Faith Communities and Local Governments Collaborate to Expand Affordable Housing Through 'Yes in God's Backyard' Initiatives
The 'Yes in God's Backyard' (YIGBY) movement is gaining momentum across the U.S., with states and local communities implementing legislation to facilitate affordable housing development on land owned by faith-based organizations. This initiative aims to address the significant housing shortfall by repurposing underutilized church parking lots or reimagining facility spaces for residential use. Several states, including California, Florida, Minnesota, and Oregon, have passed or are considering YIGBY acts. For instance, California's Affordable Housing on Faith and Higher Education Lands Act of 2023 allows for by-right development and waives environmental review and local zoning requirements if 100% of the homes are affordable. Florida's Live Local Act in 2025 and 2026 mandates local governments to permit multifamily and mixed-use residential development on qualifying religious-owned properties, provided at least 40% of units are affordable rental housing. Montgomery County, Maryland, also passed a zoning tex...
