Cities Block Churches' Plan to Build Affordable Housing Amid Bipartisan Bill Push

Churches Want to Build Affordable Housing, But Cities Are Stopping Them A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress on Friday aims to allow houses of worship to build affordable housing on their land, but cities are pushing back against the proposal. The Faith in Housing Act would override local zoning laws and permit churches, synagogues, and mosques to construct homes for low-income families. The bill's sponsors, Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Chuck Edwards (R-NC), argue that it is a necessary step to address the nation's affordable housing crisis. "For too long, restrictive zoning laws have prevented churches from using their land to serve their communities," Peters said in a statement. "This bill will help ensure that houses of worship can provide much-needed affordable housing without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles." The legislation relies on Congress's authority over interstate commerce and a federal statute that prohibits local governments from unfairly limiting how religious groups use their land. Any new housing built under the bill would be required to serve low-income families, with individual projects subject to review by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Cities are concerned about the potential impact on their zoning laws and property values. "We understand that churches want to help their communities, but this bill could lead to unintended consequences," said a spokesperson for the National League of Cities. "Local governments have worked hard to balance competing interests and ensure that development aligns with community needs." The Yes in God's Backyard movement, which advocates for churches using their land for affordable housing, has been gaining momentum over the past few years. The group cites statistics showing that houses of worship own millions of acres of land across the United States, much of it unused or underutilized. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a common-sense solution to address the nation's affordable housing shortage. "This bill is not about imposing federal control over local zoning laws," said Rabbi Jonah Pesner, executive director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. "It's about giving houses of worship the flexibility to serve their communities and provide much-needed affordable housing." The Faith in Housing Act faces an uncertain future as it navigates the legislative process. Lawmakers will need to balance competing interests and address concerns from cities and other stakeholders. As the bill moves forward, its impact on local zoning laws and property values remains a topic of debate. Background: The Yes in God's Backyard movement has been advocating for churches using their land for affordable housing since 2013. Houses of worship own millions of acres of land across the United States, much of it unused or underutilized. Local governments have expressed concerns about the potential impact on zoning laws and property values. Additional Perspectives: The National Association of Home Builders has come out in support of the bill, arguing that it will help increase the supply of affordable housing. Some critics argue that the bill could lead to gentrification and displacement of low-income communities. Others have raised concerns about the potential for churches to use their land for luxury developments rather than affordable housing. Current Status: The Faith in Housing Act was introduced in Congress on Friday, September 26, 2025. Lawmakers will need to balance competing interests and address concerns from cities and other stakeholders as the bill moves forward. *Reporting by Vox.*