JALSA in Banker & Tradesman on the “YIGBY” Bill and the Housing Crisis

Full article at this link.

Excerpt from Mass. Should Say: ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’

In the United States, there has been a significant decline of religious affiliation, leading to an enormous number of shrinking congregations left to try and maintain large buildings and surplus land. But new legislation would add Massachusetts to the list of states seeking an innovative solution to make it easier by developing those excess assets into much-needed affordable housing.

The legislation, commonly known by the acronym “YIGBY,” would give faith-based organizations by-right approval to build multi-family housing on excess land as long as the parcels comply with building codes and environmental standards. Since 2022, California, Maryland and Washington have passed similar laws. At the municipal level, Atlanta, San Antonio and Seattle are among the cities with initiatives to encourage faith-based groups to build affordable housing on their surplus land. [...]

Out-migration from Massachusetts has accelerated in recent years and survey after survey puts housing prices atop the list of reasons for the departures.

“There is a dearth of homes for nurses, teachers and firefighters who can’t live in the communities they serve, as well as the seniors and young people who are priced out of their long-time communities,” said Cindy Rowe, CEO of the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA).

The YIGBY bill is sponsored by state Rep. Andy Vargas and state Sen. Brendan Crighton, both of whom see housing production as a top priority. CHAPA has begun building a coalition of organizations such as the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, the Archdiocese of Boston’s Planning Office for Urban Affairs, JALSA and the Pine Street Inn.