New Atlanta Mayor Announces Program to Help Home Owners Facing Displacement

Homeowners in Atlanta might be eligible for $9 million in forgivable loans for home improvements if they meet the requirements of a new anti-displacement plan from Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

1 minute read

March 23, 2018, 6:00 AM PDT

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


School Buses and Homes

Luciano Mortula - LGM / Shutterstock

Atlanta intends to help some of its citizens maintain their homes. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced a plan that will extend forgivable loans to qualifying applicants like low income seniors. "With loans capped at $30,000 for most households, the program will prioritize repairs targeting health and safety, energy efficiency, and deferred maintenance," Jared Brey writes for Next City. Part of the purpose of this plan is to help people who don't want to leave their neighborhoods stay in their homes. Some might stay if they had the opportunity to maintain their homes. "Loans will be forgiven after ten years, with ten percent of the loan being forgiven each year. If a homeowner sells the house or moves during that time, the remainder of the loan will come due," Brey reports.

The application process for this program will open April 4 and stay open for one month. "The loan programs will be administered by a handful of independent organizations, including Synergy Real Estate, House Proud, National Property Institute, Executive Realty Solutions, and Meals on Wheels," Brey reports.

Thursday, March 15, 2018 in Next City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Concrete building wth Department of Housing and Urban Development sign

Local Governments Sue HUD Over Funding Cuts

A new lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration’s revised guidelines for housing and homelessness assistance funds will decimate key programs.

May 6 - The Mercury News

Inside of self-driving truck on road.

California Is Retooling its AV Guidelines

The California DMV is proposing a new framework for light- and heavy-duty self-driving trucks that would enhance reporting requirements and pave the way for autonomous commercial fleets.

May 6 - Smart Cities Dive

Row of two-story homes in Boulder, Colorado.

Proposed Boulder Ballot Measures Call for Impact Fees, Affordable Duplexes

Boulder residents are working to put two housing-related proposals on the November ballot.

May 6 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO