November 19th 2025.
Invest Atlanta has recently announced a new program that aims to provide tax relief to seniors residing in the city. This comes amidst concerns about gentrification and various redevelopment projects taking place. The program, which focuses on anti-displacement and property tax relief, aims to support financially strained and vulnerable residents in staying in their homes. As new apartment complexes and green spaces continue to drive up property values, there is a growing concern about the impact of this revitalization on long-time residents. Furthermore, the city's Beltline project has attracted a wealthier demographic and new businesses, adding to the overall increase in property values.
According to Invest Atlanta, the majority of recipients of this program are Black women, accounting for over three-quarters of the total recipients. The program specifically targets these individuals to prevent displacement and ensure they can continue living in their homes. In addition, Invest Atlanta also offers downpayment support for city workers such as teachers and first responders. So far, around 425 homeowners in Atlanta have benefited from this program, and the eligibility requirements are relatively simple. Applicants must have been Atlanta homeowners since 2015, be 60 years of age or older, provide proof of ownership, have a household income of 60% or below the Area Median Income, and be actively enrolled in qualifying homestead exemption programs. It's also important for them to have no liens or negative encumbrances on their property.
Kathryn Copper, a resident of Atlanta for over 30 years, shared her experience with the program. She expressed her worries about the increasing value of nearby developments and how it made her uncertain about her future in the city. However, the Invest Atlanta relief program has stabilized her housing costs and given her much-needed peace of mind. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "It was a relief to know I would get to stay in my home despite all the change around me."
Dr. Eloisa Klementich, the CEO of Invest Atlanta, also highlighted the importance of this program for seniors in the city. She stated that many of these residents, who have played a significant role in shaping the city, are now at risk of being priced out due to tax increases. "We've really targeted those who are the most vulnerable in the city, and we're excited we're able to address them because many of these seniors are on a fixed income," Klementich explained in an interview with 11Alive. "What we want to do is continue to welcome people, but we didn't want anyone to feel they had no other choice but to leave our city."
This relief program is a testament to Atlanta's ongoing efforts to balance rapid growth with community preservation. As the city continues to expand and develop, officials want to ensure that long-time residents are not displaced due to economic development. They recognize the value and contributions of these individuals, and their goal is to ensure that they can continue to call Atlanta their home. This program is just one of the many steps the city is taking to achieve this goal. In related news, there has been a rise in fake rental applications in Atlanta, highlighting the impact of rising housing costs. This serves as a reminder of the importance of programs like Invest Atlanta's relief program in supporting and protecting vulnerable residents in the city.
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