Governor Brian Kemp’s Workforce Housing Initiative
Given the sound economic conditions of the state economy in FY 2022, fiscal revenue surpluses exceed expectations and foreseeable economic development. During the 2023 legislative session, Governor Brian Kemp recommended reallocating $35.7 million to OneGeorgia to establish the Rural Workforce Housing Fund. This fund will allow local development and housing authorities to prepare land for housing developments to support upcoming economic development projects and ensure the state has access to quality workforce housing.
In FY 2022, the Georgia Department of Economic Development announced a record number of economic development projects for the state. In order to support the development of the projects and continue to attract the same economic investment, the Governor Kemp proposes to spend $35.7 million to develop housing for workers near large industries located in rural areas, saying a lack of housing is now “the biggest challenge” to business growth. At the same time, the governor emphasized that “this will allow us to partner directly with local governments in developing sites across the state to address workforce housing needs that come with these major economic developments announcements.”
The $35.7 million resulted from Georgia’s share of the settlement with tobacco companies over health costs of smoking-related illnesses. These funds were redistributed to OneGeorgia for housing initiatives. OneGeorgia is housed with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). DCA has relationships with local governments and entities to pass through federal and state dollars to finance community and economic development projects and housing. Chaired by Governor Kemp, the OneGeorgia Authority will oversee the allocation of workforce housing funds.
Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Inc. will host its 2023 Annual Housing Day at the Capitol on February 22, 2023 at Atlanta City Hall (Old Council Chambers), 68 Mitchell Street, SW, Atlanta, 30303. There is still time to register, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please visit https://georgiaact.org/housing-day-at-the-capitol-2023/
Sources:
https://commonfutureatl.com/details-kemps-35-7-million-plan-for-affordable-housing/
https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/gov-kemp-georgia-budget-spending-meant-to-keep-economy-growing/
