July 2026A recent Boston Globe editorial spotlighted an emerging solution to Massachusetts' housing shortage, recognizing research commissioned by The Lynch Foundation as a key resource in the conversation around "Yes in God's Backyard" (YIGBY) legislation.
The editorial highlights how faith-based organizations across the Commonwealth have a unique opportunity to help expand the housing supply by developing underutilized land they already own. If enacted, YIGBY legislation would make it easier for eligible religious institutions to create much-needed housing, particularly affordable and mixed-income developments, while reducing regulatory barriers.
Central to the discussion is a statewide study commissioned by The Lynch Foundation and conducted by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy's Center for Geospatial Solutions. The research identified nearly 5,000 parcels of faith-owned land, totaling more than 20,000 acres, with significant potential for residential development. The study also found that nearly two-thirds of these properties already have access to water and sewer infrastructure, and more than half are located within walkable communities, making them well-suited for housing.
As Lynch Foundation Executive Director Kate Everett noted in the editorial, "We ran all the analytics. There's nowhere else to go but here."
The Foundation's investment in this research reflects its commitment to advancing practical, data-driven solutions that strengthen communities and expand access to affordable housing throughout Massachusetts. By identifying opportunities that already exist within our neighborhoods, this work is helping inform public policy and support innovative partnerships between faith communities, nonprofit developers, and local leaders.
As conversations around YIGBY continue on Beacon Hill, The Lynch Foundation remains committed to supporting research and initiatives that create equitable opportunities for individuals and families across the Commonwealth.
Source: "Yes in God's Backyard could be a providential solution to the state's housing crisis," The Boston Globe Editorial Board, July 15, 2026.
A map of religiously owned developable parcels from The Lynch Foundation.