Public housing and NIMBY: The effects of citizen participation in siting public housing facilities in Tulsa

Abstract

Public housing has become akin to toxic waste facilities in the amount of citizen opposition generated to oppose the placement of these facilities in particular communities. While problems associated with low income public housing have increased, the need to provide low-income housing has remained persistent. Collisions between these two forces have become more frequent. Therefore, the need to find solutions to this conflict has grown in importance. This research examines what forms of non-traditional citizen participation, if any may alleviate "not in my back yard" (NIMBY) attitudes toward the siting of public housing facilities. We argue that increased participation and dialogue involving the community might lead to less conflict and more acceptance of the facility in their neighborhoods. We will attempt to identify factors that may be useful in formulating public policy to deal with NIMBY activities.