Yes in God's Backyard Act

This bill would add a new section to federal housing law focused on building and keeping affordable rental housing on land owned by faith-based organizations and colleges or universities. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development would create a technical assistance program offering public resources on developing such housing, federal housing aid, and steps local governments can take to remove barriers. The Secretary would also create a competitive Challenge Grant program for states, local governments, and regional planning bodies that already have policies to remove these barriers. Grant funds could be used to change local rules, help faith-based groups and colleges, and make grants or loans to housing projects. The bill authorizes $25 million in 2026 and $10 million per year from 2027 through 2031 for technical assistance, and $50 million per year from 2026 through 2031 for the grants.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Nanette Diaz Barragán Democrat sponsor
• 1 cosponsors