Bill aims to expand affordable housing on unused religious, college land

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) introduced legislation last week that would make it easier for faith-based organizations and colleges to convert unused land into affordable housing.

The measure — called the Yes in God’s Back Yard (YIGBY) Act — would direct federal resources to help religious institutions and higher education campuses develop rental housing on property they already own.

“Too many families are getting priced out of their communities because of the skyrocketing cost of housing,” Warner said. “If we want to make housing more affordable, we need to get creative and take advantage of opportunities that already exist. The YIGBY Act is about breaking down barriers and giving faith communities and colleges the support they need to put their land to work creating safe, affordable homes.”

The bill would:

• Provide technical assistance to faith-based organizations and higher education institutions interested in developing affordable rental housing.
• Offer technical assistance to local governments on streamlining permitting and reducing barriers.
• Create $50 million annually in grants for communities that adopt policies removing barriers to housing development on such properties.

Legislation has drawn support from groups including the United Church of Christ, Lutheran Services in America, LeadingAge, True Ground Housing Partners, Virginia Housing Alliance and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

The YIGBY proposal is part of a broader push to address rising housing costs.

Warner has sponsored or co-sponsored measures such as the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act and the Downpayment Toward Equity Act.

In July, the Senate Banking Committee advanced a bipartisan housing package that included the RESIDE Act — legislation Warner co-authored with Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) to create a pilot program for converting vacant buildings like hotels, warehouses, and strip malls into affordable homes.

That package is awaiting consideration by the full Senate.