So, what does YIMBY mean?
The firm's name YIMBY, is a reversal of the term NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard), an acronym well known in community development and advocacy spaces. The term NIMBY, or NIMBYism, is used to describe exclusionary attitudes toward projects that some people deem undesirable in their communities. Their resistance is often not about the suitability of the project or legitimate fears about safety but is based on a desire to keep certain groups of people or activities out, simply based on personal tastes or prejudices. One example is affordable, mixed-income housing projects, which often receive push back from communities concerned about property values, or increases in crime, despite evidence and research that shows that mixed-income projects strengthen, rather than harm, communities.
The term YIMBY rose in prevalence as a counter-movement- an affirmative declaration that projects promoting inclusion, equity and diversity are welcome in communities, that people and their needs are important and must be accommodated. YIMBY consultants wants to work on those projects.
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What does YIMBY do?
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We help organizations just starting out to operationalize their vision, mission, foundational principles, and big dreams. We identify outcomes, strategies, goals and operational plans that bring ideas from the visionary's mind into fruition.
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We can help you identify all the relevant insight holders (rather than stakeholders), and the best method for reaching people across various groups. We employ technology, but also personal touchpoints and formats that adress diverse learning styles, time commitments, and participation methods. We organize and facilitate workshops, interviews, surveys and collaborative ideation sessions to gather meaningful insights and ensure that residents feel heard, and their perspectives valued.
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We help organizations learn how to pitch their programs, develop talking points, communications and marketing materials that clearly outlines its strategies, value proposition, impact and long-term desired outcomes. We consult on branding, content strategy, and website development. We also help to develop annual reports and impact reports that support fundraising and grant compliance.
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We also help companies to build out their programs, policies, procedures, processes, and maintaining compliance and impact reports.
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Are you in? Let's go!
/karenypatten
Hello
I'm Karen Young Patten, founder of YIMBY Consultants, LLC. I have been fortunate to spend my career working on projects that lift people, and working alongside them to create the communities and social and economic wellness outcomes they desire. I'm excited to help your organization do the same.
I have more than 15 years of experience in the non-profit and community development industries. My most recent roles are as SVP, Real Estate Projects and Operations at The Oughtness Group, a real estate development consulting firm. Before that, I was the national Director of Family and Community Engagement at Bezos Academy and I served for nine years at Atlanta Housing (Authority), ultimately as SVP, Communications, Marketing, and Public Engagement. I spent time at RBC Wealth Management as a Client Associate, assisting five financial advisors in managing more than $250 million in assets. I started my non-profit career in 2008 at Future Foundation, INC., a youth development organization founded by former Atlanta Hawks player Shareef Abdur-Rahim. I have had a bit of a wild career that didn't always make sense to me, but I now know that all roads have led me to this place and time and given me a unique perspective and blend of skills that allows me to serve a range of clients well.
I hold both bachelor's and master's degrees in real estate from Georgia State University, with focused coursework in real estate development and finance. I am an Atlanta native, growing up in SW Atlanta, a community that has seen multiple waves of development and disinvestment and promises of change, and witnessed the effects on generations of children and families. I've witnessed lots of "progress" being made without including the people who made the community one desirable for investment.
My passion is elevating community voices in community and economic development initiatives, and especially those least likely to be invited to the table. I believe it's essential to engage people in the ways that allow them to bring their best insights, innovative ideas and ensure that community plans reflect the hopes, dreams, and goals of its residents.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
404.207.8040