WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) issued the following statement after introducing the bipartisan “Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) Act”, in the House with Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA). The bill encourages communities to prioritize measures that will increase housing supply and affordability.
“Having a safe and stable home helps create safe and stable lives for families,” said Rep. Hollingsworth. “YIMBY incentivizes the removal of barriers and burdensome, restrictive land-use policies to help Hoosiers access affordable housing and build better lives for themselves.”
“Our nation had challenges with housing before this pandemic – and those challenges have only been exacerbated by it. We need more workforce housing, more senior housing, more homeless housing, and more affordable housing. We need more housing units, period,” said Rep. Kilmer. “That’s why I’m leading bipartisan legislation to help communities in our region and across the country reduce barriers to housing construction and build more affordable housing for the folks that need it the most.”
“The YIMBY Act complements the many pro-housing proposals currently before Congress,” said Mike Kingsella, Executive Director of Up for Growth Action. “The YIMBY Act will empower communities across the country to clear the path for housing that is more affordable, equitable, and sustainable. Up for Growth Action encourages Congress to say yes to more affordable and market-rate housing by passing the YIMBY Act.”
Under the bill, local governments applying for federal housing development funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program would be required to report whether they have enacted policies to reduce counterproductive regulations that may affect affordability.
Read the text of the bill here.
YIMBY is endorsed by hundreds of organizations. You can find a list here.
The Senate companion bill was introduced by Senators Todd Young and Brian Schatz.
