Is Donald Trump a NIMBY or a YIMBY?
The Housing Crisis and the President’s Position
The housing crisis is a pressing issue in the United States, affecting millions of Americans. As President-elect, Donald Trump’s stance on housing development is crucial. However, his views on the matter are ambiguous, making it challenging to determine whether he is a NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) or a YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard).
The History of Zoning Restrictions
Zoning restrictions have been a long-standing issue in the United States. In 1991, a bipartisan commission appointed by then-Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Jack Kemp recognized that local governments employ zoning and subdivision ordinances to prevent the development of affordable housing. Despite this, the federal government’s influence is limited, as it does not control local zoning.
Trump’s Divergent Views
As a former real estate developer, Trump should be a natural advocate for YIMBYism, supporting the development of more housing. In a 2016 interview with Bloomberg, he criticized zoning, calling it a "killer" and promising to bring down housing costs. However, his views on the issue are not consistent. Trump has also expressed concerns about the impact of high-density housing in suburban areas, stating that it threatens the American way of life.
NIMBYism and the MAGA Agenda
NIMBYism is a phenomenon that transcends political lines, suppressing housing development in liberal as well as conservative areas. The resistance to more housing in places like Huntington Beach, California, is a prime example of this. Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) coalition, which includes many who value their suburban homes and neighborhoods, is also opposed to YIMBYism.
Alternative Solutions
Trump has proposed opening up federal land for residential development, including the idea of "freedom cities," unregulated enterprise zones for housing, business, and flying cars. His choice for Interior Secretary, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, could play a crucial role in any administration housing strategy. Burgum has advocated for zoning reform and housing development, which seems at odds with the MAGA agenda in some respects.
Challenges and Limitations
Developing federal land is a complex and legally challenging process. The Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service control vast land holdings, and transferring these lands to local governments for development is difficult. The U.S. Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture, also manages significant landholdings.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s stance on housing development is unclear, reflecting his inconsistent views on the issue. While he has expressed support for YIMBYism, he has also expressed concerns about the impact of high-density housing in suburban areas. The federal government’s limited influence on local zoning and the challenges of developing federal land make it unlikely that Trump’s "freedom cities" or other proposals will be successful.
FAQs
Q: Is Trump a NIMBY or a YIMBY?
A: Trump’s views on housing development are inconsistent, making it difficult to determine whether he is a NIMBY or a YIMBY.
Q: What is NIMBYism?
A: NIMBYism is the resistance to new development, often driven by concerns about property values, traffic, and community character.
Q: What is YIMBYism?
A: YIMBYism is the support for more housing development, often driven by concerns about affordability, accessibility, and community cohesion.
Q: How can the federal government influence local zoning?
A: The federal government has limited influence on local zoning, as it is primarily a matter of local jurisdiction.
