New Bill Aims to Unlock Underused Land for Affordable Housing

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators including Lisa Blunt Rochester, Mark Warner of Virginia, and Andy Kim of New Jersey have unveiled the Yes in God’s Back Yard (YIGBY) Act, legislation aimed at unlocking underutilized land owned by faith-based organizations and colleges for affordable housing development. The bill provides a framework of incentives and support to help institutions transform unused property into much-needed rental homes for low- and moderate-income families.

“Addressing the housing affordability crisis requires all hands on deck,” said Sen. Blunt Rochester. “Faith-based organizations and universities already serve communities in countless ways. This bill empowers them to do even more by putting underused land to work, creating homes for families who are struggling to find safe and affordable housing. I’m proud to introduce YIGBY alongside Sens. Warner and Kim, and I look forward to moving it through Congress.”

Key Provisions of the YIGBY Act

The legislation includes multiple mechanisms designed to lower barriers and encourage creative use of institutional land:

• Technical Assistance for Institutions: Provides guidance to faith-based organizations and higher education institutions seeking to develop affordable rental housing.
• Support for Local Governments: Offers advice on streamlining permitting, reducing red tape, and implementing best practices for land-use decisions.
• Grants for Communities: Allocates $50 million annually to communities that adopt policies supporting the development of affordable housing on institutional land.

Sen. Warner emphasized the urgency of innovative solutions: “Too many families are getting priced out of their communities. The YIGBY Act breaks down barriers and provides faith communities and colleges with the support they need to create safe, affordable housing without waiting for new land or massive construction projects.”

The Affordable Housing Gap

The need is stark: more than seven million affordable homes are missing nationwide for low-income families, and over 70% of those households spend more than half their income on rent. By leveraging existing institutional land, the YIGBY Act could provide relief in high-cost markets while supporting local economic growth.

The legislation has already garnered endorsements from organizations such as the United Church of Christ, Lutheran Services in America, LeadingAge, True Ground Housing Partners, the Virginia Housing Alliance, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

Legislative Track Record and Broader Housing Initiatives

Senators Blunt Rochester, Warner, and Kim have a history of advancing affordable housing initiatives:

• Blunt Rochester: Introduced the Housing Supply Frameworks Act to revamp zoning and land-use regulations, the Accelerating Home Building Act to streamline construction, the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act for long-term community revitalization, the Veterans Housing Stability Act to protect servicemembers, and the Community Investment and Prosperity Act to unlock private capital for housing.
• Warner: Co-sponsored the RESIDE Act, enabling communities to convert vacant properties—like abandoned hotels and strip malls into affordable housing.
• Kim: Introduced the Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act and the BUILD Housing Act, which aim to modernize federal housing review processes, accelerate rehabilitation of existing buildings, and speed the start of new construction projects.

Why the YIGBY Act Matters

By focusing on land that institutions already own, YIGBY avoids costly land acquisition, reduces development timelines, and helps communities meet immediate housing needs. Lawmakers argue that enabling creative, community-oriented solutions is critical to addressing the ongoing affordability crisis.

“Faith communities, colleges, and universities have an untapped potential to support families in need,” said Sen. Kim. “The YIGBY Act empowers them with resources and incentives to make that potential a reality, helping local governments and communities meet the growing demand for affordable homes.”

With this legislation, Congress has the opportunity to unlock millions of square feet of institutional land, transform idle property into thriving residential communities, and provide safe, affordable housing for families across the country all while creating local jobs and strengthening neighborhoods.

This initiative comes amid a nationwide focus on housing affordability, as rents continue to rise and homeownership remains out of reach for many first-time buyers. Advocates hope that passing the YIGBY Act will signal a new era of collaboration between federal policymakers, local governments, and institutions to tackle one of the most pressing economic challenges facing American families today. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.