ATL Standard

Governor Brian Kemp announced over $11 million in grants for the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative. This funding will aid the construction of 542 housing units across five Georgia communities: Cairo, Hagan, Douglas, Augusta, and Swainsboro. Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting, "Georgia is experiencing rapid growth in communities across the state, and with that growth comes a need to provide infrastructure for those filling the record-breaking number of jobs to live and work."

First introduced in the 2023 State of the State Address, the initiative aims to address the need for workforce housing. It has received significant financial support, with the Georgia General Assembly allocating $35.7 million in 2023, $50 million in 2024, and additional funds in subsequent years.

Department of Community Affairs Commissioner, Christopher Nunn, reiterated the importance of workforce housing, stating, "Housing Georgia’s talented workforce is crucial for the state’s continued economic growth and prosperity."

The OneGeorgia Authority, overseeing this initiative, requires applicants to use funds within two years. Additionally, applicants leveraged other funding to show commitment to affordable housing access.

The City of Cairo received $2.5 million for infrastructure improvements to support 180 new housing units on 45 acres, contributing $227,078 to the cost. Hagan was granted $1,074,711 for infrastructure developments to add 29 homes, contributing $62,241. Douglas Coffee County Industrial Authority received $2.5 million for infrastructure on a 36-acre tract for 67 housing units, with combined contributions from the City of Douglas, the Industrial Authority, and private partners amounting to $372,563. The Augusta Economic Development Authority was also allocated $2.5 million for infrastructure, to facilitate development of 55 housing units and additional phases on an 11.5-acre plot, with Augusta Utilities contributing $110,000 along with a local developer’s contributions. Lastly, Swainsboro received $2.5 million for its 23-acre Rolling Oaks Subdivision project, with the city and a developer contributing to the cost.