In March, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the Yes in God’s Backyard (YIBGY) Act. This legislation seeks to eliminate zoning barriers that prevent faith-based organizations from turning spare land into affordable housing. Speaking to the significance of this act, Sen. Brown explained that “faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education are looking for ways to use additional land they already own to ease the housing crisis in their communities. While they might own the land, in many circumstances they are still restricted from using it to develop affordable rental housing due to local barriers like zoning and other policies. In other circumstances, they might be permitted to develop affordable rental housing, but are unsure how to begin.” 

This legislation would give churches the opportunity to practice their faith by serving those in need of affordable housing. It would also allow churches, many of which are in the midst of declining membership, the chance to maintain a positive legacy for their institution. In the long term, perhaps this practice could allow churches to forge positive relationships with individuals who are secular. 

Ultimately, this act recognizes the possibility that religious institutions could transform their land use for significant good. In California, for example, there is an estimated 38,800 acres of land belonging to religious institutions that could be developed (about twice the area of Cleveland, Ohio). Without intervention that addresses these preventative zoning codes, unused church land and high rates of homelessness will continue to exist in disharmony. The YIGBY Act aims to give religious institutions the chance to step in. 

According to Senator Brown, this proposed act achieves the following: 

• Provides technical assistance to faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education wanting to use their existing land to increase or preserve the supply of affordable rental housing. 
• Provides technical assistance to local governments to learn best practices and how they can facilitate the production of affordable rental housing on land owned by faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education. 
• Creates challenge grants to provide additional resources to communities that adopt policies that remove barriers to the production and preservation of affordable rental housing on property owned by faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education. 

This bill represents a tremendous vision for the future service of faith communities. As Presbyterians, our faith calls us to serve others, and in doing so, embrace the ever moving and transforming spirit of God. Just as Jesus called on religious leaders to practice what they preach, it is now time for Presbyterians to step up and support the empowerment of religious institutions for the service of others. 

Please urge your senators to support the YIGBY Act!