The basic idea is that churches and other religious institutions often have lots of vacant or underdeveloped land—parking lots, large lawns, etc. Many of these groups already view providing housing for the poor or homeless as part of their mission and operate shelters or low-income housing. This law would allow them to use extra land without having to go through an expensive and time-consuming rezoning process, and to build at a higher density than might be allowed otherwise. This law also allows them to provide mixed-income housing, including market-rate housing, allowing the church to subsidize other housing and create more socioeconomically integrated housing options on their land. Churches would also have the option to lease the land for private development, making such development subject to property taxes, financially helping both the municipality and the congregation. Basically, it would give faith organizations a lot of options in how they use their land to support their congregations and communities.
Let’s hope that some of these bills pass, and other states follow Texas’ example.
Indeed! Hopefully policy wins out over politics!
Woah, this is awesome. Can you tell me more about yes in God’s backyard housing?
What is faith based housing — presumably it’s not for the members but for the needy? It’s unclear to me
The basic idea is that churches and other religious institutions often have lots of vacant or underdeveloped land—parking lots, large lawns, etc. Many of these groups already view providing housing for the poor or homeless as part of their mission and operate shelters or low-income housing. This law would allow them to use extra land without having to go through an expensive and time-consuming rezoning process, and to build at a higher density than might be allowed otherwise. This law also allows them to provide mixed-income housing, including market-rate housing, allowing the church to subsidize other housing and create more socioeconomically integrated housing options on their land. Churches would also have the option to lease the land for private development, making such development subject to property taxes, financially helping both the municipality and the congregation. Basically, it would give faith organizations a lot of options in how they use their land to support their congregations and communities.
Okay cool! That makes sense, thanks
Didn't realize rents had come down so much. Seems like progress!
It's good stuff!