A recent scandal and leadership changes have produced an almost unprecedented decision by the Development Authority of Fulton County.

"The Development Authority of Fulton County (DAFC) on Tuesday shot down a proposed tax break for luxury housing along the Atlanta Beltline and voted to overhaul the governance of its board," reports J. Scott Trubey. According to Trubey, DAFC's rejection of a $4.5 million subsidy for Fairfield Residential "reflects a changing of the guard for the controversial agency," because DAFC has been "long criticized as a rubberstamp that grants lucrative tax breaks for projects in well-off parts of the county."
"Earlier this month, an AJC analysis showed DAFC gave preliminary or final approval to more than $328 million in tax breaks since the beginning of 2018, with the overwhelming majority going to projects in hot markets like Buckhead, Midtown and the length of the Beltline loop," writes Trubey.
Following a 4-4 deadlock on the Fairfield Residential tax break, the DAFC also voted to overhaul the governance of its board. All of this follows a series of investigative reports by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution revealing "a culture of loose financial oversight at DAFC under the leadership of former chairman Bob Shaw."
"Shaw resigned from the board and in recent months four new members have joined," adds Trubey.
More details on the Fairfield Residential project, which had been previously granted preliminary approval for its tax break, and the recent changes of the DAFC board can be found in the source article below.
FULL STORY: Fulton development authority quashes incentive for Beltline project

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

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.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service