Atlanta City Council Passes Historic Affordable Housing Ordinance

Atlanta City Council Approves Landmark Affordable Housing OrdinanceAtlanta City Council Approves Landmark Affordable Housing Ordinance In a historic move, the Atlanta City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on July 18, 2023, aimed at addressing the city’s pressing affordable housing crisis. The ordinance represents a comprehensive package of measures designed to increase the supply and affordability of housing for low- and moderate-income residents. Key provisions of the ordinance include: * Inclusionary Zoning: Requires developers of new multifamily projects with 10 or more units to set aside 15% of units as affordable for households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI). * Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Creates a dedicated fund of $50 million annually to support the construction, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable housing units. * Rent Stabilization: Establishes a 5% annual cap on rent increases for tenants in certain multifamily buildings. * Tenant Protections: Strengthens protections for tenants facing eviction and harassment by landlords. * Housing Preservation: Protects existing affordable housing units from displacement through measures such as zoning restrictions and acquisition programs. The ordinance is the culmination of years of advocacy by affordable housing advocates, community groups, and city officials. Mayor Andre Dickens hailed its passage as a “game-changer” that would “make a real difference in the lives of our residents.” “We have an obligation to ensure that all Atlantans have access to safe, affordable housing,” said Councilmember Marci Collier Foster, who sponsored the legislation. “This ordinance is a major step forward in creating a more just and equitable city.” The ordinance will take effect in January 2024. The city is expected to implement it through a combination of regulations, incentives, and partnerships with affordable housing developers and non-profit organizations. Housing advocates welcomed the ordinance but emphasized the need for continued investment and enforcement to ensure its effectiveness. “This ordinance is a promising start, but it’s only the beginning,” said Jennifer Jackson, executive director of the Atlanta Affordable Housing Alliance. “We must work together to create a city where everyone has a decent place to live.”