Federal 'YIGBY Act' Proposes $50 Million Annual Grants to Unlock Affordable Housing on Faith and College Lands

U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), alongside Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), has introduced new legislation aimed at addressing the nation's housing crisis. The "Yes in God's Back Yard (YIGBY) Act" seeks to facilitate the development of affordable rental housing on underused land owned by faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education. This initiative is part of a broader "all-of-the-above approach to end the housing crisis," as stated by Senator Warner.

The legislation responds to a severe national housing shortage, estimated at 4.5 million homes, which has led to skyrocketing housing costs and priced many families out of their communities. Senator Warner emphasized the need for creative solutions, noting, "If we want to make housing more affordable, we need to get creative and take advantage of opportunities that already exist." The YIGBY Act aims to break down barriers and empower these institutions to convert their property into safe, affordable homes.

Key provisions of the YIGBY Act include technical assistance for faith-based organizations and colleges looking to develop affordable housing. It also offers technical assistance to local governments to streamline permitting processes and reduce regulatory hurdles. Crucially, the bill proposes creating $50 million per year in grants for communities that adopt policies removing barriers to affordable housing on properties owned by these entities.

The legislation has garnered support from various organizations, including the United Church of Christ, Lutheran Services in America, LeadingAge, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). This federal effort builds on similar initiatives seen at the state level, such as California's Senate Bill 4, which streamlines approval processes for affordable housing on faith and higher education lands. Studies indicate significant potential for development on these lands, with one report identifying over 171,000 potentially developable acres owned by such organizations.

The YIGBY Act represents a strategic move to leverage existing, underutilized assets within communities to increase the supply of affordable housing. It aligns with Senator Warner's ongoing commitment to tackling housing affordability through various legislative proposals designed to expand supply, improve financing options, and reduce costs for working families across the country.