COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus City Council voted unanimously this month to approve a pilot program aimed at encouraging affordable housing development on land owned by churches, schools, and other nonprofit organizations.
The initiative, called “Yes In God’s Backyard,” seeks to address the city’s affordable housing shortage by making it easier for faith-based and nonprofit property owners to convert vacant or underused land—such as parking lots—into affordable housing. Supporters say the program will help expand the housing supply by making use of land already integrated into neighborhoods.
“This legislation starts from the simple premise that we have a responsibility to wisely and intentionally use the resources we already have to meet the needs of our growing city,” Council President Shannon Hardin said in a statement after the Feb. 9 vote. “Yes In God’s Backyard is about aligning our values with our actions to create opportunity, stability and dignity for more Columbus residents.”
The name of the initiative is a reference to the national housing debate over “NIMBY” (Not In My Backyard) and “YIMBY” (Yes In My Backyard), terms that describe opposition to or support for new housing development. City officials say the program encourages churches and houses of worship to help address the city’s housing needs.
The program would provide zoning reforms, permitting support and technical assistance to participating institutions. Participation is voluntary, and churches or nonprofit groups are not required to develop housing.
“By recognizing community institutions as partners and respecting neighborhood processes, Yes In God’s Backyard allows us to create affordable housing without lowering standards,” Hardin said. “Empowering faith-based partners and other organizations to steward their land is just one of the many ways that we can all help play a part in meeting the housing demand.”
Several local faith leaders expressed support for the program during the council meeting. Adam Troy, chief engagement officer for the Community Development Foundation at New Salem Baptist Church, said churches are “trusted anchors” in neighborhoods and are positioned to support equitable development.
“Across our city, churches and faith-based organizations sit at the heart of neighborhoods,” Troy said. “Many of these institutions also steward land that can and should be repurposed for more pressing housing needs.”