In a recent interview on White House Chronicle, public affairs expert Patrick Slevin offered a comprehensive look into the pervasive issue of NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) and how it continues to obstruct critical development projects across the U.S. In a conversation with hosts Llewellyn King and Adam Clayton Powell III, Slevin, a seasoned consultant and former mayor, shared his strategies for addressing this growing challenge, emphasizing that tackling NIMBYism is crucial for unlocking billions of dollars in economic opportunities and millions of jobs.
The interview delves into the roots of NIMBYism, its impact on key sectors like housing and energy, and the steps necessary to counter community opposition. Here, we break down the essential takeaways from Slevin’s expert analysis and his actionable strategies for those facing resistance to development projects.
Here is the full interview: https://whchronicle.com/episodes/overcoming-nimby-opposition
Please find the highlight video below:
The Growing Crisis of NIMBYism
Slevin started his interview by defining NIMBYism as being led by opposition in local communities rejecting new projects in their areas—whether that’s housing, energy plants, or infrastructure developments. While citizens often argue that such projects will harm property values, increase crime, or disrupt the local character, this resistance comes at a steep price.
Slevin points out that NIMBYism has blocked or delayed thousands of projects across the U.S., causing a loss of $1.1 trillion in economic opportunities and preventing the creation of nearly 2 million jobs in energy projects alone. A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce highlighted this in the energy sector, but the problem is pervasive across industries—from residential, commercial to industrial including renewable energy.
The conversation also underscored how NIMBYism has exacerbated the nationwide housing crisis. Communities from “Brooklyn to Berkeley” are pushing back against multifamily housing developments, particularly affordable housing, leading to a significant shortfall in available homes and rising housing costs. Slevin emphasized that these projects are often opposed by affluent communities who fear demographic changes, using concerns about rising crime rates, lower property values or overcrowded schools as cover for deeper biases and prejudices.
The Impact on Energy and Infrastructure
In addition to housing, NIMBYism also poses a significant obstacle to the development of renewable energy projects, such as wind farms and solar plants. Slevin, who has consulted on energy projects for over three decades, noted that opposition to both traditional and renewable energy projects has intensified in recent years. Communities resist everything from nuclear power plants to gas turbines, wind farms, and solar installations, stalling progress in diversifying the U.S. power grid.
He explained that while nuclear energy takes years and billions of dollars to develop, renewable energy sources like solar are comparatively affordable, green, and passive. Yet, NIMBYism persists even for these clean energy solutions, fueled in part by disinformation and political ideologies. Slevin draws attention to how social media has empowered opposition groups, allowing them to organize more effectively and spread their message widely, often with little factual basis.
How to Overcome NIMBYism: Slevin’s Strategic Approach
While the challenges posed by NIMBYism are significant, Slevin offered several proven strategies for overcoming opposition and moving projects forward.
- Humanizing the Project: One of Slevin’s key insights is the importance of humanizing new developments. Opposition is often driven by fear of change, particularly negative assumptions about the people who will benefit from projects like affordable housing. Slevin advises developers to shift this narrative by showing the positive human impact of these projects. For instance, instead of allowing communities to think of affordable housing as a haven for crime, developers should emphasize how these homes will serve teachers, firefighters, and other community members who are vital to the local economy.
- Engaging the Silent Majority: Slevin argues that NIMBYism is often driven by a vocal minority, while the majority of residents may actually support a project but remain silent. Developers need to tap into this silent majority by actively engaging local stakeholders early in the planning process. By building relationships and fostering trust within the community, developers can counteract the influence of small but vocal opposition groups.
- Third-Party Advocates: According to Slevin, the most effective way to gain support is not through the developer’s voice but through trusted third-party advocates. Local residents, community leaders, or respected organizations that stand to benefit from the project should be the ones to speak on its behalf. These voices carry more weight and are harder for opposition groups to dismiss.
- Anticipating Media Coverage: The media often plays a role in amplifying NIMBY opposition. Slevin suggests developers engage proactively with reporters, offering them detailed briefings and background information. Rather than waiting for the opposition to shape the narrative, developers should aim to build trusting relationships with local journalists, ensuring accurate, balanced coverage from the outset.
Political and Emotional Dimensions of NIMBYism
Slevin also touched on the political and emotional nature of NIMBYism. He explains that while developers and local officials often approach new projects from a logical and legal standpoint, NIMBYism is emotional and political. It thrives on fear, uncertainty, and resistance to change, making facts and logic less persuasive.
During election years, this dynamic becomes even more pronounced, as local politicians are often swayed by the immediate demands of a vocal minority, even if the broader community would benefit from the project. Slevin recounts his own experience as a young mayor in Florida, where a small group of just 15 people could derail an otherwise sound development project. He highlighted the need for developers to anticipate these political realities and adjust their strategies accordingly.
The Broader Implications of NIMBYism
The interview closed with a reflection on the broader societal impacts of unchecked NIMBYism. When communities block projects in affluent areas, it often forces undesirable developments into lower-income neighborhoods, exacerbating inequality. This has led to the concentration of polluting industries like waste dumps and chemical plants in poorer communities, furthering environmental and social injustices.
To address these imbalances, Slevin called for better comprehensive planning at the local level. Elected officials should work to distribute industrial and commercial developments more equitably, ensuring that all communities share the benefits and burdens of new projects.
Conclusion: A Call for Proactive Leadership
Patrick Slevin’s insights into NIMBYism revealed a deep-rooted issue that is stalling progress on some of the most critical challenges facing the U.S. today—from affordable housing shortages to energy diversification. Yet, his public affairs strategies offer a clear path forward for developers and local leaders willing to engage communities thoughtfully and proactively.
By humanizing projects, mobilizing supporters, and building trust with local stakeholders and the media, it is possible to shift public opinion and unlock the vast economic and social benefits that these developments bring.
For those navigating the complex landscape of public opposition, Slevin’s message is clear: the key to overcoming NIMBYism is strategic, empathetic engagement—a process that, while challenging, is essential for driving future growth and innovation.
About Patrick Slevin
Patrick Slevin has educated, instructed, and counseled thousands of real estate executives concerned with the social and political consequences associated with NIMBY opposition.
Slevin was elected the youngest mayor in the history of Safety Harbor, Florida in 1996 at the age of 27. He is a two-time Amazon bestselling NIMBY author (2021, 2023) and a nationally recognized YIMBY speaker.
Slevin is a two-time winner of the prestigious Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil Award of Excellence in crisis and issues management. He’s also been recognized as one of the nation’s top political “Movers & Shakers” by Campaigns & Elections Magazine and featured in Influence Magazine as a “Great Communicator.” Patrick was appointed presidential-campaign spokesman in the 1996 and 2004 elections.
As a NIMBY crisis expert, Slevin offers his unique knowledge and grassroots experience to real estate developers endeavoring to prevail against NIMBY opposition in today’s Digital Age.
Reach out to Patrick Slevin today to help you turn NIMBY opposition into YIMBY opportunities for any project, anywhere, at any time.
Email: P.SL7@patrickslevin.com or visit www.PatrickSlevin.com.