As reported by Planetizen, a new movement known as YIGBY—“Yes in God’s Back Yard”—is gaining traction. Churches and faith-based organizations are advocating for the right to build housing on their underutilized properties, a practice often restricted by local zoning ordinances.
In 2023, churches in states like Colorado and Washington filed lawsuits challenging these restrictions, while California passed a law to streamline housing development on church-owned land. Virginia is now considering similar legislation to reduce regulatory barriers.
The YIGBY movement highlights the potential of faith-based institutions to address the housing crisis by creating affordable homes embedded in established community networks—if zoning laws adapt to allow it.
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