Regional Housing Need
A healthy and thriving region adapts and evolves to meet the needs of its residents. The region’s growth patterns and increased demand for housing have inflated prices for both ownership and rental homes. New housing has trended to higher-income families, acting to widen the affordability gap and leading to displacement.
Increasing access to quality, affordable housing will help the entire region thrive by furthering a strong economy, better quality of life, greater opportunities for residents and communities, and reduced traffic congestion.
*Source: Georgia Statewide Housing Needs Analysis, February 2024, Slidedoc® Template (enterprisecommunity.org)
Expanding Unaffordability Across the Region
In 2022, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta announced that the Metro Atlanta area had become unaffordable based on data from the Home Ownership Affordability Monitor. The images below reveal changes in median sale prices across the region.
Fostering Quality, Affordable Housing
Building from the regional vision of “One Great Region” and the vision and goals of ARC’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Housing in the Atlanta Region should promote economic resiliency and prosperity for all residents and communities in the region, promote connectivity, and support innovation.
To help implement this vision, the Atlanta Regional Commission assists the 11-County Economic Development District (EDD) in:
- Housing planning and technical assistance including Local Comprehensive Planning, Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) and Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grants.
- Data tools and resources developed for affordable housing in the region include the Metro Atlanta Housing Toolkit, which includes data and strategies for each community in the region, and the Metro Atlanta Eviction Tracker.
- Housing leadership and education includes the Housing Leadership Academy, the Regional Housing Task Force, and the Atlanta Regional Housing Forum.
- Aging & Independence Services: Empowerline’s phone and online counselors link people with trusted community services — such as meals, transportation, resources to help care for a loved one, housing, assistance at home, and healthcare providers — to help them live their best lives. Visit the Empowerline website.
Framework for the Metro Atlanta Housing Strategy
The MAHS adopted a framework developed by Atlanta’s Urban Land Institute in its “Affordable Atlanta” report in 2018 and updated in its “Housing at its Core” report in 2023. Successfully addressing the region’s housing challenges will require a collaborative approach between Public, Non-profit, Philanthropic and Private sectors.
- City & County
- State
- Economic Development
- Atlanta Regional Commission
- Housing Authorities (City & County)
- Land banks
Regional Housing Succeses
The Atlanta Regional Commission highlights successes in housing to elevate progress and momentum, to recognize local government’s work in housing affordability and accessibility, and to provide best practices and resources. Visit ARC’s Regional Housing Successes page to learn more!
Featured Regional Housing Success: City of Decatur
Missing Middle Ordinance leads to Historic Preservation Award for Duplex Renovation | Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to Produce 41 New Affordable Homes | Oak Cottage Court Homes for Teachers
The ARC is collecting housing successes throughout the region! Do you have a success you want to share? Email [email protected]. Please include: Project name, location, photos, partners, population served.