On November 21, Smart Growth America and LOCUS joined a diverse coalition of nonprofit organizations to support bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives who launched the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) Caucus. Members of the YIMBY Caucus are brought together by their commitment to advance policies that address the housing access crisis. SGA will support the YIMBY Caucus as an advisor, working toward more housing in the right places for communities across the country.
Last week, Smart Growth America participated in the launch of the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) Caucus, which was created to confront our nation’s ongoing housing access and affordability crises. Led by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) and joined by 25 bipartisan members of the U.S. House, the group will work to advance practical, innovative solutions to build more homes, increase affordability, and create economic opportunities in communities across the country.
During the launch, our Director of Research, Michael Rodriguez, spoke about our commitment to promoting healthy, prosperous, and resilient communities across the nation.
“The U.S. is facing an unprecedented housing access crisis. There are simply not enough housing options in locations that connect people to economic opportunities and improve quality of life.” -Michael Rodriguez, Director of Research, SGA
The launch also featured remarks from an array of diverse nonprofit organizations, including the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Up For Growth, National Multifamily Housing Council, Mortgage Bankers Association, and UnidosUS. SGA will also contribute insight from leading public interest-minded real estate developers through LOCUS, SGA’s coalition of triple-bottom-line real estate developers and investors. SGA and LOCUS’s support will help the YIMBY Caucus prioritize equitable, sustainable, and accessible housing near high-quality transportation options.
These partnerships will play a critical role in addressing housing challenges in the U.S. We look forward to working with the chairs of the YIMBY Caucus to advance forward-thinking policies that will lead to more housing in the right places. Housing affordability, access, and connectivity remain at the heart of building strong, equitable communities—and with initiatives like the YIMBY Caucus, we can take bold steps to ensure that everyone has a place to call home, no matter where they live.