June is National Home Ownership Month, and there’s never been a better time to celebrate the transformative power of homeownership in Atlanta. At the Atlanta Beltline, we’re not just building trails and parks; we’re building pathways to generational wealth and community stability that will benefit Atlantans for decades to come.
The numbers tell an inspiring story. In 2024, the Beltline delivered 569 affordable housing units, nearly 90% above our annual goal of 300 units. We’ve now reached 74% of our target to create or preserve 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030, putting us firmly on track to exceed our goals while contributing to Mayor Andre Dickens’ citywide vision of building or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030.
But beyond the impressive statistics lies something even more powerful: real families building real wealth in the communities they call home.
Preserving Legacy, Building Wealth
Through philanthropic support, our Legacy Resident Retention Program (LRRP) has provided property tax relief to over 250 homeowners in Beltline neighborhoods, helping long-time residents stay in the communities they love while their homes appreciate in value. The impact has been remarkable. Participants in the program for at least a year have seen their homes appreciate nearly $50,000 on average, with combined home value increases totaling $10.8 million.
One program participant perfectly captured the program’s impact: “When I purchased my home for $125,000 in 2009, it was about creating generational wealth for my son. Now my home is valued in the mid-three hundreds, but rising property taxes had me worried about losing everything I worked hard for. The Legacy Resident Retention Program isn’t just helping me stay in my home – it’s preserving an asset I can pass down to my son while allowing me to remain part of a community I’ve helped build.”
This isn’t just about keeping families in their homes. It’s about ensuring they benefit from the economic opportunities the Beltline creates while building assets they can pass to future generations.
Empowering Homeowners Through Education
Homeownership success extends beyond the initial purchase. That’s why we partner with trusted organizations like Atlanta Legal Aid to offer donor-funded workshops that empower Fulton County homeowners with essential knowledge. Our Property Tax Appeal Series provides residents with the tools and support needed to navigate the property tax appeal process, ensuring they can advocate effectively for fair assessments.
These workshops, along with guidance on filing homestead exemptions, managing finances, and first-time home buying, represent our commitment to supporting homeowners throughout their journey. Every session is made possible through the generous support of our donors who believe in empowering Atlanta families with the knowledge they need to thrive.
Strategic Land Development for Affordable Homeownership
Our commitment to homeownership begins with strategic land acquisition to ensure long-term affordability around the Beltline corridor. With over 87 acres of Beltline-owned land now under development, we’re creating opportunities for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development. Key sites like Chappell Road, Garson, and Murphy Crossing represent our proactive approach to securing land that will provide affordable housing opportunities for generations of Atlanta families.
We also support permanent affordability through strategic partnerships, particularly with Atlanta Land Trust. Together, the Atlanta Beltline Partnership and Atlanta Land Trust secured a $3 million Georgia Investments in Housing Grant to advance this work. Our investment of $1.17 million in grant funding helped Atlanta Land Trust develop The Avenue at Oakland City, creating 29 permanently affordable townhomes through the community land trust model. This approach ensures these homeownership opportunities remain affordable in perpetuity, with prices starting at $186,000 and qualifying buyers eligible for down payment assistance.
The Road Ahead
As we celebrate National Home Ownership Month, we are building on the $4.5 million already raised toward our $7 million goal to expand the Legacy Resident Retention Program and serve even more Atlanta families.
LRRP exemplifies our impact: participants receive an average of $2,174 in property tax assistance while their homes appreciate dramatically, creating a 20:1 return on investment. With nearly 2,000 residents eligible and generous support from partners including the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, Georgia Power, Rocket Community Fund, Delta Air Lines, and Bank of America, we’re working to serve as many families as possible.
Upcoming resident events include Property Tax Appeal 101 on June 23 at 6:30 p.m., plus one-on-one consultations on July 16 (6-8 p.m.), July 23 (12-2 p.m.), and July 26 (6-8 p.m.). These homeownership initiatives flourish through generous sponsor and donor support, creating transformative projects that build generational wealth, preserve communities and help Atlanta families thrive.
You can help in three meaningful ways this month:
- Donate – Your support directly funds property tax assistance for legacy residents.
- Spread the Word – Share information about the LRRP with your networks and community.
- Apply – If you’re a homeowner in a Beltline neighborhood, see if you’re eligible for this program.
To learn about corporate sponsorship opportunities, visit https://beltline.org/support/corporate/. For information about the Legacy Resident Retention Program, visit beltline.org/live/resident-support/legacy-resident-retention-program/. For additional information, email development@atlblp.org or call 404-446-4404.
Follow us on social media at: @atlantabeltline
