Untapped Housing Potential
For generations, houses of worship have been anchors of compassion and stability in every neighborhood. Many have land, lots, or underutilized spaces that could be transformed into much-needed affordable homes — without displacing vital ministries, and with full respect for mission.
Housing in Every Neighborhood
From feeding the hungry to sheltering the homeless, houses of worship have always been on the frontlines of community challenges. Now they’re stepping up to help address the housing crisis.
Removing Red Tape, Unlocking Opportunity
Yes in God's Backyard could offer zoning reform, permitting support, and technical assistance to help faith institutions meet community needs, without mandates.
Columbus Yes in God's Backyard Initiative
Partnering With Faith Communities to Create More Affordable Housing
Council approved Ordinance 0245-2026 on Feb. 9, 2026, establishing the Yes In God’s Backyard (YIGBY) Pilot Program as part of Columbus Forward. The program creates an opportunity for churches, nonprofits and educational institutions with underused land to explore developing affordable housing while strengthening their communities.
You’ve heard the term “NIMBY,” or “Not In My Backyard,” used to describe opposition to new housing or development in certain neighborhoods. In response, “YIMBY,” or “Yes In My Backyard,” has become a movement advocating for more housing, including affordable housing, across communities. YIGBY takes that idea a step further by creating opportunities for faith communities and other eligible institutions to say, “Yes In God’s Backyard.”
Columbus is expected to gain nearly a million new residents by 2050, increasing the need for more housing. At the same time, many churches and faith organizations have underused land and are looking for ways to better serve their communities. YIGBY provides an opportunity for these organizations to explore using that land for affordable housing.
The YIGBY pilot program application is now available online for churches, nonprofits and educational institutions that own land and are interested in developing affordable housing.
Apply for the YIGBY Pilot Program
Additional information about a City Council-supported technical assistance program through Enterprise will be available this fall for YIGBY institutions preparing to develop affordable housing on their land.
Key Outcomes & Benefits
Housing in Every Neighborhood
By empowering places of worship to build on underused land, this initiative helps bring affordable housing to more areas across Columbus, close to transit, schools, and jobs where people actually want to live.
Tapping Into Existing Resources
Nationwide, faith-based organizations own an estimated 47,000 acres of surplus land that could support affordable housing. Columbus is finding ways to unlock this potential right in our own neighborhoods.
Removing Red Tape,
Not Adding Requirements
Yes in God's Backyard could offer zoning reform, permitting support, and technical assistance to help faith institutions meet community needs. Churches aren't required to participate — we're just making it easier if they want to.
Strengthening Faith Communities
This gives congregations a new way to serve their communities and generate income to maintain their buildings and programs. It's about helping churches thrive while addressing our city's biggest challenges.
RELATED RESOURCES
Get Involved & Stay Updated
Public Meetings & Updates
Community meetings will be scheduled to discuss implementation with faith communities and neighborhoods. We'll also hold information sessions for religious organizations interested in learning more. Sign up for updates above or follow City Council meetings to stay informed about progress and opportunities for input.