Tuesday, September 24, 2024

The stalled miracle of 'Yes in God's Backyard'

Also today: NYC mayor's vanishing promise to fix 'unfair' property taxes, and inside the new immersive White House experience.

The US has a shortage of affordable homes, and an oversupply of churches, temples and other houses of worship. With Americans' participation in religious services dwindling, some faith organizations are considering converting their property into housing — a would-be win-win for both sides. Churches get to unlock the value of their real estate, while cities get access to millions of acres of land to build new homes.

But as contributor Patrick Sisson reports, the expected miracle of the YIGBY movement (that's Yes in God's Backyard) hasn't been delivered with the speed many hoped to see. Despite government efforts to fast-track such projects, groups are running into familiar roadblocks — including neighborhood opposition and zoning. Today on CityLab: Waiting for the Miracle of Church-to-Housing Development

— Linda Poon

More on CityLab

Eric Adams' Vanishing Promise to Fix NYC's 'Unfair' Property Taxes
Disparities in NYC leave nearly identical homes with dramatically different tax rates. The mayor is fighting a lawsuit to force reform. 

Inside the New $56 Million Immersive White House Experience
Doll house miniature replicas and room-spanning digital projections compete for tourists' attention at the People's House, an immersive White House visitors center.

Climate Change Is So Bad, Even the Arctic Is On Fire
From Siberia to Brazil, wildfires are moving underground and burning up massive carbon deposits. The resulting emissions threaten to worsen global warming.

How to woo voters in the brutal heat

"We have somebody driving a car that just keeps the air conditioning on, and is able to pick people up and give them a few minutes' break."
Drew Johnson
Republican nominee for Congress in Nevada's 3rd district
Campaigns in Arizona and Nevada have been getting out the vote despite temperatures of 110F, with some canvassers wearing ice vests to cool down.

What we're reading

  • Where the sea wall ends (Washington Post)
  • Barcelona is turning subway trains into power stations (Grist)
  • Two roommates. A communal bathroom. Why are college dorm costs so high? (USA Today)
  • He makes less than $15,000 and is trying to hold Springfield, Ohio, together (New York Times)
  • Waiting for a flight at LAX? You might be able to read a banned book (Los Angeles Times)

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