The following report outlines the process Team NIMBY took to create a toolkit that focused on combating the “Not In My Backyard” or NIMBY mindset. Specifically, our team focused on NIMBY’ism directed at affordable housing developments in Outagamie County. We wanted to educate city officials on both preventative and reactive measures that could be taken when NIMBYs voice concerns surrounding a new development in their neighborhood. We
accomplished this task through creating a toolkit containing extensive research on the topic, and through feedback from our sponsor in Outagamie County. This final toolkit is attached in Appendix A. Although we were unable to produce the most professional version of the toolkit, the necessary research and other insights are present. The key takeaway of the toolkit is that through education of the public and through proper training of city officials, people will be more open to change within their communities. We recommend that continued education on the subject is delivered to the government officials, and that citizens within the community are kept informed so they feel as though their voices or concerns are being heard.
UniverCity Year Contact Info: UniverCityAlliance@wisc.edu