Yes in God's Backyard Act

Key Points

• This bill, introduced by Senator Warner, creates a plan to help religious groups and colleges turn their extra land into affordable apartments. It offers $375 million over several years in grants and expert advice to help these organizations navigate the complicated building process.
• Local and state governments can win 'Challenge Grants' if they prove they are making it easier for these groups to build. This encourages cities to cut through red tape and change local rules that usually prevent housing from being built on church or campus property.
• To qualify as 'affordable,' the new apartments must cap rent at 30 percent of a household's income. The program focuses on helping people who earn the average income for their area or less, ensuring that workers can afford to live where they work.
• The policy gives special priority to projects that house veterans, people with disabilities, and those who are currently homeless. It also supports housing designed for 'intergenerational' families, such as grandparents raising grandchildren.
• Starting in 2026, the government would provide training to help these organizations find construction partners and manage their new properties. This is designed to help groups that have plenty of land but no experience in the housing business.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.