NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) Movement

The NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) movement describes when local residents oppose or resist undesirable developments—such as prisons, waste facilities, or affordable housing—being placed nearby. While people may recognize the need for these projects elsewhere, they prefer they occur outside their immediate community to protect property values, reduce inconvenience, or maintain neighborhood character. NIMBYism reflects balancing community benefits with residents’ desire for local control and quality of life, often leading to debates about urban planning, equitable resource distribution, and responsible development.