Tuesday night, the Athens-Clarke County Commission will revisit a resolution on addressing inequities faced by Black and minority Athenians that caused division in January.
During an Agenda Setting Meeting Tuesday night at 6 p.m., the Athens-Clarke County Commissioners will revisit a January resolution addressing Black minority and BIPOC community inequities. With Athens' poverty rate at 26.3%, above the national average, the resolution reaffirms commitment to housing security, economic opportunities, and youth safety for marginalized groups.
Building on previous initiatives like the 2023 disparity study and Pittard Road environmental justice efforts, the resolution would recommit local government to advancing policies and initiatives in four areas.
First, the government would recommit to advancing housing security by prioritizing the development and preservation of affordable housing. It would also commit to economic empowerment for Black-owned and minority-owned businesses as well as youth safety and development by continuing to invest in opportunities through Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services. It would target neighborhoods with the highest youth poverty rates. Finally, local government would focus on oversight and community collaboration policies by promoting diverse representation and increasing community outreach.
Commissioners will also receive public comments and consider adopting an ordinance to modify the boundaries of the Western Downtown Athens Local Historic District. The proposed boundary modification could affect historic properties like the Saye Building, which has been a cornerstone of downtown Athens for over a century and currently faces potential demolition for parking spaces. The Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission does not recommend approval.
A public hearing on the historic district modification is scheduled for April 1.