NIMBY stands for Not In My BackYard. It's the syndrome that occurs when an affordable housing developer proposes to build housing in a neighborhood. "Oh, we like affordable housing," the neighbors might say. "Just not here."

For developers and housing advocates, siting affordable housing in existing neighborhoods can be a challenge, but one that can be overcome by consistently communicating with all interested parties and using some time-tested techniques.

If you have faced NIMBY opposition in your efforts to develop housing that is affordable to low- to moderate income North Carolinians please let us know .

Why is there opposition?

• Fear of theft;
• Fear of violence;
• Fear of lower property values;
• Fear of community degradation.

Counter these fears by differentiating your project as:

• Attractive and well-designed, impossible to recognize at a glance as affordable housing;
• Housing working clientele (if applicable);
• Housing carefully screened residents;
• Employing strong ongoing management. Emphasize the fact that well-managed properties do not decline physically and that behavior problems will not be tolerated;Having financial resources for good maintenance.

Communication is vital. Be sure to:

• Brief public officials first;
• Brief neighborhood leaders next. It is essential that they hear of the project from you first, not secondhand;
• Meet in small groups when possible. Have clear illustrative materials showing site plans, building design, floor plans, etc.;
• Present clear management standards for resident selection;
• Visit all interested parties at the same time in order to assure that everyone has access to the same information;
• Show photos and encourage visits to your previous, successful, attractive, well-maintained properties;

Do not:

• Let print or electronic media do a story on your project before you have carried out all your briefings of neighbors and officials;
• Meet with people in groups of more than a dozen or so;
• Meet in your office or in a public space. Instead, try to meet in people's homes or offices;
• Refer to your proposal as a housing "project";
• Assume concerned neighbors will be only those adjacent to the property.

Six steps to getting local government approvals:

• Working with local advocates, meet early in the development process to research, assess and plan;
• Prepare a political strategy that coordinates all your work towards getting the votes you need;
• Prepare a strategy to build active community support for your proposal;
• Prepare a strategy to work through concerns of community members and to deal with active opposition;
• Prepare a strategy to protect and use your legal rights;
• Prepare a public relations/media strategy to send your message to decision-makers and the public.