New Bill Aims to Unlock Underused Land for Affordable Housing
The Yes in God’s Back Yard (YIGBY) Act is a new bipartisan legislative initiative introduced by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester, Mark Warner, and Andy Kim, aimed at tackling the nationwide affordable housing crisis by converting underutilized land owned by faith-based organizations and colleges into rental homes for low- and moderate-income families. The bill provides a comprehensive framework of support, including technical assistance for institutions to navigate the development process, guidance for local governments to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory barriers, and $50 million in annual grants for communities that adopt policies facilitating affordable housing on institutional land.
The legislation addresses a pressing need: more than seven million affordable homes are currently missing nationwide, with over 70% of low-income households spending more than half of their income on rent. By leveraging existing institutional land, the YIGBY Act offers a cost-effective and timely solution that avoids expensive land acquisition and accelerates the delivery of much-needed housing. Endorsements from organizations such as the United Church of Christ, Lutheran Services in America, LeadingAge, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) highlight the broad support for the initiative.
The YIGBY Act also builds on the housing-focused track record of its sponsors. Senators Blunt Rochester, Warner, and Kim have previously championed legislation aimed at zoning reform, streamlining construction, unlocking private capital, and revitalizing existing buildings to expand affordable housing supply. By turning idle institutional properties into homes, the YIGBY Act aims to create safe and affordable housing, generate local jobs, and strengthen communities, all while providing immediate relief in high-cost markets where housing demand outpaces supply.
Overall, the YIGBY Act represents a strategic, community-driven approach to alleviating housing shortages and expanding affordable housing options, fostering collaboration between federal policymakers, local governments, and institutions. If enacted, it could unlock millions of square feet of land for development, offering a scalable solution to one of the nation’s most pressing economic challenges.
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