed? What got cut? What's next? Where should we focus our advocacy?

YIMBY Action Executive Director Laura Foote talks with Joey Lindstrom, Field Director at the National Low Income Housing Coalition, who gives an update on what made it across the finish line for housing in the Federal Infrastructure Package and what's to come.

🚨 Take 1 minute to write to your Congresspeople to urge them to include funding for affordable housing: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/action-alert-tell-congress-to-invest-in-affordable-housing

If your representative is a moderate, their votes are important and they can likely be convinced! Find out if your rep is moderate: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-Pga83JCkY01Ku-AzWMBwCuRQ5dMkIHj/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113275764594990283654&rtpof=true&sd=true

Build Back Better fact sheet: https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/Historic-Housing-Investments-in-the-Build-Back-Better-Act.pdf

Audio transcript: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/sdownload/Wqv6x2Y2UZhOD_ZYejDB5sHzfT3cW1lWaSS2AzvrHtsYP5EJdacdzS_80G6AF6OzZfBQpBoaoL_rsDUW.nFvcz7YpujoM0NCk

Twitter links-

Joey Lindstrom: https://twitter.com/JosephLindstrom

National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC): https://twitter.com/NLIHC

YIMBY Action: https://twitter.com/yimbyaction

Instagram links-

NLIHC: https://www.instagram.com/nlihc/

YIMBY Action: https://www.instagram.com/yimbyaction/

Facebook links-

NLIHC: https://www.facebook.com/NLIHCDC

YIMBY Action: https://www.facebook.com/yimbyaction/

Learn more about NLIHC: http://www.nlihc.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Housing Changemaker Series with Roderick Hall and Madeline Baron

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 2 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Housing Changemaker Series, Laura Foote is joined by Roderick Hall and Madeline Baron who are both Project Managers at ECONorthwest. They discuss Up For Growth research and policy, challenges urban planners face, and the importance of research and data analysis in housing.

Roderick Hall is a project manager at ECONorthwest with a background in research and data analytics, housing finance, community organizing, and program design and evaluation. Rod joined ECONorthwest in 2021 and oversees a range of projects that include housing policy and planning, market studies and development feasibility, displacement risk analysis and anti-displacement strategy, and structural inequities

Madeline specializes in affordable housing, finance, research, and policy analysis. At ECONorthwest, she evaluates policy solutions across the entire spectrum of the housing market – from tax measures to fund permanent supportive housing and alleviate homelessness to community development efforts at mitigating displacement, equitable housing development surrounding major infrastructure projects, and feasibility analysis of missing middle and market-rate housing development. Her work encompasses statistical analysis, strategic planning, real estate development, finance and funding, and scenario planning.

This special series on Infill is in partnership with Up For Growth, who is hosting a conference featuring amazing pro-housing voices from all over the country. We had the great opportunity to sit down with several of the speakers and give you a preview of what will be discussed in more detail during the online conference. Tickets are free, grab yours here! https://go.upforgrowth.org/UFG2021YIMBY

Links:

Hear more about ECONorthwest: https://econw.com/about

Follow Roderick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoderickDHall1

Follow ECONorthwest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ECONorthwest

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Housing Changemaker Series with Bryan Greene

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 16:07:50 +0000

In this episode of the Housing Changemaker Series, Laura Foote is joined by Bryan Greene, Vice President, Policy Advocacy, National Association of REALTORS. They discuss fair housing policy, equity in homeownership, and Bryan's background at HUD and beyond.

Bryan oversees all legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of the association's 1.4 million members. Before joining NAR, Bryan served for ten years as the highest-ranking career official in HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), where he oversaw the policy direction and operational management of the 600-person office enforcing the nation's housing anti-discrimination laws. Under Bryan's leadership as FHEO General Deputy Assistant Secretary, HUD pursued large-scale, high-profile cases that addressed systemic discrimination and provided widespread relief. Bryan also managed HUD's Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) and HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), which together provide over $70 million to state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations fighting discrimination in local communities.

Links:

Hear more from Bryan on Fair Housing: https://www.nar.realtor/center-for-realtor-development-podcast/ensuring-fair-housing-for-all-with-nars-bryan-greene

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Housing Changemaker Series with Nicole Macri

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 17:24:52 +0000

In this episode of the Housing Changemaker Series, Laura Foote sits down with Nicole Macri, who represents the 43rd legislative district of Washington. She serves as vice-chair of the Healthcare and Wellness Committee and is a member of the Finance and Appropriations Committees. She is also a member of the Washington State Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Nicole has more than 20 years of experience championing progressive causes on issues around affordable housing, homelessness, human services, and mental health. She has been at the forefront of the Housing First movement nationally, and is a recognized leader in practical and effective strategies that end the homelessness of people living with serious disabilities.

Links:

Follow Rep. Macri on Twitter: https://twitter.com/votenicolemacri

Learn more about Rep. Macri: https://votenicole.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Housing Changemaker Series with Ryan Fecteau

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:21:42 +0000

In this episode, Laura Foote sits down with Maine Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau, who has done substantial work on housing in his state. He grew up in Affordable Housing, and his experience informs his work on increasing Affordable Housing in Maine. A bill he sponsored recently passed in the state that will establish a commission to review barriers to producing more affordable housing in Maine, and he speaks to the challenges the state faces such as the quality of housing, the impact of housing on generational poverty, and the importance of housing security.

Links:

Speaker Fecteau's philosophy regarding Maine's affordable housing issue: https://ryanfecteau.com/affordable-housing/

Follow Speaker Fecteau on Twitter: https://twitter.com/speakerfecteau

Maine's Commission to Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions started meeting in August: https://ryanfecteau.com/2021/08/maines-new-commission-to-increase-housing-opportunities-begins-work-this-week/

Speaker Fecteau's bill that passed this year paved the way for this Commission: https://ryanfecteau.com/2021/06/affordable-housing-legislation-sponsored-by-speaker-fecteau-signed-into-law/

One-minute news clip about Speaker Fecteau's affordable housing work: https://www.facebook.com/SpeakerFecteau/videos/437420190699725

At the start of 2020, Governor Mills signed Speaker Fecteau's bill making the largest statewide investment in affordable housing:

https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-signs-fecteaus-affordable-housing-bill-law-2020-02-12

Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/

Housing Hot Takes: San Diego Housing Element Edition

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 17:59:17 +0000

Did you know San Diego recently claimed that housing would be placed on top of a cemetery??

California cities are going through a once-every-eight-year process where they have to create housing plans. The state determines how many homes they'll need based on population growth, job growth, and other factors. But lots of cities have been trying to get away with plans that don't make sense. San Diego's claim that homes will go on top of a cemetery is just one example, and we need to make sure cities all over the state make plans that are actually able to be executed.

That's where Jon Wizard, the Campaign for Fair Housing Elements, and the team at YIMBY Law come in. Along with hundreds of volunteers, they're keeping an eye on these housing plans and sending important information to the state (specifically California HCD) in order to hold cities accountable.

Join Executive Director Laura Foote in a conversation with Jon Wizard, Policy Director at the Campaign for Fair Housing Elements as they discuss what San Diego's housing element means for other housing plans throughout the state.

Learn more about the Campaign for Fair Housing Elements and sign up to be a Watchdog: https://www.fairhousingelements.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action and become a member: https://yimbyaction.org/

Housing Changemaker Series with David Williams

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 21:24:44 +0000

This special series on Infill is in partnership with Up For Growth, who is hosting a conference featuring amazing pro-housing voices from all over the country. We had the great opportunity to sit down with several of the speakers and give you a preview of what will be discussed in more detail during the conference. The conference starts on September 21 and is all online. Tickets are free, grab yours here! https://go.upforgrowth.org/UFG2021YIMBY

In this episode, Laura Foote sits down with David A. Williams, who serves as the Director of Policy Outreach at Opportunity Insights, a research and public policy lab based at Harvard University dedicated to using big data to improve upward mobility in America.

Learn more about David: https://opportunityinsights.org/team/david-williams/

Learn more about Up For Growth: https://www.upforgrowth.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action (become a member in September and get a free Legalize Housing shirt!): https://yimbyaction.org/join

Housing Changemaker Series with Salim Furth

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 20:49:00 +0000

This special series on Infill is in partnership with Up For Growth, who is hosting a conference featuring amazing pro-housing voices from all over the country. We had the great opportunity to sit down with several of the speakers and give you a preview of what will be discussed in more detail during the conference. The conference starts on September 21 and is all online. Tickets are free, grab yours here! https://go.upforgrowth.org/UFG2021YIMBY

In this episode, Laura Foote sits down with Salim Furth, a Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. His research focuses on housing production and land use regulation and has been published in Critical Housing Analysis and the IZA Journal of Labor Policy. He has testified before several state legislatures as well as the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. He frequently advises local government officials on zoning reform and housing affordability.

Learn more about Salim: https://www.mercatus.org/scholars/salim-furth

Learn more about Up For Growth: https://www.upforgrowth.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action (become a member in September and get a free Legalize Housing shirt!): https://yimbyaction.org/join

Housing Changemaker Series with Chris Leinberger

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 18:13:16 +0000

This special series on Infill is in partnership with Up For Growth, who is hosting a conference featuring amazing pro-housing voices from all over the country. We had the great opportunity to sit down with several of the speakers and give you a preview of what will be discussed in more detail during the conference. The conference starts on September 21 and is all online. Tickets are free, grab yours here! https://go.upforgrowth.org/UFG2021YIMBY

This episode, Laura Foote sits down with Chris Leinberger, a land use strategist, developer, professor, researcher and author. Currently, Mr. Leinberger is Managing Partner and Co-founder, Places Platform, LLC, which assesses place-based economic, social equity and public health by measuring and managing economic growth, net fiscal impact, real estate valuation, achieving social equity and increasing public health.

Learn more about Christopher: https://chrisleinberger.com/

Learn more about Up For Growth: https://www.upforgrowth.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action (become a member in September and get a free Legalize Housing shirt!): https://yimbyaction.org/join

Housing Changemaker Series with Dr. Akilah Watkins

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:48:45 +0000

You’re in for a treat! This is the first episode in our special Housing Changemaker Series in partnership with Up For Growth.

Up For Growth is an incredible national pro-housing organization and they’re hosting a conference featuring amazing pro-housing voices from all over the country.

We had the great opportunity to sit down with several of the speakers and give you a preview of what will be discussed in more detail during the conference. The conference starts on September 21 and is all online. Tickets are free, grab yours here! https://go.upforgrowth.org/UFG2021YIMBY

This episode, Laura Foote sits down with Dr. Akilah Watkins who is President and CEO for the Center for Community Progress, America’s nonprofit leader for turning “Vacant Spaces into Vibrant Places.” They are a resource for urban, suburban, and rural communities seeking to address the full cycle of property revitalization.

Her career’s work has focused on helping people, communities, and local and federal government drive impactful reform for key issues including land banking, property vacancy, childhood obesity, community health, and economic development.

Follow Dr. Akilah Watkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrAkilahWB

Learn more about the Center for Community Progress: https://communityprogress.org/

Learn more about Up For Growth: https://www.upforgrowth.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action (become a member in September and get a free Legalize Housing shirt!): https://yimbyaction.org/join

Celebrating the Passage of CA SB9!

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 7 Sep 2021 15:40:35 +0000

SB 9 recently passed in the California Assembly! This is a huge win for housing in California and beyond, and it passed because of the hard work done by pro-housing legislators and YIMBYs all over the state.

SB 9 legalizes duplexes and lot splits in single-family zoned neighborhoods all over the state, allowing for more home buying opportunities and missing middle housing for California families.

Thank you to all who called, emailed, and tweeted at your representatives to urge them to support SB9. Also, a special thank you to those who wrote op-eds and letters to the editor which helped reach new community members as well as convince lawmakers to support this bill!

Today's episode traces SB9's journey through the legislature, starting with the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee on June 22, 2021.

Come along to hear California State legislators speak about this key bill and its potential impact on housing throughout California. Including speeches from Assemblymembers David Chiu, Buffy Wicks, Robert Rivas, and Chris Holden.

Special thanks to our podcast producer Ed who put this together!

Learn more about YIMBY Action.

Saying Yes to Fourplexes in SF

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 2 Sep 2021 21:05:31 +0000

Legalizing fourplexes would not only be a meaningful step toward ending the housing shortage, it would also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the Bay Area reach its state-mandated housing goals.

Join us for a great conversation with Supervisor Rafael Mandelman talking about his proposed legislation for fourplexes everywhere.

Rafael Mandelman is an American attorney and politician currently serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, representing District 8. Prior to his election to the Board of Supervisors, he served on the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees.

Learn more about SF YIMBY.

Learn more about YIMBY Action.

Read more about Supervisor Mandelman’s proposal.

Download transcript.

California SB 9 & SB 10 with Senator Scott Wiener

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 15:54:58 +0000

Laura Foote and CA State Senator Scott Wiener talk about the conflict around SB 9 & 10, the power of op-eds in local newspapers, and what the next steps are for these two key bills in the CA legislature. Note: SB 10 passed through the Assembly yesterday! We're still fighting for SB 9 to pass, and we need your help. Use our call tool to tell your Assemblymember to support SB 9: https://actionnetwork.org/call_campaigns/get-sb9-across-the-finish-line/ Learn more about YIMBY Action and become a member: https://yimbyaction.org/join Read more about CA SB 9: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB9 Read more about CA SB 10: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB10

Research and Policy in Housing with David Garcia

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 21:22:56 +0000

Check out research released by the Terner Center regarding housing policy: https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/research-and-policy/

Learn about the Campaign for Fair Housing Elements: https://fairhousingelements.org/

Learn more about YIMBY Action and become a member: https://yimbyaction.org/join/

For more information about the Terner Center: https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/

Housing is Infrastructure with Kriston Capps

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 28 May 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Bloomberg CityLab reporter Kriston Capps walks us through the five buckets of President Biden's infrastructure plan as it relates to housing.

Dive into the details of the federal policy proposals within the infrastructure plan including what Kriston calls the "YIMBY Bucks" program that incentivizes cities to end exclusionary zoning.

Read some of Kriston's recent work:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-26/what-s-in-the-biden-administration-s-housing-plan

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-05-05/citylab-daily-austin-bans-homeless-encampments-again

How to Excite the Suburbs - Part 2

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 4 May 2021 18:17:52 +0000

The Long Anticipated PART 2 of the YIMBY Chat with Vox Reporter Jerusalem Demsas. Laura & Jerusalem answer some questions, discussing how to change hearts and minds on housing. A sprawling, fast-paced discussion on polling and growing the pro-housing movement in both red and blue communities.

How to Excite the Suburbs - Part 1

marketing@yimbyaction.org (jerusalem demsas) — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 18:47:10 +0000

Vox Reporter Jerusalem Demsas joins Laura Foote of YIMBY Action to discuss changing hearts and minds on housing. A sprawling, fast-paced discussion on polling and growing the pro-housing movement in both red and blue communities.

Read Jerusalem's latest articles:

How to Convince a NIMBY to Build More Housing

America's Racist Housing Rules Really Can Be Fixed

Lots of Angry Letters with Liam Dillon

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 19:56:43 +0000

Recorded just before the governor announced his enforcement arm of HCD, Liam Dillon talks through the big picture of what to expect in housing production legislation in California this year.

Fair Housing Elements For All

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 00:36:08 +0000

YIMBY Law (partner org of YIMBY Action) has hired two amazing Housing Elements Coordinators, Jon Wizard and Jes McBride. Who are these fabulous people? Why are they so passionate about housing? What comes next for Fair Housing Elements?

Website will be live soon, so bookmark fairhousingelements.org

ADEMocracy 101 with Senator Scott Wiener

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 02:33:31 +0000

Senator Scott Wiener has been the biggest housing champion of the state legislator for years. We chat about plans for the coming year and why obscure things like ADEMs are so important. If you're a registered Democratic Voter in California, party elections are happening in January. Register to vote for ADEM candidates here: ademelections.com.

Become a member of YIMBY Action at yimbyaction.org/join

It's Housing Elementary, my dear fellow.

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 22:14:04 +0000

Laura sits down with Anthony Dedousis, Policy Director at Abundant Housing LA.

Progressive AND Pro-Housing

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 20:48:51 +0000

YIMBY Action's Laura Foote sits down with newly elected California State Assemblymember Alex Lee to chat about running for office and bringing a younger perspective on housing to the California State Assembly.

Making Urbanism Antiracist w/ Michael Lens

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 8 Oct 2020 05:39:55 +0000

How can planners, advocates, public officials and urbanists advance the cause of racial justice?

A recording of our recurring event, Making Urbanism Antiracist. Michael Lens, Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Public Policy at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs joins Laura for a wonky-but-lively discussion about housing, planning, academia and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Co-hosted by YIMBY Action, YIMBY Law, and Abundant Housing LA.

This is part of our "Making Urbanism Antiracist" speaker series; an ongoing conversation on how housing and transit activists must advance racial equity.

Event: Housing Justice & How We Get There

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 17:51:07 +0000

Recording from a panel discussion with activists and advocates on their long-term visions of housing justice and how we get there. Four women leaders in housing share their sometimes intersecting and sometime divergent visions.

Panelists:
Gloria Bruce, Executive Director, EBHO
Catherine Bracy, Executive Director, TechEquity Collaborative
Noni Session, Director, East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative
Laura Foote, Executive Director, YIMBY Action

Hosted by EBHO & YIMBY Action

Segregation Then & Now with Jamelle Bouie

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 22:13:12 +0000

A conversation with New York Times columnist and CBS analyst Jamelle Bouie about the history of exclusionary housing policy and an upcoming ballot measure to limit heights of new housing in San Mateo. Co-hosted by YIMBY Action and Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo.

All proceeds from ticket sales went to the campaign against San Mateo's exclusionary zoning, which is on the ballot in November 2020.

Thank you to audio editor Michael Jancsy!

London YIMBY

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 08:07:40 +0000

John Myers of London YIMBY and Sam Watling of Brighton YIMBY join Laura to talk about how they're advocating for change in England. It's a fascinating discussion of the structure of government and how they impact YIMBY strategies.

Connect with the entire YIMBY Alliance in the UK!

YIMBY London

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 08:07:04 +0000

Mayor London Breed's 2020 inauguration speech. Featuring highlights such as:

"Frankly, I am tired of hearing about our 'housing crisis.' Crises are unpredictable; they happen suddenly, and policymakers usually try to avoid them. Our housing problems were entirely predictable. They are the result of decades of almost intentional under-building, and the decision decades ago to down-zone almost three-quarters of the city and ban apartments.

We don’t have a housing crisis. We have a housing shortage."

Full text available here.

Yes to People, Yes to Housing (2/2)

marketing@yimbyaction.org (Laura Foote, Matthew Yglesias, Ernest Brown) — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 05:25:50 +0000

More amazing speeches from the YIMBY Party Party. First up, Ernest Brown from the YIMBY Action Board. Then Matthew Yglesias celebrates the growth of the YIMBY movement. Finally, YIMBY Action Executive Director Laura Foote brings it home.

We are going to win. (1/2)

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 05:11:59 +0000

Elected officials at the YIMBY Party Party celebrate the pro-housing movement and share how important it has been for them. Amazing stories from Senator Scott Wiener, Senator Nancy Skinner, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.

Up For Federal Action

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 7 Oct 2019 21:41:05 +0000

YIMBY Action goes to DC to advocate with Up For Growth on several new housing bills being introduced in Congress. Hear from Up For Growth ED Mike Kingsella, Congressman Denny Heck (@RepDennyHeck) and Congressman Scott Peters (@RepScottPeters).

Read more about the Build More Housing Near Transit Act and the Yes In My Back Yard Act. Take action by emailing or tweeting your Senator and Congressperson asking them to support this legislation and do more to get housing built in cities across the country!

The Rent Is Still Too Damn High

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action, Matthew Yglesias, Laura Foote) — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 18:47:26 +0000

"Internet personality" Matthew Yglesias comes on the YIMBY Podcast! Laura and Matt chat about the presidential candidate housing platforms, the role of the federal government in housing, and Housing Twitter. Join Matt October 10th in San Francisco for the annual YIMBY Party Party!

Buy your tickets now: party.yimbyaction.org

For All The Data Nerds

marketing@yimbyaction.org (Ruth Bernstein, Laura Foote) — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 06:31:03 +0000

Ruth Bernstein, President & CEO of EMC Research comes on the YIMBY Podcast to chat about housing data and the changing public opinions across California about the housing crisis.

Say Market Rate Housing, David. Market.

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 13:00:04 +0000

Guest David Klion (news editor at Jewish Currents, writer The Nation, and internet dude) discusses YIMBY and image problem with the Left. We half-start every argument and never get to that very specific point you wish we had made.

At the California Democratic Convention!

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 8 Jun 2019 01:35:19 +0000

In this special episode, we talk to YIMBYs from all over the state who came to San Francisco for the California Democratic Convention. In addition to regulars Laura Foote of YIMBY Action and Scott Feeney, this episode features: Rachel Stevens, YIMBY Democrats of San Diego / California YIMBY, Jose Trinidad Castaneda, Orange County, California Democratic Party delegate, Alfred Twu, Berkeley artist and activist, delegate, Konstantin Hatcher, Los Angeles, California YIMBY, Jeff Grafton, South Bay YIMBY / Peninsula for Everyone

This is a Cursing Podcast

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 26 May 2019 07:56:12 +0000

Guest Randy Shaw, author of Generation Priced Out and blogger at Beyond Chron, comes on the pod to hash over SB 50 and the politics of YIMBY. What is dead may never die.

HEY! Contact Your Reps!

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action, Scott Wiener) — Wed, 15 May 2019 05:55:50 +0000

In this short episode we sit down with Senator Scott Wiener in his State Capitol office on the eve of battle.

You, mighty YIMBY Army, are being called to arms. TO ARMS!

Email now: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/email-your-state-reps-to-support-sb-50

Missing Middle with Berkeley Councilmembers

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Berkeley councilmembers Lori Droste and Rashi Kesarwani join us to discuss their effort to expand missing-middle housing options.

We also talk opportunity and belonging in the Bay Area. And a fun side story: UC Berkeley students' recent advocacy for housing at 2190 Shattuck, at what Laura describes as the "F*ck a View hearing," after a memorable student sign. (The councilmembers want you to know Laura called it that, not them.)

Lori and Rashi's missing-middle legislation, which is also sponsored by councilmembers Rigel Robinson and Ben Bartlett, will be presented to Berkeley's City Council on February 26th. East Bay for Everyone has details on that hearing, if you can show up.

Politics vs Policy in Smart Growth

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Can you effectively advance urbanist policy without doing "politics"? We discuss with our guest from Washington, DC, Alex Baca, who writes and works for the Coalition for Smarter Growth. Alex previously ran a bikeshare system in Cleveland, and before that worked for the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Washington City Paper.

Along the way, we get into DC's Congressionally set height limits, the 16th Street bus lanes, Virginia's weird rule for city incorporation, and the similarities of BART to DC's Metro.

By partial coincidence, all of the people on this episode lived in both San Francisco and the DC area at some point.

Exit Interview with Supervisor Katy Tang, Home-SF Author

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 7 Jan 2019 16:00:00 +0000

We chat with outgoing Supervisor Katy Tang, of the Sunset District, about her work on the board, and particularly Home-SF, the local density bonus. Also the recently passed Central SoMa Plan.

Home-SF
Sunset YIMBYs should join Westside = best side!

The More HOMES Act

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 16:00:00 +0000

Senator Scott Wiener's newly unveiled More HOMES Act, or Senate Bill 50, would unban apartments near transit and in high-opportunity areas. It's the new SB 827, but it's more ambitious, has clearer and stronger anti-displacement protections, and has racked up new supporters, including the building trade unions and many local officials.

We invited Senator Wiener's policy lead on housing and transportation, Annie Fryman, to join us for a frank conversation about the bill, the public reaction so far, and its relationship to the Bay Area's regional housing compact, CASA.

By the way, the name stands for More Housing, Opportunity, Mobility, Equity, and Stability.

1:02 What SB50 (More HOMES Act) is
4:04 Stronger public support vis-a-vis SB827
10:20 Sensitive communities carve-out
15:24 Minneapolis comprehensive plan vs SF Planning
17:23 Reactions to including job-rich areas
23:57 Preserving tenant-occupied housing
27:39 How Annie met Laura and got into housing politics
32:00 Demolition controls: SF compared to L.A.
37:47 Endorsements from big-city mayors and Building Trades
42:02 Affordable housing developer's take on More HOMES
45:33 Laura's Thanksgiving argument with her mom
51:25 CASA regional compact
1:02:47 Final thoughts

Become a community supporter of the More HOMES Act!

Literally Obliterated

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 15:50:00 +0000

Elections happened, and by now it's well known that the YIMBY supervisor candidates in San Francisco took a bruising. But there's good news from the East Bay, statewide, and elsewhere on the ballot. Darrell Owens from East Bay for Everyone joins Laura and Sam to talk about what just happened and what's next.

Epic Micro-Targeting

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 2 Nov 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Sonja made hand-drawn posters for an extremely niche issue in the Tenderloin. Meanwhile in the Sunset, the race is polling as a four-way tie. What?! And Laura gets phone-banked for a non-YIMBY-endorsed campaign that... can't think of any actual talking points. All this and more as we prepare for Election Day, with Laura Foote, Sam Moss, and special guest Ben Libbey, who's working as the volunteer coordinator for Sonja Trauss's campaign.

YIMBY Goes to School

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 14:50:00 +0000

Guests Michelle Parker and Victor Olivieri discuss San Francisco's transportation challenges getting kids to public schools and City College's plans for its land, including housing on Balboa Reservoir. Michelle and Victor have been endorsed by YIMBY Action in their campaigns for School Board and College Board respectively.

Fixing Homelessness and Improving Transit

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 14:30:00 +0000

California wants homelessness and transportation to get better, but isn't always willing to pay for it.

That's why in San Francisco, we have our work cut out for us to pass local Prop C, which would tax businesses making over $50 million to provide a permanent funding source for supportive housing, mental health services and shelters. At the beginning of the program, Nick Kimura (Eviction Defense Collaborative/Yes on C) tells us about some of the unfunded programs Prop C could start back up, like the Moving On program, and Sam adds his take as an affordable housing developer.

At 16:34, we talk to Adina Levin (Friends of Caltrain and a South Bay YIMBY) about No on 6, the fight to protect transportation funding against the Republicans' gas tax repeal measure. We go into what's at stake: important road repairs, Caltrain to downtown SF, longer BART trains, new AC Transit and Muni vehicles, bike/pedestrian improvements, and a regional means-based fare pilot. All these projects lose funding if Prop 6 passes, so find out what you can do!

Lastly, at 27:27, YIMBY volunteer Scott Feeney introduces the nascent YIMBY Mobility, a caucus (or "club," we're not sure which) that recently mobilized for Janice Li/No on 6 on the west side and has a District 2 mobilization coming up.

YIMBY endorsements for November 6th
Share the YIMBY endorsements with your friends using VoterCircle!
Prop C: Our City, Our Home
No on Prop 6 statewide campaign
In San Mateo County, Adina recommends Measure W
Saturday's YIMBY Mobility action for Nick and Janice

SPECIAL: Richard Rothstein "The Color of Law" Mission YIMBY event

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 18:23:00 +0000

On Oct 10th, Mission YIMBY held an event at the Brava Theater with Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. It was a powerful lecture on the racist history of housing in the United States, with opening remarks from organizer Steven Buss and Mission Housing's Sam Moss.

The Color of Law documents how American cities, from San Francisco to Boston, became so racially divided, as federal, state, and local governments systematically imposed residential segregation. Pick up a copy at your local bookstore!

Eastern Neighborhoods

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 15:00:00 +0000

A chat with Sonja Trauss and Theo Ellington, candidates to represent SoMa, Dogpatch, Bayview and other east-side neighborhoods that together are building 80% of San Francisco's new housing.

Sonja, who regular listeners know by now, catches us up on her campaign. She blows our minds with the stats on where new housing is concentrated, how she hopes to change that to allow Affordable Housing everywhere, and her plans to wage war on cars for safer District 6 streets.

Then (starting at 23:44) Theo tells us about his experiences growing up in the Bayview, his plans to better connect District 10, build more housing and push for development equity citywide, as well as his lawsuit over the discovery of radium 50 yards from his Shipyard home.

Homes Near Train Stations (with Nick Josefowitz and Janice Li)

marketing@yimbyaction.org (Laura Foote) — Fri, 5 Oct 2018 13:47:00 +0000

"It allows this really radical thing of allowing homes near train stations." We're all happy the governor signed AB-2923, Assemblymember David Chiu's bill to help BART build more housing on its parking lots.

To mark the occasion, we chat with YIMBY Action-endorsed candidate Nick Josefowitz (1:24), who helped shape the bill, about BART, housing, and his vision for District 2 (Russian Hill, Marina, Pacific Heights). Next, YIMBY Action-endorsed Janice Li (13:15) tells us about her run for BART board in a very oddly shaped district. If she prevails, Janice will be at the center of the next set of fights: using AB-2923 to actually implement BART's TOD policy. Finally at 32:45, we revel in the glow of BART housing and discuss other housing bills with Brian Hanlon, executive director of California YIMBY.

Endorsements All the Way to the West Side

marketing@yimbyaction.org (Laura Foote) — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Laura and Sam run through YIMBY Action's major endorsements for November 6th. Then, at 12:42, we talk to Trevor McNeil, a schoolteacher, parent, and pro-housing candidate for District 4, the Central and Outer Sunset. It's the first in a series of interviews with YIMBY-endorsed candidates.

We forgot to list off the neighborhoods that constitute District 6, where Sonja Trauss is running; she would represent SoMa, the Tenderloin, Mission Bay and Treasure Island.

See all the YIMBY Endorsements for November 2018
Support Trevor McNeil's campaign
Join YIMBYs tomorrow, Saturday 9/29 at a day of action for Trevor McNeil

Ernest for East Bay

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 07:17:00 +0000

Ernest Brown from East Bay for Everyone chats with Laura and Sam about organizing, politics and Big Ideas in YIMBY.

Eat Local!

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 5 Jul 2018 22:41:00 +0000

Insightful panel discussion with restaurant owners and the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, hosted by YIMBY Action and the Bay City Beacon! May be the best podcast yet!

The Campaign is Over, Long Live the Campaign!

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 22:51:00 +0000

Randy Shaw of Beyond Chron joins Sam and Laura to hash over election results, talk about his upcoming book, "Generation Priced Out."

It's about $800 to get better recording tools. Donate to YIMBY Action and put #INFILL in your comment.

Housing For ALL

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 20:00:00 +0000

Selections from our Mayor Elect London Breed. The first is from her opening comments at the YIMBY Mayoral Debate. The second is from her vote not to oppose SB 827.

It's 4pm - Hit Refresh!

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 22:13:00 +0000

No, we don't know who the Mayor is yet. But we can still talk about it! Sam Moss and Laura Foote Clark are joined by SF Magazine Editor Scott Lucas and Bay City Beacon's Data Expert Andy Mullan.

Uppers And Downers in Zoning

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 22:33:00 +0000

While SB 827 failed, we launched our new offices, won a lawsuit and had a party. Come along for the highs and lows with Laura, Louis, and Sam.

YIMBYing All Over the Great State of California

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 7 Apr 2018 03:58:00 +0000

Sam and Laura are joined by Maya Rosas of recently launched YIMBY Democrats of San Diego and Elizabeth Hansburg of People for Housing Orange County! It's a sprawling discussion about YIMBYing across California in all it's red, blue, and purple glory.

Selections from ULI's Conference

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 01:47:00 +0000

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) held "Housing the Bay" with a lightening round of speakers. Each speaker was given 3 minutes to present, and it's a quick window onto folks making big waves in the politics of land use.

Catherine Bracy – Tech Equity
Rebecca Foster – SF Accelerator Fund
Laura Foote Clark – YIMBY Action
Kim-Mai Cutler – On Prop 13
Laura Fingal Surma – Progress Noe Valley

Beauty is in the Eye of the Brutalist

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 05:33:00 +0000

Special Guest Broke Ass Stuart joins Laura and Sam to discuss exactly how terrifying 8 story buildings can be for the faint of heart.

Organized Lunatics

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 06:34:00 +0000

Laura, Sam and special guest Louis Mirante from California YIMBY talk SB827, Balboa Park Reservoir and the cost of delay.

Super Supervisor Sheehy

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 20:58:00 +0000

Announcing the YIMBY Ballot Proposition with Supervisor Jeff Sheehy! We need you to roll up your sleeves and help us get this passed. Join YIMBY Action, Donate to the Ballot Prop, and volunteer to collect signatures. It's all hands on deck!

NIMBY Wackamole

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 03:43:00 +0000

Laura and Sam with special guests Todd David and Corey Smith from the SF Housing Action Coalition talk about the Mayor's Directive, the Games NIMBYs play, and the art of selling out.

A Winning Podcast

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 22:32:00 +0000

Laura, Sam and Lilia Luciano bask in the glow of major state-wide housing legislation passing the California Assembly and heading for the Governor's desk. This might be the turning point we've been fighting for.

Intellectual Honesty

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 3 Sep 2017 00:25:00 +0000

Reporter Liam Dillon talks with Laura about the Housing Package and a
recent CA Supreme Court ruling on local taxes. They discuss the appetite for serious change, environmentalism, San Francisco quirkiness, and so much more.

Liam Dillon's reporting;
Sierra Club article;
KQED Forum

State of the BART

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 00:14:00 +0000

Brian and Laura interview Bart Board Director Nick Josefowitz about the state of BART, funding, and what comes next for our aging Bay Area sometimes-less-than-Rapid Transit system.

Modern Progress

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 04:51:00 +0000

New members of Team YIMBY are introduced! Then Laura and Sam chat with Professor Jason McDaniel about the Mods, the Progs and how we define ourselves.

Send two emails RIGHT NOW to your legislator

Reality Has a YIMBY Bias

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 05:09:00 +0000

Brian is moving to Sacramento! Sam still has a job! And Laura gets drunk and says let it all burn. Read more and take action by clicking below...

CALL YOUR CA SENATOR

Inclusionary may be at the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday for the initial reading. Watch live on SFGOVTV.

Chiu-ing on Housing Policy

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 6 Jun 2017 19:48:00 +0000

Assemblymember David Chiu sits down with YIMBY Laura Clark to talk state housing policy, San Francisco and his vision for housing in the Bay. Keep an eye out for a postcard campaign to support his AB71!

It's a Pun. Laugh.

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 22 May 2017 18:01:00 +0000

YIMBYs and NIMBYs in the News! Sam, Brian and Laura talk about their feels. Links about all the stuff:

Turns Out SF IS In California

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 06:22:00 +0000

So much legislation, and so much ranting about Prop 13. Laura, Sonja, Brian and Sam think it was really awesome. Take action by clicking some of the links below:

Give Public Comment On HomeSF - May 8

Read our No on Gutting the Density Bonus

Fight for Housing in Brisbane

Become a YIMBY Action Member

Read Senator Wiener's Latest Housing Piece

It's Pronounced K. P. O. O.

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 1 Apr 2017 19:51:00 +0000

Sam Moss of Mission Housing and Laura Clark of YIMBY Action were guests on "Connecting the Dots" on K.P.O.O. with Judy Drummond. It was a great show on San Francisco's "Poor People's Radio".

And yes, cat ear headphones are awesome.

At Home with Supervisor Tang

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 05:52:00 +0000

A brief explainer of Home-SF, Supervisor Katy Tang's legislation that is a local version of the State Density Bonus. Laura and Katy chat about the fight to pass this legislation.

Contact your Supervisor to support this legislation now!

Senate Transportation & Housing Committee: PART 2

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 04:44:00 +0000

On March 7th, the Senate had a 4+ hour hearing. In this second condensed section, we hear from experts on California's housing crisis and SPICY PUBLIC COMMENT!

For the full hearing audio and video, go here:

California Media Senate Archive

The Fetishization of Percentages

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:15:00 +0000

This week Sam, Laura and Brian discuss Assemblymember Ting's AHBP-wounding legislation, Inclusionary Nonsense, and How a Bill Becomes a Doorstop.

Biased post on Ting's AHBP legislation

Housing in the Mission

Fundraiser for La Raza

Senate Transportation & Housing Committee: PART 1

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 08:29:00 +0000

On March 7th, the Senate had a 4+ hour hearing. In this first condensed section, we hear from experts on California's housing crisis, subsidized affordable housing, how zoning and permitting restrict housing and more!

For the full hearing audio and video, go here:

California Media Senate Archive

The Year of Wonk

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 05:04:00 +0000

We may have gone a little too far into the weeds on this one... But... YIMBY National Convention 2017! State-wide Housing Legislation! Inclusionary Zoning Debates! Expand for Links...

YIMBY 2017 Convention

Pictures from Lobby Day

Chicken John For Racy Polaroids '07

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 06:04:00 +0000

Very special guest Chicken John comes on the podcast to tell Laura and Sonja about running for mayor, fighting with the system and so much more. This episode is sure to be a classic.

ChickenJohn.com, Institute of Possibilities, Chicken John for Mayor

Support us by joining YIMBY Action

Revolutionary Concept: Housing for Humans

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 9 Feb 2017 19:25:00 +0000

Sam, Laura and Brian learn from Supervisor Yee that families are struggling with housing in SF. Republicans come out strong for local zoning controls. And Trump continues to ruin everything.

Normon Yee Discovers Families

Republicans Support Local Zoning

Join YIMBY Action wherever you are!

Our Favorite Refugees From Trump's America

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 01:51:00 +0000

Meet D and Skylar, our new Kentucky besties. And Yimby Action is the new jam. Grow San Francisco is old news. It's all about the consolidated Yimby brand. Get pumped. Also #ShadowScandal. Discretionary Review is a train wreck and we all know it.

Laura and CCHO on the Radio

ADEM: California Beanstalk Climber Convention

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 2 Jan 2017 01:11:00 +0000

Laura Clark, Brian Hanlon and Mission Housing Director Sam Moss chat about the obscure but important upcoming ADEM elections, HUD, regional housing conversations, and the political importance of the San Francisco leather scene.

Find your local ADEM District here.

CARLA Panel Discussion: Race, Class & Place

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 00:26:00 +0000

Brian Hanlon hosts a panel of Top Wonks:

Ben Metcalf (CA HCD); Tomiquia Moss (Oakland Mayor's Office); Michael Lens (UCLA); Kate Downing (Palo Alto Forward)

A few of the wonkiest moments at the beginning were lost, but we think you'll survive.

How to Deal with Hill-Dwelling Haters

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 00:04:00 +0000

The Yimby Crew discusses all the recent press and how to deal with the haters. Laura, Sonja and Brian debate what is worth responding to and what is just straight up nonsense.

Articles we touch on:
San Francisco Magazine "The Yimbys Next Door"
David Talbot's Utter Garbage
Joe Fitz on the Sierra Club
Yimby Volunteer Vincent Woo's Op Ed

Taking it State Wide: Senator Scott Wiener

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 22:28:00 +0000

Our recently elected Yimby State Senator Scott Wiener is charging out of the gate, adding some teeth to regional housing accountability. We can't wait to see what he does next!

The photo is from the Yimby Party Party back in September. Scott commented that it was the only party he'd ever seen with a zoning map and a disco ball. That's how we roll!

Guardians of the Wilderness

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 5 Dec 2016 21:14:00 +0000

Yimby's are running for the San Francisco Sierra Club Executive Committee! Listen to responses from the recent candidate forum. You can also read Laura Foote Clark's Op-Ed in the Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/millennials-just-frustrated-housing-much-anyone-else/

Evil Must Be Opposed

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 18:38:00 +0000

While the national election looms over everything, the YIMBYs attempt to process local the results. What the hell just happened?

Assuming there will be a Tomorrow...

Mon, 7 Nov 2016 22:12:00 +0000

Tomorrow is election day. Assuming we all live, here's what comes next. This week we're sponsored by Brigade. Check out Laura and Sonja's ballots with some explainers on this cool little social network for nerds:

Laura's ballot: https://l.brigade.com/XzuQ
Sonja's ballot: https://l.brigade.com/7Y2

Locked Out of the Housing Market

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 19:58:00 +0000

An interview with John Gamboa, President of California Community Builders. It's a deep dive into the weeds of homeownership, focusing on policies to support Latino and low-income Californians. How can YIMBYs effectively advocate with communities of color for our shared housing objectives?

Election Day Announcements!

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 02:59:00 +0000

A short episode that will rouse you to action! Oh my god, everything is so exciting and happening!

Pissed Off Over Proposition P

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 19:33:00 +0000

Sam Moss, Executive Director of subsidized affordable housing developer Mission Housing and good friend of the Yimbys, comes on to spar over Proposition P. Whiskey was key to the success of this conversation.

Drinking buddies include:
Laura Clark
Sonja Trauss
Brian Hanlon
Sam Moss

The Banksys of Bike Infrastructure & Big Money

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 19:49:00 +0000

 In the first half we're joined by the most epic people in local politics, SF Transformation - @sfmtra on Twitter. These anonymous local heroes are taking matters into their own hands, adding rouge bike and pedestrian infrastructure to save lives.
 Then we switch to talk about the role of big, dark, sinister, sweet money in local campaigns. Should we be afraid or **very** afraid?

Borderline Spite and Other Motives

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 05:26:00 +0000

A shorter episode, in which we hear from lots of Yimbys. Volunteers from the Mass Mobilization tell us what motivates them and what it's like to talk with voters. Canvassing: It's not so hard! So come join us. Apologies in advance for the sound mixing!

The Brisbane of My Existence

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 3 Oct 2016 06:33:00 +0000

President Obama is officially a YIMBY. We're over the moon! Except... now we have to do the organizing to actually get this done. So, what does building a ground game look like?

Our old favorite Obama quote: "Democracy works, America, but we got to want it - not just during an election year, but all the days in between."

Our new favorite Obama quote: "We can work together to break down rules that stand in the way of building new housing and that keep families from moving to growing, dynamic cities."

Career Ending Podcast

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Sun, 2 Oct 2016 03:51:00 +0000

San Francisco Planning Commissioner Christine Johnson gives us an insider perspective on all those hearings we've been tweeting from. How did she find herself on the Planning Commission? Is this how it ends? We hope not, because we're huge fans! With regular YIMBYs Laura Clark of Grow San Francisco, Sonja Trauss of Bay Area Renters Federation, and Silvia Mahan.

Suburban Setbacks

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 01:24:00 +0000

What's happening in our suburbs? Laura Clark of Grow San Francisco, Silvia Mahan and special guest Corey Smith of SFHAC chat about the opposition to large infill projects in southern San Francisco and the South Bay. What is stopping us from building in our less dense, but job and transit rich 'burbs?

I've Got a Proposition For You

marketing@yimbyaction.org (YIMBY Action) — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 20:32:00 +0000

Laura Clark, Sonja Trauss and Silvia Mahan dig into a few of the more interesting ballot propositions. They pull no punches and dive into the weeds in this very opinionated podcast. The gang covers Propositions D, H, L, M, P, U, and X. Political personalities and urban policy blend into a fascinating analysis of our upcoming November election.

Special guest Milo Trauss, who is now working for the No on DHLM campaign.