Across the country, cities are grappling with dramatically high housing costs and seeking answers to provide affordable housing for residents of all incomes. In recent years, the YIMBY movement has gained speed as one possible solution, advocating for deregulation and a developer-driven approach to housing production. As a land use tool that regulates development, historic preservation has become a target of YIMBYism in some cities. The accusation that preservationists are reactionary, NIMBYist, or anti-development is not new. However, the YIMBY argument, with its specific focus on removing all barriers to development in pursuit of affordable housing, requires a direct response. This paper outlines the YIMBY movement’s philosophy and makes the evidence based case in response to the YIMBY attack on historic preservation.

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