NIMBY Risk Assessment and

Decision Tree Tool

Anne Cory

Corporation for Supportive HousingMHSA Promising Practices Call 6/8/2011

www.csh.org

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Introduction

HUD's NIMBY Decision Tree is a resource developed to give housing advocates and developers strategies to combat community opposition--NIMBYism--during the process of developing/offering housing and services for homeless individuals.

NIMBY = Not In My Back Yard

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Definition

NIMBY, which stands for "not-in-my-backyard," is a mentality adopted by those who reject certain changes to their communities.

Although many types of development can provoke NIMBY attitudes, supportive housing for persons who are homeless frequently arouses such opposition.

Often fears of increased crime, decreased property values, and other negative impacts on the community underlie objections to developing supportive housing.

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Why is providing information on combating NIMBY important?

NIMBYism can be a major impediment to the development of housing for our MHSA Target Populations.

The NIMBY Decision Tree is designed to help alert you to potential NIMBY issues and provide you with the tools to address some of these issues.

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How can this NIMBY Decision Tree Tool help?

This Decision Tree resource was designed to help organizations isolate NIMBY issues and quickly develop some strategies for dealing with these issues.

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Elements of the Decision Tree Tool

Intake and Risk Assessment Questionnaire Case Studies/Specific Strategies Risk Profile of Organization

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Who is this Decision Tree designed for?

Anyone involved in developing housing, with or without supportive services, targeted to homeless individuals.

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How is this Decision Tree Tool organized?

The Risk Assessment and Decision Tree Tool is organized into four main categories:– NIMBY Concepts– Intake Questionnaire– Risk Assessment– Case Studies

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7 Case Studies

Building and Infrastructure Improvements Consolidated Plan Funding Barriers Managing Community Concerns Site Control Spacing Restrictions Urban Policy and Regulatory Issues

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Case Studies

Each of these case studies is organized the same way, and provides information on the following topics:– Demographics of Target Population; – The Need the Provider is Attempting to Meet; – Project Details; – Possible NIMBY-Related Impediments; – Other Resources; and – Risk tolerance.

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Identifying NIMBY Attitudes

Those with NIMBY attitudes might not directly state their objection to a specific development or admit to the true reason for their opposition. – Exerting pressure on local government to use

policy and regulatory means to impede development of projects.

– Exerting pressure on funding sources to withdraw financial support for projects.

– Vandalizing or otherwise destroying property necessary to the development of projects.

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Diffusing NIMBY Sentiments

Diffusing NIMBY sentiment during the early stages of a project can not only prevent serious difficulties down the road, but may also help create allies for the project within the community.

Strategies include:– Promote volunteerism– Distribute information– Engage community leaders– Good design– Engage neighborhood groups

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Responding to NIMBY-Related Impediments

Appropriate responses depend on the nature of the impediment and on an organization's tolerance for risk.– Obtain site control– Anticipate policy related barriers and act

assertively– Provide chances for dialogue between

prospective residents and neighbors– Use legal processes

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The Intake and Risk Assessment Questionnaire

The Intake and Risk Assessment Questionnaire determines what types of NIMBY issues your organization may encounter and the extent of your organization’s willingness to take risks to bring your proposed project to fruition.

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Let’s Look at One Case Study

Managing Community Concerns Case Study

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Questions??

Should we go through the questionnaire together?

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Other NIMBY Resources

Community Building In and Around Supportive Housing Residences (HUD curriculum) http://www.hudhre.info/documents/SHPCommunityBuilding.pdf

Overcoming the Challenges of NIMBYism, North Carolina Housing Coalition

SAMHSA Website: Combating NIMBYism http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/publications/combatingNIMBY.aspx

Articles on GCA Strategies website www.gcastrategies.com

www.CSH.org/Resources