Cities Block Churches' Plans to Build Affordable Housing Amid New Congressional Push

Churches Want to Build Affordable Housing, but Cities Are Stopping Them Congressional lawmakers introduced the Faith in Housing Act on Friday, aiming to exempt houses of worship from restrictive local zoning laws so they can build affordable homes. The bipartisan bill would override local housing rules, relying on Congress's authority over interstate commerce and a federal statute that prevents local governments from unfairly limiting how religious groups use their land. The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Chuck Edwards (R-NC), would require any new housing built to serve low-income families on average, though individual projects could vary. According to the bill's supporters, this would provide much-needed affordable housing options for millions of Americans struggling to find a place to live. "We're not talking about churches building luxury condos," said Rep. Peters in a statement. "We're talking about providing safe and decent housing for families who are being priced out of their communities." However, local governments have expressed concerns that the bill would undermine their authority over land use decisions. "This is a classic case of federal overreach," said a spokesperson for the National League of Cities. "Cities need to be able to make decisions about how their own neighborhoods develop." The Faith in Housing Act has been years in the making, with supporters pointing to the Yes in God's Backyard movement as a key catalyst. This grassroots effort, launched by churches and synagogues across the country, aims to use underutilized church property for affordable housing. Churches own millions of acres of land across the US, but are usually barred from building any housing on their property due to restrictive local zoning laws. The Yes in God's Backyard movement has been working to change this, with some cities beginning to relax their rules. In Los Angeles, for example, churches have been allowed to build affordable housing units as part of a pilot program. "This is a game-changer," said Rev. Brenda Smith, a leader in the Yes in God's Backyard movement. "Churches can now use their land to serve their communities in a meaningful way." The Faith in Housing Act would provide federal backing for these efforts, allowing churches and synagogues to build affordable housing without facing local opposition. However, its passage is far from guaranteed, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about the bill's potential impact on local control. As the legislation moves forward, supporters are urging Congress to act quickly. "We need to get this done," said Rep. Edwards in a statement. "There are millions of Americans who are struggling to find affordable housing, and we have a chance to make a real difference." The Faith in Housing Act is now headed to committee for further consideration. Its fate will likely be decided in the coming months, with supporters hoping to see it become law by the end of the year. *Reporting by Vox.*