NOT IN MY BACKYARD

In Not In My Backyard, students join the City Manager’s staff to solve a real challenge facing local governments: Where should transitional housing for the homeless go, and how do you make that decision in a divided community?

As interest groups apply pressure and rumors of back room deals swirl, students must weigh competing priorities, navigate community concerns, and justify both their policy and their process. Along the way, they gain insight into how local governments function, and why local decisions matter.

What you’ll find inside:

• A step-by-step teaching guide
• Teacher materials
• Assessment tools
• Student materials

Grounded in civic reality, this simulation builds empathy, negotiation skills, and a deeper understanding of policy making close to home.