/ ˈnɪm.bi.ɪ.zəm / noun /
RE: COMMUNITIES, HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE, URBAN PLANNING
'NIMBYism' comes from the phrase "Not In My Back Yard" (NIMBY). It describes opposition to developments like housing, wind farms, shelters, or factories when they’re planned close to where someone lives. People may agree such projects are needed, but still resist them in their own area due to concerns about noise, traffic, safety, or property values.
Nimbyism is common in urban planning and infrastructure projects. While it can reflect valid community concerns, it can also slow progress on essential developments like affordable housing, clean energy, or public health services. In international and policy contexts, it’s used to describe a broader tension between public good and personal comfort.
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