Council advances "Yes In God's Backyard" pilot to help faith groups build affordable housing

Columbus City Council approved the "Yes In God's Backyard" (YIGBY) pilot program to make it easier for churches, faith-based and nonprofit owners to develop affordable housing on land they already own.

Council President Harden described YIGBY as a city-administered pilot that expedites site engineering and building review, provides technical assistance, and preserves community reinvestment-area (CRA) affordability standards. The ordinance requires participating organizations to retain controlling ownership during the period of required affordability and ties project eligibility to CRA affordability rules.

Speakers from the faith and nonprofit sector urged passage. Adam Troy of New Salem Baptist Church’s economic-engagement arm, Pastor Johnny Pitts of Dayspring Christian CDC, and Reverend John Edgar spoke in favor, citing multi-decade examples of faith-led community development and urging the city to remove regulatory hurdles and provide training. Anna Kasango of the Affordable Housing Alliance emphasized that streamlined permitting and paired resources—training, predevelopment loans, legal counsel—are key to helping mission-driven landowners overcome rising construction and financing costs.

Committee Chair Ross said YIGBY is narrowly focused on mission-driven affordability and will be accompanied by a training academy to help faith leaders move from concept to pro forma. Council passed the ordinance after public testimony.