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04/14/2026

SPHA Participates in YIGBY Launch Event Focused on Expanding Affordable Housing Opportunities

Yes In God's Backyard (YIGBY) Launch Event held at Palm Lake Christian Church on April 13, 2026.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) participated in the "Yes In God's Backyard" (YIGBY) Launch Event held at Palm Lake Christian Church on April 13, 2026. The event, presented by the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA), brought together community leaders, housing professionals, and faith-based organizations to explore innovative solutions to address local housing needs.

The YIGBY initiative provides an opportunity for faith communities to help address housing challenges by activating underutilized church-owned land for the development of affordable housing.

The launch event was held in collaboration with the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of St. Petersburg, and BAAA.

The gathering provided an overview of the YIGBY model, highlighted real-world examples, and connected congregations with experts and resources.

In December 2025, the City of St. Petersburg City Council approved an ordinance adopting the 'Yes in God's Backyard' (YIGBY) provision into City Code, which empowers the City to work with local faith communities to expedite and increase opportunities to build affordable housing. The City of St. Petersburg is the first local government entity in the state to adopt this provision following the passage of SB 1730 (2025).

Learn More: www.stpete.org/news_detail_T30_R1548.php

 

ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):

An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.