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NIMBY Broken Arrow
Patrick Slevin
September 24, 2025
What to do when opposition creates total collapse of order and control.
When crisis strikes, developers often face what the military calls a “Broken Arrow” moment — total chaos on the battlefield. In the world of land use and development, this happens when NIMBY opposition overwhelms the process, hearings spiral out of control, and the odds of approval collapse overnight.
In my latest article, I break down why these moments happen, how NIMBYs engineer them, and—most importantly—what you can do to survive and even turn the tide. If you’ve ever walked into a public meeting only to feel like the deck was stacked against you, this piece will feel all too familiar.
👉 Read the full article here and learn how to prepare for your next Broken Arrow moment before it’s too late.
The Art of NIMBY Warfare a Big Hit (Get Your Free Download)
We’re excited to announce the successful launch of my latest eBook, The Art of NIMBY Warfare!
Already making waves among developers, policymakers, and public affairs pros nationwide, this resource is quickly becoming the go-to playbook for outmaneuvering organized opposition.
Inside, you’ll find battle-tested strategies, case studies, and insights drawn from three decades on the frontlines of America’s NIMBY battles. Whether you’re facing fierce opposition at a zoning hearing or trying to build support for clean energy, this eBook arms you with the tools you need to seize the high ground and secure approvals.
Victory starts with preparation. The Art of NIMBY Warfare is your guide.
👀 In Case You Missed It: When Karens Go NIMBY
They’re loud, they’re relentless, and they’re reshaping local battles across the country. In my recent article, When Karens Go NIMBY, Patrick Slevin unpacks how a small but vocal minority uses outrage, intimidation, and misinformation to derail projects that would otherwise benefit entire communities. If you’ve ever seen a public hearing hijacked or a project stalled by emotional theatrics, you’ll recognize these tactics instantly.
👉 Click here to read the full article and learn how to spot the “Karen effect” before it derails your next project.
🎥 The NIMBY Hits the Fan: On the Road with Patrick Slevin
What really happens when the NIMBY battle spills out of the headlines and into the field? In this special behind-the-scenes episode, follow Patrick Slevin for two days as he crisscrosses the country to engage stakeholders, influence communities, and counsel clients in the heat of controversy.
From crowded airports and late-night flights, to packed meeting halls and intimate strategy sessions, you’ll see what it takes to navigate grassroots politics and guide projects through the storm. Whether he's presenting to local leaders, breaking bread with allies, or coaching clients over Zoom, every moment reveals how NIMBY crises are confronted — and how victories are won.
👉 Click here to watch On the Road with Patrick Slevin and get an inside look at the life of a NIMBY strategist when the stakes are highest and the NIMBY hits the fan.
