HOUSING
MY PROGRESS
Mayor Andre Dickens has prioritized addressing Atlanta's housing affordability challenges through comprehensive strategies aimed at increasing affordable housing units, supporting the homeless population, and ensuring equitable development across the city.
Commitment to Affordable Housing
Mayor Dickens has set a goal to build or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units in Atlanta by 2030. Thus far, 11,000 units have been completed or are under construction.
The Melody: Rapid Housing Initiative
To combat homelessness effectively, Mayor Dickens launched The Melody, the city's first multifamily development utilizing repurposed shipping containers. Located at 184 Forsyth St. in South Downtown, The Melody consists of 40 micro-units, each equipped with a bed, private bathroom, and kitchenette. Completed in just four months, this project transformed a former parking lot into a supportive housing community. The Melody serves as a model for future affordable housing projects, showcasing the power of public-private partnerships and innovative construction methods in providing equitable housing opportunities.
Tackling Homelessness: Comprehensive Strategies
Mayor Dickens has committed $60 million to combat homelessness in Atlanta. This investment aims to create up to 700 new units of deeply affordable housing, including 200 permanent supportive housing units and 500 quick-delivery housing units by the end of 2025. These units are paired with on-site wraparound services through the city's Rapid Housing Initiative, utilizing city-owned land and modular building technologies to accelerate the production of high-quality supportive housing.
Legacy Resident Retention Program (LRRP)
To prevent the displacement of long-standing residents due to rising property taxes, Mayor Dickens expanded the Legacy Resident Retention Program (LRRP). This program offers financial assistance to homeowners in BeltLine neighborhoods, providing property tax assistance through tax year 2030. The goal is to help legacy residents remain in their homes amidst neighborhood revitalization. To date, 64 participants have been accepted into the program, with new applications still being processed.
Incentivizing Affordable Housing in High-Growth Areas
In October 2024, Mayor Dickens announced new legislation designed to expand affordable housing opportunities in high-growth areas such as Midtown and neighborhoods surrounding the Atlanta BeltLine. The initiative incentivizes developers in specific zoning districts to incorporate affordable housing into their projects by allowing increased density in exchange for affordable units. This approach aims to ensure that all Atlantans, regardless of income level, can reside in vibrant, high-opportunity neighborhoods.
Addressing Homelessness with Innovative Solutions
Mayor Dickens’ administration is utilizing creative solutions like modular housing and quick-deployment units to address homelessness rapidly. A $60 million investment, comprising $50 million from Atlanta’s Homeless Opportunity Bond and $10 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, is allocated to create long-term affordable housing with supportive services, including healthcare and workforce training.
