March 2026Katie Everett, our Executive Director, spoke at Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA)'spanel about the Foundation's research with Lincoln Institute of Land Policy on land owned by faith-based organizations and the possibilities it offers if developed to increase available housing in Massachusetts, especially affordable housing. Joining her were representatives from Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA), JEWISH ALLIANCE FOR LAW AND SOCIAL ACTION INC, andFather Bill's & MainSpringto discuss the proposed Yes In God's Backyard (YIGBY) legislation.
"The bill — nicknamed YIGBY, or “Yes in God’s Backyard’ — is part of a larger housing package being reviewed by the state Senate. In its current form, it would allow religious organizations such as churches, synagogues and other faith-based groups to build multifamily housing on land they have owned for at least three years, regardless of local zoning. At least 20% of the units in a development must be designated affordable housing."