Public and private funding pledges could inject $300 million into affordable housing initiatives in the metro Atlanta area.
A massive investment in affordable housing could be coming to the Atlanta metro area, with $200 million pledged by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and another $100 million slated to come from a proposed affordable housing bond. “Today’s announcement is a game-changer in our ability to have projects keep pace with a rapidly evolving market,” said Mayor Andre Dickens, who is working with the city council to pass the new bonds and has pledged to build or preserve 20,000 housing units by 2030.
As Maria Saporta explains in the Saporta Report, “The Community Foundation, working with local partners including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Atlanta Regional Commission, estimates Atlanta is losing more than 1,500 affordable homes each year. Metro Atlanta is projected to add another 2.9 million people by 2050, and nearly 100,000 households will not be able to afford market prices.” The historic investment would still fall short of the estimated $1 billion needed to fully address the region’s affordability crisis.
“The efforts announced Tuesday morning build upon HouseATL, an initiative launched by dozens of nonprofit and for-profit leaders in 2018 to make recommendations on housing affordability.” The initiative’s recommendations included investing more in affordable housing, prioritizing anti-displacement initiatives, improving cross-sector collaboration, and empowering community members to participate in decisionmaking.
FULL STORY: Stars align for $300 million affordable housing treasure chest in Atlanta
Metro Atlanta Cities Weigh Zoning Changes
The southern city’s growth is prompting questions about how to increase the housing supply, maintain affordability, and accommodate new residents.
Denver Debates Inclusionary Housing Plan
Atlanta's inclusionary housing program, which closely reflects the proposed Denver plan, could serve as a bellwether for Denver's own future.
Affordable Housing Finance 101
The financial intricacies involved in building affordable housing can be difficult to understand. This explainer breaks down the foundational concepts.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)