St. Petersburg has become the first municipality in Florida to formally adopt the “Yes in God’s Backyard” provision, a policy city leaders say will help expand affordable housing opportunities.
City Council approved the ordinance this week, adding the provision to the City Code and allowing the city to work directly with local faith communities to speed up and increase affordable housing development.
The move follows the passage of Senate Bill 1730 earlier this year, which authorized local governments to adopt the policy.
“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,” Mayor Kenneth Welch said. “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.”
Turning underused land into housing opportunity
City leaders say the ordinance recognizes the role congregations play as trusted community anchors.
Many houses of worship own well-located land that is underutilized and could be repurposed for housing.
Mayor Welch first called for the provision in a 2024 open letter and worked with state lawmakers to help secure its passage.
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“St. Petersburg is once again leading the way with thoughtful, community-focused solutions to our housing challenges,” said State Senator Darryl Rouson. “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.”
State Representative Lindsay Cross said the policy reflects close coordination between city and state leaders.
“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,” Cross said.
City launches support program for faith-based partners
With the ordinance now in place, St. Petersburg’s Office of Community Impact is developing a new program to help faith-based organizations explore affordable housing development.
The program will offer one-on-one support to faith-based organizations, including:
- Readiness assessments
- Early site feasibility reviews
- Guidance on partner selection and deal structures
- Predevelopment planning and budgeting
- Help navigating city regulatory processes
- Congregation-specific action plans
“This reflects our commitment to thinking creatively and pursuing every innovative approach to expand affordable housing in St. Petersburg,” said City Council Chair Copley Gerdes.
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Florida Housing Coalition Chief Legal and Policy Director Kody Glazer said St. Petersburg’s action sets a statewide example.
“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,” Glazer said. “Once again, St. Pete is setting the pace on local housing policy.”
Why it matters
Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing challenges facing St. Petersburg and communities across Florida.
By adopting the “Yes in God’s Backyard” provision, the city is opening a new pathway to add housing without relying solely on traditional development sites.
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The ordinance builds on St. Petersburg’s earlier housing leadership, including being the first Florida city to adopt affordable housing provisions under HB 1339 and dedicating more American Rescue Plan funds to affordable housing than any other municipality in the state.
City leaders say pairing policy with direct technical support gives faith-based organizations a clearer path to turn community-rooted land into long-term housing solutions.
