Whether you’re working in design, planning, service delivery or infrastructure, there are few phrases as frustrating as ‘not in my backyard’ - NIMBY is a byword for local resistance to the new, whether that’s a housing development or cycle lane. Historically, this has applied to building and infrastructure projects, but it can equally be directed at transport initiatives or even new technologies. For this article, we wanted to consider the value of public engagement to the deployment of IoT technology, and explore how spending time properly understanding the attitudes and behaviours of the public might transform NIMBY to YIMBY – ‘yes in my backyard’.
By effectively prioritising inclusivity and meaningful conversations, we believe councils can successfully navigate the transition from scepticism to enthusiasm – with lessons, perhaps, for other ambitious policies.
To achieve net zero, things have to change. Buildings, transport, behaviours, energy sources, the way we heat our homes, some of the technologies that councils and developers adopt to deliver services, monitor environmental issues and much more. Resistance is futile – or is it?
Historically, NIMBYism has been a powerful force against change. Sometimes for the better, in the case of ill-conceived or potentially damaging projects, such as an out-of-town retail complex in a public park. But over time, consultation and engagement – important democratic processes – have in some cases morphed into a mindset based on lack of trust in authorities, a suspicion of the new, and a reaction against potentially useful advances. This is not the fault of communities, but rather a failure to communicate, educate and demonstrate the value of new technologies – something that DG Cities works to counter through behaviour change programmes, research and active engagement.
Community engagement: the backbone of transformation
‘Smart city’ has always been an ill-defined concept at a local level, and so engaging communities in the development and implementation of any new tech-related service is vital. This begins with fostering a positive culture of transparency, where residents feel valued and heard. Traditional methods such as town hall meetings and surveys are essential, but increasingly limited in their impact - they only reach those who are already to some extent engaged. To truly bridge the gap, councils must adopt innovative approaches that encourage active participation from all members of the community.
One effective strategy is the use of participatory workshops and co-design practice, where community stakeholders, including residents, local businesses and charities/community groups are invited to collaborate with experts to envision and shape solutions tailored to their needs. Delivered well, co-design workshops provide a platform for diverse voices to be heard, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among those that participate, who are then more likely to support and even advocate for a project. There’s skill in designing these in a way that is informative and engaging – incorporating gamification elements, for example, can make the process more accessible for younger residents.
Making tech accessible
Smart technologies, including IoT devices, have the potential to improve life in cities, from tackling issues such as fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour to monitoring environmental conditions in buildings. However, the use of sensors can often be met with apprehension, particularly among older or vulnerable members of the community. To address this, councils must prioritise education and accessibility.
Digital inclusion is about more than helping people improve their fluency in and access to technology – it is also a factor in local decision-making and acceptance of tech’s value. One useful approach to widening participation is to establish community hubs or digital literacy centres – real places, as opposed to online worlds, where residents can learn about new urban tech in a welcoming, supportive environment. These centres can offer hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and access to resources tailored to different skill levels. Additionally, councils should ensure that any tech is user-friendly and designed with inclusivity in mind, incorporating features such as voice commands or tactile interfaces for those that need them.
“With current pressures on councils, the budget for engagement can be hard to find, but failure to invest is short-term thinking – if local authorities were better funded in this area, we might see less resistance to the innovations supporting national net zero priorities.”
An inclusive approach to community engagement means considering the needs and perspectives of all residents. Children, for example, can offer unique insights and creative ideas that adults may overlook. Similarly, elderly and vulnerable residents must also be actively engaged. Targeted outreach programmes, home visits, and partnerships with local support services can help ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
The council’s role
Of all the institutional actors available to move people to a more YIMBY mindset, the local authority is probably best placed to make it happen. With today’s pressures on councils, the budget for this kind of engagement may be hard to find – if local authorities were better funded in this area, we might see less resistance to technologies that could contribute to national net zero priorities.
There’s also an issue of trust. For technology projects, councils must navigate a delicate balance between impartiality and vested interests. Transparency is vital, and upholding the principles of democratic decision-making, free from undue influence or bias. To achieve this, councils should establish clear guidelines and protocols for engagement, and must actively disclose any potential conflicts of interest and build trust through open communication and accountability.
As we touch on in this article, effective community engagement requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing in various disciplines, not least design, planning, technology, sociology, and psychology. Local authorities play a central role in coordinating efforts, but they also need to collaborate with community organisations, academia, and industry partners to draw on specialist expertise. To do this well, councils also need to train staff in community engagement, recognising it as a skill and equipping them with the knowledge needed to facilitate meaningful dialogue – this initial outlay can have wider benefits in terms of relationships, and can pay real dividends when it comes to enabling the implementation of new tech and services intended to save time, money and energy.
Our top tips for councils on best practice
Prioritise inclusivity in engagement efforts – make sure that all voices are heard and valued.
Invest in education to make new and unfamiliar technologies more approachable.
As a council, be transparent and impartial in putting forward tech or suppliers.
Continuously evaluate and adapt engagement strategies based on feedback.
Essentially, don’t treat the public as passive participants in an intended outcome, but as a critical filter for an idea. If resistance is persuasive, is the solution really such a good one?
By embracing these principles and approaches, we believe that councils can start to bridge the gap between NIMBY and YIMBY, and foster a more collaborative culture of innovation, excitement for the potential of new advances and shared ownership of the journey towards smarter, more inclusive places to live and work.