The Athens-Clarke County Government is seeking feedback from the public about their Affordable Housing Plan from August 7 through September 5.
Athens-Clarke County is allotting about $25 million to strategic plans addressing housing insecurity in the county, accounting for nearly half their American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds.
On August 7, the Athens-Clarke County Government will upload a virtual presentation that provides information about the strategies included in their Affordable Housing Plan. Through August 30, the public can submit feedback through an online survey and at a series of in-person forums.
District 6 Commissioner Jesse Houle says the meetings provide a chance for the community to become more engaged in what they say is a significant concern for many Athenians.
“I think most people are aware that there is a real stressed housing market here in Athens. That’s evident if you’re trying to buy a home which is nearly impossible to do in the ways people could have even a few years ago,” Houle said.
Renting is also getting more expensive, they say.
“And that’s for a variety of reasons, there’s a lot of things stressing our housing market, but the number one reason is just a lack of housing stock,” Houle said.
In addition, public and private nonprofits can submit applications for ARPA funding through September 1 at 4 p.m. to create or preserve affordable housing.
Next month, a similar set of forums will be held for the county’s Homelessness Strategic Plans.
For more information about the forums and to access the online survey, visit accgov.com/arpa.
