Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz delivered the 2023 State of the Community address Thursday afternoon. The Mayor discussed priorities including crime reduction, efforts to close the gaps in the community, workforce development and more. One issue Girtz devoted significant attention to was that of affordable housing in Clarke County.
Girtz says the county is using every resource available to combat the shortage.
He listed several projects underway. Including the half a billion-dollar mall redevelopment, the north downtown redevelopment, use of federal rescue plan funds for new construction and repair of existing homes.
Girtz says he also anticipates the use of public properties for more affordable housing.