Village Square Dinner at the Square: NIMBY vs. YIMBY: Benefits and Barriers of Affordable Housing
South Florida is experiencing a housing crisis at historic levels. The influx of new high-income residents moving into the market, coupled with a general housing shortage has caused South Florida to be the most cost burdened place in the U.S. Some point to housing affordability as the solution. Housing is considered “affordable” if it consumes less than 30% of a household’s total income. If housing affordability is so important, why aren't we doing something to address the lack thereof?
Although housing affordability aids many, it feels like a burden to others. It’s a case of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) vs. YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard). Developers feel abandoned by the government both at a local and national level, with a lack of funding and incentives for constructing housing that's affordable. On top of development issues, there is also a feeling of concern coming from current residents regarding new affordable developments as growth causes traffic, congestion, and other inconveniences, caused by a lack of infrastructure to support the developments.
How do we garner public support of housing affordability in local neighborhoods? Should public dollars be used to fund private projects? Can south Florida sustain growth without a push for housing affordability? And should the market determine supply and demand or should there be government mandates?
Members of the Village Square ($68 membership) and 1 guest are invited to attend a cocktail reception prior to the panel discussion from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. You may sign up to become a member on the registration page. Panel discussion will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Please arrive by 6:45 p.m.