This week, the City Council of St. Petersburg approved an ordinance that adds the ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ (YIGBY) provision to the city code. This new measure allows the city to work with local faith communities to speed up and expand affordable housing opportunities. St. Petersburg is the first municipality in Florida to adopt this provision after the passage of SB 1730 earlier this year.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch said, “The City of St. Petersburg advocated for the ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ ordinance because we believe that it takes an innovative, comprehensive approach to tackle the affordable housing crisis. I’m proud to announce that St. Pete is leading the way statewide in instituting this provision, but our work on this issue is just getting started. We look forward to continuing to engage our local faith-based communities and using this ordinance as a way to increase affordable housing opportunities for all of our residents. I want to thank our partners in the Florida Legislature for supporting these efforts and assisting with the passage of this vital provision.”
The city recognized that many congregations own underused property that could be used for housing and promoted YIGBY as part of a broader strategy addressing affordable housing challenges. Mayor Welch first called for such a policy in 2024 through an open letter published in The Weekly Challenger, working with legislators toward its adoption.
State Senator Darryl Rouson stated, “St. Petersburg is once again leading the way with thoughtful, community-focused solutions to our housing challenges. I was proud to work alongside Rep. Cross at the state level to pass language enabling this ordinance and even prouder to see my home city become the first in Florida to put it into action. I am grateful to the Mayor and City Council for their partnership.”
State Representative Lindsay Cross added, “The passage of this YIGBY ordinance, which empowers local governments to authorize affordable housing on properties adjacent to places of worship, shows what we all know: St. Petersburg is leading the charge on affordable housing in Florida. This policy reflects the strong partnership and commitment by our city and the state of Florida to serve the people that make our communities so great. I’m proud to have played a part in helping to realize this important step forward and look forward to seeing its implementation in St. Pete and across the state.”
City Council Chair Copley Gerdes commented, “This reflects our commitment to thinking creatively and pursuing every innovative approach to expand affordable housing in St. Petersburg.”
Kody Glazer from Florida Housing Coalition said, “Across Florida, many faith-based groups own well-located, underutilized land that could be transformed into desperately needed affordable homes. Recognizing this potential, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 1730, giving localities a new discretionary tool that empowers religious institutions to meet their communities’ housing needs by building homes in their own backyards. Now, a little over five months after YIGBY became law, St. Petersburg has stepped up to be the first locality in Florida to formally activate this new affordable housing tool. Once again, St. Pete is setting the pace on local housing policy, and they deserve major credit for their leadership.”
St. Petersburg has previously led similar initiatives; it was also first among Florida cities adopting provisions from HB 1339 (2020), dedicating significant resources such as American Rescue Plan funds toward affordable housing.
With council approval now secured, YIGBY becomes part of municipal law and gives houses of worship more opportunity for developing affordable homes on land they control or own within city limits.
The city’s Office of Community Impact will support implementation through a program offering education and individualized assistance for faith-based organizations interested in these projects—helping them navigate planning processes and regulatory requirements.
St. Petersburg’s approach aligns with its broader focus on community engagement through inclusive policies aimed at equitable development (https://www.stpete.org/government/mayor___city_council/mayor_s_office/vision.php). The city operates as a municipal entity emphasizing innovation not only through government programs but also via partnerships across Pinellas County (https://www.stpete.org/visitors/history.php).
More details about YIGBY are available from Chief Impact Officer George Smith or by reviewing recent council documents online.
