Calling all supporters of abundant housing of all kinds: 5th Square is forming a new Philly YIMBY ('Yes In My Back Yard') initiative, and we need your help to change housing politics in Philadelphia.

There are lots of places in Philadelphia's housing approval pipeline where people can say No to housing, and as a result, lots of good housing opportunities—especially low-car, multifamily or mixed-use housing—go unfulfilled due to opposition from nearby property owners. The typical complaints are over street parking and density—the exact same objections, and often the same people, that derail the kinds of safe street designs 5th Square supports in our Vision Zero advocacy. 

Philly YIMBY is building a base of advocates who want to say YES to housing, YES to more transportation choices, and YES to inclusive, growing neighborhoods

Philadelphia officials took some major steps forward on progressive zoning reform between 2007-2012 with the Zoning Code Commission and resulting Council legislation. But the pro-urban zoning agenda is far from complete, and the gains made in 2012 are increasingly coming under attack both at the neighborhood level and in City Council.

It's time to redouble Philadelphia's commitment to growing as a compact, walkable, transit-friendly city, guided by a predictable, rule-based zoning process. 

Philly YIMBY will change the politics of housing by building coalitions of housing supporters to influence all levels of the land-use process, from Registered Community Organizations at the neighborhood level all the way up to the state legislature. We'll be hosting a monthly meet-up, and sending action alerts to supporters about zoning meetings to attend at the neighborhood level and at the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Sign up for the Philly YIMBY newsletter, and bookmark our Project List with the latest zoning appeals we're tracking. Email tips and project information to [email protected]