Atlanta, GA (July 17, 2024) — In collaboration with the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta today announced the opening of the City of Atlanta’s new Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund program. This affordable housing initiative will provide tax relief to eligible senior homeowners, age 60 or older, with greater risk of displacement due to rising property taxes. The initial program will be piloted in selected Atlanta neighborhoods to support some of the city’s most vulnerable homeowners where 200 qualified applicants will be randomly selected for participation.
“This program is another example of our commitment to affordable housing, equitable growth and community preservation,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “By offering crucial support to vulnerable homeowners facing the burden of escalating property taxes, particularly in areas of rapid gentrification, we ensure that our seniors, who have invested their lives in our neighborhoods, are not forced out by economic forces beyond their control.”
An initial allocation of $10 million will pay property taxes above a base rate for qualifying applicants over a 20-year period if they continue to qualify. Applications will be accepted annually following the initial launch in the pilot area footprint. To be eligible for the pilot program, Atlanta homeowners must:
- Be a city of Atlanta resident since 2015;
- Reside in one of the pilot area neighborhoods;
- Be age 60 or older;
- Have no encumbrances attached to the property;
- Have a clear title/ownership;
- Be actively enrolled in a qualifying homestead exemption program; and
- Have a household income of 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) or below
“As Atlanta’s economy and population continue to grow, it is vital to invest in programs that protect long-term residents and preserve the cultural legacy of our communities,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “The Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund will not only help senior residents remain in their homes but also create a more resilient and equitable city that benefits all.”
Invest Atlanta engaged APD Urban Planning Management to perform a displacement risk analysis to identify areas with the most vulnerable households. The areas selected for the pilot have a high concentration of owner-occupied senior households below 60 percent of the area median income.
Atlanta homeowners interested in the program are encouraged to visit Invest Atlanta’s Tax Relief Fund webpage for more information on the program, including a list of eligible neighborhoods, how to apply, and resources available to assist applicants.
Information sessions for the community were held July 9 and July 13. Homeowners interested in applying may apply online or in person at one of the following Application Assistance sessions below.
- 8/3/24 Application Assistance #1 at 9 a.m. Atlanta Metro State College
- 8/6/24 Application Assistance #2 at 9 a.m. Atlanta Metro State College
Invest Atlanta has partnered with FORWARD, the trusted partner in program administration for local governments, to assist with community engagement, application support and screening for eligibility using best practices. For more information about the program and information sessions visit, Invest Atlanta’s Tax Relief Fund webpage.
For media inquiries contact Katrina Highsmith-Johnson at [email protected].
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