YIMBY

American  

[yim-bee] / ˈyɪm bi /

abbreviation

1. yes, in my backyard: used to express support by local citizens to the locating in their neighborhood of civic projects, such as the construction of new multiunit housing, the development of public transportation, or the rezoning of urban areas for mixed use, which other residents may view as detrimental to the neighborhood.

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Etymology

Origin of YIMBY

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

“The joke is that…Los Angeles does have an affordable-housing strategy: It’s called Phoenix,” said Matthew Lewis, a spokesman for California YIMBY, referring to a recent outflow of Californians to cities with lower housing costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

Matthew Lewis, a spokesperson for California YIMBY, which advocates for greater homebuilding across the state, said that residents’ evacuation concerns are legitimate but that officials should focus on resolving that issue rather than limiting duplexes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025

Brian Hanlon, the CEO of California YIMBY, which has pushed for state housing reform, called the bill “one of the biggest wins for housing in a generation.”

From Slate • Jul. 2, 2025

Matt Lewis, spokesperson for housing advocacy group California YIMBY, said it’s important for the realtors’ association to be clear about what steps it will take to address the lingering effects of discriminatory policies it supported.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2022

Matthew Lewis, who works for the pro-housing advocacy organization California YIMBY, which stands for “Yes in My Backyard,” said that S.B.

From Washington Post • Oct. 7, 2021