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Mayor’s Office of Communications
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Dickens Administration Announces New Policy to Incentivize Affordable Housing Developments in High Growth Areas of City

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens announced new legislation, sponsored by District 1 Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Winston designed to expand affordable housing opportunities in Midtown, high growth areas around the Atlanta BeltLine and other commercially zoned areas through updated density bonus programs. The initiative will incentivize developers in the MRC-3 and SPI-16 Subarea 1 and 2 zoning districts to incorporate affordable housing into their projects by allowing for increased density in exchange for affordable units.

“These programs are part of our broader strategy to ensure that all Atlantans, no matter their income level, can live in high-opportunity neighborhoods like Midtown,” said Mayor Dickens. “By leveraging density bonuses, we are creating pathways for more affordable housing in some of the most vibrant parts of our city. This initiative will help us continue making progress toward our goal of creating or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030.”

“Representing District 1 and serving as Chair of CDHS, I know there is a need for proactive measures to ensure affordability in high-demand areas of the city—especially as we approach the completion of the Atlanta BeltLine. This legislation builds upon existing incentives to expand housing options and strengthen our commitment to preserving affordability as the city continues to grow,” said Councilmember Jason Winton, District 1.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to affordability and equitable growth. The updated density bonus program is a key tool in ensuring that the development boom around our city is inclusive of all income levels. Community partners have worked closely with the City to align these zoning changes with our mutual priorities of expanding housing options while maintaining the vibrancy of Midtown’s economic and cultural environment.

The proposed changes update the current density bonus programs by increasing the amount of developable square footage that can be permitted in exchange for a set aside of affordable units. Recognizing that the existing programs has not fully achieved their goals, the updates align the bonus programs with the city’s successful inclusionary zoning efforts. These changes offer flexibility by providing multiple ways for development partners to contribute to affordability while also reducing costs and increasing rewards for those who participate. This approach is expected to generate more affordable units in high-demand, job-rich, and transit accessible areas.

This legislation builds on Mayor Dickens’ commitment to making Atlanta A City of Opportunity for All, positioning Atlanta as a leader in affordable housing while fostering equitable growth across the city.

You can learn more about Mayor Dickens’ affordable housing initiatives online here.

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