Report outlines how Atlanta can collaborate with private sector to spur more housing construction

A report by an Urban Land Institute’s Advisory Services panel, commissioned by the city’s housing authority, Atlanta Housing (AH), offered ways the city could collaborate with developers to spur more housing construction.

The report found that the city has many land and financial resources already available to developers if properly deployed. For example, AH has more than 350 acres of vacant and underutilized land across the city that could be better used for housing development.

The advisory group, composed of national experts in real estate, finance, and land use, underscored the need to publish clear developer and partner guidelines including regulatory requirements and timing. The city should give developers a clear picture of funding sources and potential financial support, the report says.

The report also recommended streamlining the development process by adopting a true master developer model and designating one sole master developer with responsibility for the development of the full site. The city should also establish clear performance benchmarks that favor shovel-ready projects.

Mayor Andre Dickens set a goal of building 20,000 affordable units within eight years when he took office in 2022.