Cities Block Churches' Plans for Affordable Housing Amid New Congressional Push

Churches Seek to Build Affordable Housing, but Cities Impose Restrictions A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress on Friday aims to allow houses of worship to build affordable housing on their properties, despite local zoning laws often prohibiting such developments. The Faith in Housing Act, sponsored by Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Chuck Edwards (R-NC), would override restrictive local regulations, citing federal authority over interstate commerce and a statute preventing unfair limitations on religious groups' land use. The bill requires new housing to serve low-income families, with individual projects averaging 20% affordability. Proponents of the bill argue that churches, synagogues, and mosques own millions of acres of land nationwide, much of which lies idle due to restrictive zoning laws. "This is a common-sense solution to address our nation's affordable housing crisis," said Rep. Peters in a statement. "By allowing houses of worship to build on their own property, we can provide more homes for those who need them most." However, local governments and community groups have expressed concerns about the bill's potential impact on neighborhood character and property values. "We understand the good intentions behind this legislation, but it would be a mistake to override our local zoning laws without careful consideration," said Sarah Johnson, director of planning for the city of Los Angeles. Churches and synagogues have been increasingly involved in affordable housing initiatives, with some notable examples including the Yes in God's Backyard movement. This grassroots effort has seen churches across the country build hundreds of units of affordable housing, often in partnership with local non-profits and government agencies. The Faith in Housing Act is part of a broader effort to address the nation's affordable housing shortage, which affects millions of low-income families. According to data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, over 7 million households pay more than half their income on rent or mortgage payments. The bill's introduction marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over affordable housing and local zoning laws. As it moves through Congress, stakeholders will continue to weigh in on its potential impact and implications for communities nationwide. In related news, Reps. Peters and Edwards have announced plans to hold a series of town hall meetings across the country to discuss the bill and gather feedback from community members, local officials, and housing advocates. The first meeting is scheduled for next month in Washington, D.C. *Reporting by Vox.*