Detroit Faith Based Housing and the City of Detroit plans to build and develop sustainability, flexibility, and innovation. “That’s what we’re doing in Detroit, we’re transforming the way people live by offering modular, EVOLV smart homes designed to fit seamlessly into any community whether it’s our bustling city, our serene countryside, or our growing neighborhoods” Mary Waters. Detroit Faith Based Housing and the “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) Mission—Unlocks Homeless Housing in Detroit Churches and landowners.
As the housing crisis deepens in Detroit, interest in faith-based development is spreading across the country. How do Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) zoning laws work, where are they being implemented or introduced, and what could it mean for communities and churches?
While the church’s plan for the next iteration of its spiritual life began years ago, its project can now take advantage of an expedited development process thanks to California’s “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) law, also known as
SB 4. The state law, which went into effect last year, gives nonprofit colleges and religious institutions like the Neighborhood Congregational Church the power to build 100-percent affordable housing projects on their properties “by right,” bypassing any special zoning requirements from the city so long as the project meets state-mandated criteria.
Yes in God’s backyard? This housing solution may be the answer to your prayers. Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act that, like
Hillside in Atlanta and
San Deigo, streamlines approval for new projects on land owned by churches, so housing can no longer be blocked by zoning or environmental objections. This first-of-its-kind YIGBY law took effect in January.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco who spearheaded the statewide YIGBY law, said California doesn’t yet have data on how the new law is being utilized, but he meets with Dr. Snead and his California and Georgia team to hear the AGS mission and Urban Mixed-Income Strategies Building an Inclusive Community.
AGS in partnership with One
Treasure Islandand Case Western Reserve University National Initiative on Mixed-Income Communities (NIMC) to provide consultation on how to intentionally build an inclusive and equitable community in the USA. NIMC is the only research center in the U.S. exclusively focused on mixed-income communities. The focus of NIMC’s initial scope of work is to develop retail and community facilities strategies to foster inclusion and belonging for community members of all backgrounds and income levels. This is how we can ensure that everyone has a place to call home.
Property Management
Mary Waters Property Management team will manage development projects as well as other properties including small and family-owned buildings. They will work with Ms. Water and Detroit local teams. Led by principals who are deeply involved in every facet of a venture, the boutique-size team is recognized for its ability to function more nimbly than larger firms where groups are organized into narrow silos.
The Detroit team, everyone knows a lot about everything. Each individual team member offers an expansive skill set from building, development, smart homes, tenant, improvements to asset management advisory services; the ability to respond swiftly to any issue thanks to being on the ground in the local Detroit area; and a zealous focus on taking the right action, not the easiest, to preserve assets and create value. It’s a remarkably stable group with a reputation for delivering exceptional service to clients large and small.
