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Faith‑based land eyed as housing reservoir in 'Yes in God’s Backyard' bill; advocates cite thousands of parcels
Summary
Proponents of House Bill 23‑47 told the committee religious institutions hold thousands of parcels suitable for multifamily housing and that by‑right development on those sites could expand supply, convert tax‑exempt land to taxable uses and generate revenue for municipalities.
A range of faith leaders, philanthropic groups, developers and community organizations told the Joint Committee on Housing that House Bill 23‑47 — nicknamed “Yes in God’s Backyard” — could unlock thousands of acres owned by religious institutions for multifamily housing built by right.
Advocates said the legislation would let a religious institution that has owned property for at least three years build multifamily housing by right under defined density and affordability conditions, while preserving municipal engagement through the permitting process.
“This bill proposes an innovative strategy to build more…
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