As the housing crisis deepens, interest in faith-based development is spreading across the country. How do Yes In God’s Backyard (YIGBY) zoning laws work, where are they being implemented or introduced, and what could it mean for communities and churches?

While the church’s plan for the next iteration of its spiritual life began years ago, its project can now take advantage of an expedited development process thanks to California’s “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) law, also known as SB 4. The state law, which went into effect last year, gives nonprofit colleges and religious institutions like the Neighborhood Congregational Church the power to build 100-percent affordable housing projects on their properties “by right,” bypassing any special zoning requirements from the city so long as the project meets state-mandated criteria.

Yes in God’s backyard? This housing solution may be the answer to your prayers.
Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act that, like Hillside in Atlanta and San Deigo, streamlines approval for new projects on land owned by churches, so housing can no longer be blocked by zoning or environmental objections. This first-of-its-kind YIGBY law took effect in January.

The Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley estimates that, across California, there are more than 47,000 acres of land owned by faith-based organizations that could potentially be developed into affordable housing.

State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco who spearheaded the statewide YIGBY law, said California doesn’t yet have data on how the new law is being utilized, but he often hears from interested people who say their congregation is preparing to do it. Urban Mixed-Income Strategies

Building an Inclusive Community
We are in partnership with One Treasure Island and Case Western Reserve University National Initiative on Mixed-Income Communities (NIMC) to provide consultation on how to intentionally build an inclusive and equitable community in the USA. NIMC is the only research center in the U.S. exclusively focused on the subject of mixed-income communities.

The focus of NIMC’s initial scope of work is to develop retail and community facilities strategies to foster inclusion and belonging for community members of all backgrounds and income levels. This is how we can ensure that everyone has a place on to call home.

Aevolve Franchise is a boutique builder and developer.
Leslie Snead is recognized throughout the industry as a developer with the confidence to listen as well as lead. We’ve built a remarkably stable and experienced team steered by partners who believe that collaborating around a table – brainstorming ideas, working through challenges, pushing for innovation at every turn – is what it takes to create inspiring environments that people love to experience.

Property Management
The Property Management team at HOPE manages all HOPE development projects as well as other properties including small and family-owned buildings. Led by principals who are deeply involved in every facet of a venture, the boutique-size team is recognized for its ability to function more nimbly than larger firms where groups are organized into narrow silos.

Here, everyone knows a lot about everything. Each individual team member offers an expansive skill set from tenant improvements to asset management advisory services; the ability to respond swiftly to any issue thanks to being on the ground in the USA; and a zealous focus on taking the right action, not the easiest, to preserve assets and create value. It’s a remarkably stable group with a reputation for delivering exceptional service to clients large and small.