Panel offers practical "GMB playbook" for countering NIMBY opposition

A panel convened before the Sandy Planning Commission meeting presented what panelists called a "GMB playbook" — a set of practical steps that planning staff and private developers can use to reduce neighborhood opposition to projects. The presenters said their objective was to give planners and staff concrete tactics they can apply locally rather than theoretical advice. "Part of what we wanted to do was, sort of voice things that we've heard from friends, from colleagues, and just talk about solutions," the session moderator said.

Panelists described repeated tactics that staff and applicants can use. Chris Hopp recommended that staff or allied neighbors sit near vocal opponents in the audience so they can answer factual questions in real time and prevent misunderstandings from escalating. "Plant people in the audience, sit next to the NIMBYs, get to know them, understand what their exact concerns are, and address those exact concerns," Hopp said. Paul Allred and others emphasized meeting residents in small groups or one-on-one before hearings to explain the zoning process, reduce misinformation and build goodwill. The panel invited attendees to submit anonymous case problems for a brief workshop at the session's close.

The presenters also stressed the role of data and visuals: use renderings, view-corridor diagrams and even virtual tours to show what a project will actually look like from neighborhood vantage points. Several panelists urged bringing independent experts — for example a neutral traffic engineer — to present analysis when opponents doubt staff findings. The overall message to planners: know your material, follow your process and use clear visuals to reduce fear-based opposition.