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Faith in Housing bill crosses finish line, clears path for church-based affordable housing
The law lets eligible churches and nonprofits build affordable housing by right, with projects required to be at least 60% affordable.
- Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed SB 388 and HB 1279, eliminating the rezoning step for faith-based organizations and tax-exempt nonprofits to develop affordable housing on their properties.
- The 'Yes in God's Backyard' movement advocated for the law to address Virginia's housing shortage, where the state is missing over 300,000 homes and zoning delays created barriers for churches seeking to develop affordable properties.
- Eligible organizations must have owned property for at least five years, with projects requiring at least 60% affordability for households earning up to 80% of area median income and located within 500 feet of existing water and sewer lines.
- Spanberger added amendments encouraging higher minimum densities in transit-oriented areas, while Arlington County Board Member J.D. Spain said staff are analyzing implementation to preserve community input during the planning process.
- The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and sunsets January 1, 2031 unless reenacted; Jessica Sarriot, co-executive director of VOICE, plans to work with local governments to ensure ordinances include density provisions serving as many families as possible.
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Faith in Housing bill crosses finish line in Virginia, clears path for church-based affordable housing
The “Yes in God’s Backyard” movement is celebrating after the Faith in Housing bill in Virginia, supporting expedited church-based affordable housing development, has been signed into law. Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed state Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-29)’s SB 388 and Del. Joshua Cole (D-65)’s HB 1279, which will eliminate the rezoning step for faith-based organizations and other tax-exempt nonprofits to develop affordable housing on their prope…
Associated Press News+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Faith in Housing bill crosses finish line, clears path for church-based affordable housing
The “Yes in God’s Backyard” movement is celebrating after the Faith in Housing bill, supporting expedited church-based affordable housing development, has been signed into law.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 27%
C 46%
R 27%
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