A group of bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives has formed the Congressional Yes In My Back Yard (YIMBY) Caucus, reportedly the first of its kind in Congress. The caucus aims to promote policies that encourage new housing development as a solution to address affordable housing and homelessness issues.
The founding co-chairs of the caucus are Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), Jake Auchincloss (MA-4), Brittany Pettersen(CO7) and Chuck Edwards(NC11).
According to Garcia, “the high cost of rent is a pressing issue that requires bold action.” He believes expanding affordable housing options is necessary for long-term solutions.
National Multifamily Housing Council President Sharon Wilson Géno joined lawmakers at Capitol Hill to announce the formation of this caucus. She stated that during recent elections, voters ranked housing as one their top three concerns. This shows how important it is for all communities across America – urban, suburban or rural -to have access to affordable homes.
Géno added her support for creating this bipartisan YIMBY Caucus and looks forward to working with them on actionable solutions that will provide more choices for Americans when it comes to finding suitable homes.
In attendance at this announcement were representatives from various organizations such as Up For Growth, Circulate San Diego, Smart Growth America , UnidosUS , Mortgage Bankers Association,and American Planning Association along with some members from Congress including Reps Scott Peters(D-Ca)and Marc Molinaro(R-NY).
