Best YIMBY Action Podcasts (2024)

1
YIMBYs In Action: How Hawai’i YIMBY is Changing the Conversation on Housing 44:55

1M ago44:55

44:55

In 2020, U.S. census data analysis revealed that, for the first time, Native Hawai'ians living in the continental U.S. outnumbered those living in Hawaii. Redfin reports that the median home list price is currently $825,000. High cost of living and a lack of affordable homes have continued to be huge challenges for natives and transplants living in…

1
Capitalism Can Save the Environment | Benji Backer 49:34

2M ago49:34

49:34

Progressives have long dominated the environmental movement, advocating government spending and bureaucratic oversight as the solution to climate change. Countless local and federal regulations have been aimed at mitigating environmental harm, often hampering productivity. Is this really the best way to preserve our planet? Some conservatives belie…

51
Virginia YIMBYs are Bringing Pro-Housing Legislation to Center Stage 41:41

2M ago41:41

41:41

Virginia is short 105,000 homes while rents have gone up 13% in the last 5 years. Despite housing costs rising astronomically, local governments are largely not stepping up to help facilitate or build more homes. That’s why our local YIMBY chapters are taking matters into their own hands, and demanding action from State Officials. Tune in to this e…

1
Shifts in the Housing Market & the YIMBY Movement | Salim Furth 59:46

3M ago59:46

59:46

The pandemic transformed urban housing markets, prompting increased demand for residential space and spurring a shift toward remote work. Many remote employees have left large cities for smaller ones, but housing demand remains strong in major urban centers. As cities' populations fluctuate, the pro-development YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement h…

1
How Technological Transformation Can Make a Conservative Vision Possible | Jon Askonas 1:10:35

3M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, genome editing, and materials science are poised to dramatically change the way we live, work, and learn—but is that a good thing, or is it a prospect we should dread? As it stands, conservatives are divided on that question, with some embracing technological breakthroughs and others fearing the threat the…

51
Single Stair Reform: A Tool to Streamline Dense Housing 40:07

3M ago40:07

40:07

Single stair reform is a powerful tool to make it easier and faster to build more homes. Cities like Seattle and New York are changing the way that they build multi-family housing to fill their neighborhoods with denser housing options. Now, advocates can help their own communities do the same. Single stair reform in housing advances more affordabl…

1
Inside the New York City Drug Crisis | Bridget Brennan, NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor 55:07

4M ago55:07

55:07

New York has long been at the forefront of the drug crisis. In 2022, over 3,000 city residents died of a drug overdose, the highest number on record. The proliferation of inexpensive yet lethal drugs, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, poses an escalating challenge to New York City. However, there is hope to tackle these issues through collabora…

1
Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up | A Conversation with Abigail Shrier 59:23

4M ago59:23

59:23

In their efforts to ensure their children's happiness, a growing number of millennial and Gen X parents are turning to therapists, school psychologists, and other mental health professionals for help. Yet there is mounting evidence that this therapeutic turn has backfired. Rather than inculcate the virtues of self-discipline and independence, these…

1
The Future of School Choice: Where the Movement Is Headed | Corey DeAngelis 1:24:05

4M ago1:24:05

1:24:05

The school choice movement gained significant momentum in the wake of the pandemic shutdowns, which exposed the weaknesses of traditional public schools and the challenges of remote learning. As parents became increasingly aware of the quality and content of their children's education, many began to explore alternative schooling options. By offerin…

1
Homelessness at the Supreme Court: A Chance for Legal Sanity 1:01:46

5M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear the case of Grants Pass v. Johnson has brought homelessness back into the national legal spotlight. The case revolves around the question of whether the homeless have a constitutional right to camp on public property, and its outcome could overturn prior lower court rulings that have contributed to the West…

1
Unraveling the DEI Web: Harvard and Claudine Gay's Resignation 54:08

5M ago54:08

54:08

Radical DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) ideology has overtaken elite universities and, increasingly, American public life. Few reporters have followed the "woke" takeover of American universities and the corrosion of its institutions more closely than our guest. Our guest Aaron Sibarium, a Yale University alum, now reports on elite institutions…

1
How U.S. Housing Policy Divides Our Neighborhoods by Economic Class: A Conversation with Richard Kahlenberg 44:06

6M ago44:06

44:06

On this episode of Infill, YIMBY Law’s Executive Director Sonja Trauss speaks with Richard Kahlenberg, author of Excluded: How Snob Zoning, Nimbyism, and Class Bias Build the Walls We Don't See. The pair discuss how U.S. housing policy segregates our neighborhoods by creating barriers to allowing folks of all incomes to live in high-resource commun…

1
Social Control, Explained: Preventing Crime and Disorder 58:14

6M ago58:14

58:14

The field of criminology has transformed in the last quarter century. Evidence-based crime policy has been replaced by misperceptions about the nature of crime and criminal offenders. Concurrently, progressive policies and programs have also reshaped the criminal justice system. However, 70 years of social science research shows that "social contro…

1
Questioning College: Is Higher Ed Worth It? 52:42

7M ago52:42

52:42

Two decades ago, a four-year college degree was widely regarded as the key to boosting incomes. However, recent years have witnessed a paradigm shift in conventional wisdom about the value of a college education. Over half say college isn’t worth the cost, compared with 40% a decade ago. Are the skeptics right? What’s the average return? Who is it …

1
Borders of Prosperity: Immigration's Impact on the U.S. Economy 1:02:58

7M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

The role of immigration in shaping the nation's economy remains a hotly contested area of debate. Factors such as the real economic benefits of high-skilled versus low-skilled immigrants, the impact of immigration on native employment, and the role of policy in shaping these dynamics stand at the forefront of this national conversation. While immig…

1
Countdown to Election 2024: Understanding America’s Political Pulse 49:01

7M ago49:01

49:01

As the 2024 election draws near, voters in early primary states will soon decide who will be on the ballot for president in November. Will the race be a rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden? And what impact, if any, will the current president's lagging popularity and the former president's legal troubles have on the…

1
NYC Under Adams: Migrant Crisis, Budget Trends, and Subway Crime 55:20

8M ago55:20

55:20

In 2021, New Yorkers elected Eric Adams as the 110th mayor of New York City. Since assuming office, the Adams administration has grappled with a migrant crisis inundating the city's homeless services, staggering budget deficits caused by a decade of mismanagement, and a growing unease among citizens regarding safety on public transit, among other i…

1
Phoenix's Homelessness Challenge: The Case Against "The Zone" 51:02

8M ago51:02

51:02

In Phoenix, Arizona, a massive downtown homeless encampment known as "The Zone" was recently cleared out following legal battles and a court order. For years, the area was filled with hundreds of tents lining the blocks of streets, leading to a rise in crime and serious complaints from local residents and businesses. At its height, The Zone held ab…

1
Science vs. Folk Wisdom: "Indigenous Knowledge" in Federal Governance 46:25

8M ago46:25

46:25

The role of science, its applications, and ethical implications have been focal points of many public debates in recent years. From the challenges posed by COVID to the complexities of climate change, the question of what qualifies as evidence and the definition of science itself have become partisan issues. In November 2022, our guest Joe Simonson…

1
The Inflation Equation: Bidenomics, Globalization, and More 56:21

8M ago56:21

56:21

In the period since 2020, consumer prices have increased by 18 percent. While the inflation rate has slowed from its peak, core inflation remains significantly higher than the pre-pandemic average. This prompts the question: what factors are behind this inflation surge, and what can we learn from it in terms of America's economic future? Stephen Mi…

1
What is the VITAL Act? Unpacking New Federal Legislation with The Kelsey 32:56

8M ago32:56

32:56

The United States' efforts to provide accessible and affordable homes for all individuals have fallen short. The Kelsey, a disability rights advocacy group, is pioneering disability-forward housing solutions that are accessible and inclusive. In this episode, Laura Foote, executive director of YIMBY Action sits down with Allie and Hunter from the K…

1
Israel-Hamas Conflict: Social Media, Terrorism, and Antisemitism 39:38

9M ago39:38

39:38

On the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, the Iranian-backed terrorist organization Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on Israel that involved the killing of small children, the elderly, and hundreds of other vulnerable women and men. In the U.S., the atrocity has sparked both outrage and a disturbing surge in antisemitism and anti-Zionis…

1
Beyond Wokeness: Cultural Socialism and Its Impact 56:53

9M ago56:53

56:53

The clash between "woke" progressivism and classical enlightenment ideals has tested the foundational pillars of modern liberalism—free speech, due process, equal treatment, objective truth, and beyond. This battle is most fiercely fought on university campuses across the English-speaking world. At the heart of the trendy concept of "wokeness" lies…

1
Silicon Valley's Dream City 54:05

9M ago54:05

54:05

Over the past half decade, panic has spread among politicians in California, as a mysterious startup bought over 50,000 acres in Solano County. In fact, "California Forever" is an effort backed by Silicon Valley investors to develop a new city with tens of thousands of homes in farmland outside San Francisco. The utopian vision for the city promise…

1
The State of the Drug Crisis 1:05:38

9M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

For residents of American cities, the stench of cannabis smoke on the streets has noticeably escalated in recent years. More concerning is the growing presence of addicts hooked on lab-produced meth and fentanyl in communities across the country, resulting in more than 100,000 overdose deaths in 2021 and again in 2022. One thing is clear: America i…

1
Balancing Growth and Green 1:26:05

10M ago1:26:05

1:26:05

The trade-off between the economy and the environment is considered by many to be the defining issue of our time. Activists on the left now champion regulations to reduce carbon emissions at the expense of future economic growth. Other, self-described "degrowth" advocates take a more radical stance, calling for policies to lower incomes and shrink …

1
Why Local Politics Still Matters 1:08:56

10M ago1:08:56

1:08:56

The notion that "all politics is local" appears to be less true as the years pass. But despite the increasing focus on national issues among Americans, local leaders continue to wield significant influence when it comes to matters like education, finances, and law enforcement. Additionally, these officials remain open to guidance from interest grou…

1
California's Climate Hypocrisy 1:17:33

10M ago1:17:33

1:17:33

American environmentalism is at a crossroads. Laws championed by environmental activists of the past are now hindering the reforms advocated by today's environmentalists, who deem them crucial to combat climate change. But lost in this debate between preservationists and climate hawks is a realistic understanding of the effects that "green" rules a…

1
Affordable Housing in America with Rep. Maxwell Frost 27:16

10M ago27:16

27:16

Affordable housing is absolutely essential, but there are so many obstacles that prevent it from being funded and built. In this episode, YIMBY Action Executive Director sits down with Congressman Maxwell Frost to talk about how he’s working to remove those obstacles at the federal level. Congressman Frost is the first Gen Z candidate to get electe…

1
Supreme Court's Seismic Summer: Affirmative Action, Student Loans, and More 1:04:05

10M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered rulings on such contentious issues as voting rights, student loans, and race-conscious college admissions. Amidst dissent from academics, journalists, and activists who challenge the Court's decisions, we confront a pressing question: should Americans be concerned about the Supreme Court's long-term leg…

1
CA Legislation Update with Abram Diaz 37:36

11M ago37:36

37:36

Hear from YIMBY Action's Alex Melendrez and Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California's Abram Diaz as they discuss updates on California pro-housing legislation and their work in the fight for abundant, affordable housing. Learn more about YIMBY Action: https://yimbyaction.org/ Follow YIMBY Action on X (formerly known as Twitter): https…

1
Polling Republican Voters: Insights from Early Primary States 42:31

11M ago42:31

42:31

Throughout July, the Manhattan Institute conducted an extensive survey of likely 2024 Republican primary voters in key states—Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. Among other surprising findings, the GOP base is more unified on modern cultural debates surrounding identity politics than on long-standing disputes over abortion and gun rights. The…

1
The Gender Identity Divide 1:08:31

11M ago1:08:31

1:08:31

Gender identity has quickly emerged as one of the most contentious topics in American cultural politics. However, the roots of this conflict can be traced back to a series of seemingly unrelated decisions made by overlooked political, legal, and educational actors years ago. Leor Sapir, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins Reihan Salam to dis…

1
American Democracy: Backsliding or Self-Sabotage? 1:00:12

11M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

American democracy is in decline, or so it's been argued by political scientists and media pundits. But what if those proclaiming its demise are unintentionally eroding the nation's civic health, giving rise to the very outcome they fear? Jason Willick is a columnist at the Washington Post who writes about politics, law, and foreign affairs. He's a…

1
Why Black Americans Are Moving South 1:11:40

12M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Americans have always been known to vote with their feet, even more than at the ballot box. With black Americans leaving cities in the North East and Midwest, the South is becoming an attractive destination for freedom and opportunity. Mene Ukueberuwa, a member of the Wall Street Journal Editorial board, leads this episode of Manhattan Insights. Hi…

1
YIMBYs in Action: Northern Virginia 42:30

12M ago42:30

42:30

One of our fastest-growing Chapters, YIMBYs of Northern Virginia, recently celebrated the legalization of "missing middle" housing in Arlington, Virginia. This means that multifamily buildings with up to six homes were legalized in neighborhoods that had previously only allowed single-family detached homes. In this episode, Jane Natoli, our SF Orga…

1
Should Politicians Fear Entitlement Reform? 1:11:57

1y ago1:11:57

1:11:57

As federal spending on Medicare and Social Security grows in the coming years, the U.S. will be forced to make hard choices. What would it take to put the country on a stronger fiscal foundation? Is entitlement reform genuinely an insurmountable political challenge, as widely believed? Chris Pope is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a …

1
Urban Environmentalism in Chicago 55:18

1y ago55:18

55:18

What if we could preserve the environment, increase housing affordability, and reduce car dependency all at once? That's exactly what Urban Environmentalists advocate for. In this episode, our Environmental Director Joanna Gubman sits down with Urban Environmentalist Leader Robert Spragg and Chicago Alderman Matt Martin. They discuss the importance…

1
The Perils of New York Exceptionalism 1:16:05

1y ago1:16:05

1:16:05

New Yorkers like to think of their city as the greatest in the world, but the attitude of “New York exceptionalism” has its downsides. Residents often tolerate policies that they wouldn't put up with elsewhere, like the rising levels of housing costs. Eric Kober knows New York inside and out. A senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and an adjunc…

1
The Housing Advocate and the Censure 33:38

1y ago33:38

33:38

Kylie Clark wrote an email to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to alert them about an anti-housing referendum in the town where she worked. The Town Council's reaction was extreme and illegal. Listen to Kylie's story as she sits down with our National Chapter Manager, Alex Melendrez. Links: Read about the censure…

1
The Great Tax Migration 55:09

1y ago55:09

55:09

During the Covid pandemic, everyone from Elon Musk to Joe Rogan to the Goldman Sachs asset-management division packed up their headquarters and moved to Texas or Florida, states that famously have zero income tax. Are these high-profile cases outliers, or do they represent an emerging trend in our newly remote world? How can policymakers position t…

1
After Affirmative Action 1:00:48

1y ago1:00:48

1:00:48

This summer, the Supreme Court will decide the Students for Fair Admissions cases that challenge the legality and constitutionality of affirmative action in higher ed. Regardless of the ruling, several questions remain unanswered. Are racial preferences popular or unpopular? Will universities comply with a judicial mandate for equal treatment? And …

1
The Mortgage Crisis That Wasn't 1:01:50

1y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

When the pandemic hit, it threatened to cause not only a health and economic catastrophe, but a financial one. While businesses closed and jobs lost, emergency relief programs for renters and mortgages helped avoid a wider crisis in housing markets. Mark Calabria, senior advisor at the Cato Institute, was the former director of the Federal Housing …

1
The Pathway to Affordable Housing In California 1:14:48

1y ago1:14:48

1:14:48

In March, we assembled some of California state legislature’s most powerful pro-housing champions to discuss their latest legislative efforts to alleviate California’s housing shortage and affordability crisis. Hear from Assembly Housing Committee Chair Buffy Wicks, Senate Housing Committee Chair Scott Wiener, and Assembly Social Housing Select Com…

1
Breaking the Urban Doom Loop 50:47

1y ago50:47

50:47

Many American cities are grappling with decreasing foot traffic, vacant office buildings, escalating crime, and dwindling tax revenues amidst hefty public pension obligations. These issues risk creating an urban "doom loop" — a vicious cycle that compounds these problems. Arpit Gupta from the Manhattan Institute and NYU's Stern School of Business j…

1
How Arizona Learned to Love School Choice 1:01:25

1y ago1:01:25

1:01:25

A growing number of states are embracing school choice by implementing universal educational savings accounts (ESAs) for all families, with Arizona, Iowa, Florida, and Utah being among them. However, ensuring the success of these programs is a critical concern. How can we navigate the challenges and overcome obstacles to make these programs benefic…

1
Can the U.S. Be the World's Talent Cluster? 1:14:58

1y ago1:14:58

1:14:58

The U.S. was once highly successful in attracting high-skilled immigrants who contributed to many of the nation's signature innovations in the twentieth century. In recent years, however, our current immigration system has placed us at a disadvantage in the competition for twenty-first-century talent, while simultaneously alienating both sides of t…

1
The State of Farmworker Housing 45:36

1y ago45:36

45:36

There are an estimated 2.4 million farmworkers in the United States. Farmworkers across the country are doing some of the most essential work in our society, but they are not given access to acceptable housing options. Challenges in supply, affordability, and safety are posing a huge threat to farmworkers. On Cesar Chavez Day YIMBY Action's Alex Me…

1
The New Ethnic Politics 48:34

1y ago48:34

48:34

Many fear the future of politics in a diversifying America is destined for ever more intense conflict between whites and nonwhites, driven by the excesses of racial identity politics. But there is another possibility—that the separate and distinct racial categories invented by the Census Bureau and further entrenched by elite institutions no longer…

1
Chicago at a Crossroads 1:05:28

1y ago1:05:28

1:05:28

Chicagoans head to the polls to elect a new mayor, and the choice is stark. Paul Vallas, a moderate running on a platform of public safety and school choice, faces Brandon Johnson, an unapologetic progressive endorsed by the city teachers’ union. Aaron Renn joins Manhattan Insights to discuss the city’s long-term trajectory, and the reforms it must…

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