Take Action: Yes in My Backyard (YIMBY) Act

• By: MBA/MW Staff
• On: 08/27/2024 22:23:37
• In: News

Dear MAA Member,

Please contact your U.S. Representative today and ask him/her to urge congressional leaders to bring H.R. 3507, the bipartisan Yes in My Backyard Act (YIMBY) legislation introduced by Congressmen Mike Flood (R-NE) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA), to the House floor for a vote in September. 

America is facing a housing affordability crisis. While challenges vary 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.

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

- What's next: MBA will continue to work with coalition partners to encourage House leaders to bring this important piece of legislation to a vote on the House Floor.  

As a MAA member, we need you to contact your U.S. Representative to ask them to urge House leaders – either Republican or Democratic — to bring H.R. 3507 before the full House Floor in September.