Joint Letter to the House Financial Services Committee on the Yes in My Backyard Act (YIMBY)

Dear Chair Brown, Ranking Member Scott, Chair McHenry, Ranking Member Waters: 

The undersigned national associations represent for-profit and non-profit owners, operators, developers, lenders, property managers, housing agencies, housing cooperatives and advocacy  organizations involved in the provision and promotion of housing, both affordable and conventional.  We are writing to express our strong support for the bipartisan Yes in My Backyard Act (YIMBY) as introduced by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Todd Young (S. 1688) and Congressmen Mike Flood (R-NE) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) (H.R. 3507).  We urge your support for this legislation, and for committee consideration as soon as possible. 

America is facing a housing affordability crisis. While challenges are different from city to city and state to state, housing affordability is a nationwide problem. For decades, America has witnessed the escalating challenge created by demographic shifts, lack of development, and economic changes culminating in the inability of families to rent, buy, or maintain stable, affordable, and safe homes. Underproduction of housing is also a persistent and nationwide problem, leading to a supply and demand imbalance across the country. 

The YIMBY Act would help to eliminate discriminatory land use policies and remove barriers that depress production of housing in the United States. By requiring Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) recipients to report periodically on the extent to which they are removing discriminatory land use policies, and promoting inclusive and affordable housing, it will increase transparency and encourage more thoughtful and inclusive development practices. 

Housing affordability is a national problem that demands the attention of federal policymakers. The YIMBY Act is an important step to help mitigate this crisis.    

Sincerely, 

American Planning Association 
Council for Affordable and Rural Housing  
Habitat for Humanity International 
Institute of Real Easte Management 
Leading Builders of America 
Manufactured Housing Institute 
Mortgage Bankers Association 
National Affordable Housing Management Association National Apartment Association 
National Association of Homebuilders
National Association of Housing Cooperatives 
National Association of Realtors 
National Association of Residential Property Managers National Leased Housing Association 
National Low Income Housing Coalition 
National Multifamily Housing Council 
The Real Estate Roundtable 
Up For Growth 

Cc:  Members of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Members of the House Financial Services Committee 

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