Historic Westside legacy homeowners now have until May 15 to begin the 2018 application process for the Westside Future Fund’s Anti-Displacement Tax Fund program.

The previous deadline was March 15.

The extension is in response to increased enrollment activity in recent weeks as well as direct requests made by Westside residents and community leaders.

“Our goal is to ensure that we can support as many legacy homeowners as possible in taking advantage of this program,” said Westside Future Fund’s executive director, John Ahmann. “We also recognize the inherent hurdles associated with the inaugural year of a program and are committed to removing as many barriers to participation as we can.”

Additional information, including the program application and program FAQs, can be found on the WFF’s website at www.westsidefuturefund.org/tax-fund.

Residents who have questions or need help applying may contact WFF directly at 404 793-2670 or via email at info@westsidefuturefund.org. Residents may also visit the WFF office, located at 1300 Joseph E. Boone Blvd. in the City of Refuge complex. Service hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Program Background

The Tax Fund was announced in April 2017 by WFF and the City of Atlanta. The program helps ensure current homeowners in the English Avenue, Vine City, Ashview Heights, Booker T. Washington, Just Us and Atlanta University Center communities are not displaced due to rising property taxes.

Since the announcement, more than 130 legacy homeowners – defined as those who own and have lived in their homes for a year or more as of April 12, 2017 – have begun the application process.

The Anti-Displacement Tax Fund is one of many strategies initiated by the Westside Community Retention Collaborative, which was created to address Westside resident concerns on displacement.

The Collaborative is driven by Westside Future Fund in partnership with the City Department of Planning and Community Development, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Atlanta Housing Authority, Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Beltline and Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. The Collaborative also receives guidance and input from members of the community, including the leadership of the six neighborhood associations.

WFF receives funding for the program from philanthropic contributions. This support comes from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Chick-fil-A Foundation, the Georgia Power Foundation, Cox Enterprises, Pulte Group, Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific and individual contributor Tommy Holder, chairman and CEO of Holder Construction Company.

In addition to the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund, WFF has launched programs and initiatives in support of the retention of legacy renters as part of its overall community retention efforts.