The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is seeking public input through July 5th, 2020 about uses for funds generated in proposed Tax Allocation Districts (TADs). TADs are redevelopment tools that use increased property taxes to invest in the development of infrastructure or utilities, for example. Funds generated in the TAD are used only for redevelopment and improvements within the same TAD.
Though commonly used throughout Georgia, Athens has never established a TAD, which can be accomplished by the Mayor and Commission designating a TAD boundary and approving a Redevelopment Plan. The ACC government gained redevelopment powers through a referendum in 2006, pursuant to Georgia’s Redevelopment Powers Law adopted in 1985.
In 2019, the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government proposed two TADs: The Newton Bridge Tax Allocation District encompassing areas along Newton Bridge Road, extending from Vincent Drive to the intersection of Barber Street and Cleveland Avenue, and the River District Tax Allocation District proposal encompassing areas along the North Oconee River, north of Dudley Park, to the east of College Avenue and north along North Avenue.
During a public hearing on October 29, 2019, Mayor Kelly Girtz postponed consideration of these two Redevelopment Plans until 2020, allowing time for more public input. During the May 26, 2020 Mayor and Commission Work Session, six redevelopment areas were introduced for further consideration. The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is still in initial stages of identifying possible TADs, and residents are invited to provide input on the projects TAD funds should support.
More information and access to the public input tool can be found at www.accgov.com/tads.