Talk of the Town: Overcoming NIMBYism to improve communities

The Weekly Take from CBRE

Community opposition can thwart the most desirable—and needed—development projects. Connecticut developer Jerry Davis and CBRE’s Jessica Lall offer tips and strategies for marshalling community support for worthwhile projects and overcoming the instinct to “just say no” to new development.

1. Engaging the community early and maintaining open lines of communication are crucial for real estate developers to overcome community objections. By involving local stakeholders in the planning process and addressing their concerns, developers can build trust, gain allies and smooth the path for project approval.

2. Local governments that adapt regulations to allow for a variety of housing types can ease the "missing middle" problem—affordable housing that falls between single-family homes and large multifamily properties.

3. The affordable housing shortage can provide an impetus for regulatory changes and innovative solutions.

4. Successful pilot projects can demonstrate how local communities can benefit from new development.

5. Collaboration between government and the private sector can advance worthwhile projects that can be derailed by well-intention community opposition.