Religious Tenets.pdf

Faith-based organizations are increasingly developing affordable housing on their underutilized land, nicknamed the "Yes in God's Backyard" movement, to address the housing affordability crisis. However, they face obstacles such as restrictive zoning rules, limited funding, and lack of development expertise. Recent reforms, such as density bonus laws and ministerial approval processes, have shown promise in facilitating FBO-led development. A case study of Jordan Court, an affordable senior housing development in Berkeley, California, highlights four key findings: the importance of religious values and organizational structures, limited data on FBO-led development, ongoing land use barriers, and the catalyzing effect of public investment. Eight recommendations for policymakers and planners are proposed, including leading with respect, strengthening communication with the faith community, collecting and sharing data, and investing in seed funding and technical assistance.