Community members and business leaders gathered at the August 16 Transform Westside Summit to hear from Josh Humphries, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ Senior Policy Advisor for Housing.

John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, and Ebony Ford, legacy resident and community advocate of English Avenue, welcomed new and returning attendees and Monnica Taylor, Home on the Westside participant, led the devotion. 

Key Moments from the Discussion:

• Blight and Vacant Properties: John Ahmann opened the discussion by highlighting the persistent issue of vacant properties owned by absentee or predatory owners, often left neglected and hazardous. The presence of these properties can harm neighborhoods, and residents are calling for effective strategies to address this issue.
• Introduction to the Blight Tax: Josh Humphries explained the recently approved blight tax by the Atlanta City Council. This tax imposes a property tax rate up to 25 times higher than the average for owners of blighted, unoccupied properties. This approach aims to discourage absentee owners and corporations from leaving properties vacant and dilapidated, and it ensures that seniors and other residents struggling to maintain their homes are safeguarded.
• Strategy and Implementation: Humphries emphasized a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to addressing blight. The City is expanding its toolbox, introducing new measures like the blight tax to effectively target properties that detract from the quality of neighborhoods. The aim is to shift the burden of improvement onto those who profit from holding these properties without making necessary repairs.
• Community Engagement and Support: For homeowners struggling with repairs, Humphries reassured attendees that the City is committed to offering support, including financial assistance and legal aid for estate planning and property title issues. The newly launched Housing Help Center is designed to connect residents with these resources, ensuring those who wish to stay in and improve their homes have the necessary support.
• Demolition and Beyond: While demolition of dangerous, blighted properties is an important tool, Humphries noted that it is not the end goal. The City’s priority is to restore these properties to productive use, whether through rehabilitation or new construction. The ultimate goal is to increase access to quality housing and create safe, amenity-rich neighborhoods for all residents.
• Case Studies and Future Plans: Humphries cited examples, including Forest Cove, where the City intervened to relocate residents living in substandard conditions and is now redeveloping the area to provide new housing opportunities. The City’s broader initiative, Safe and Secure Housing, aims to hold landlords accountable for maintaining livable conditions, ensuring that all Atlanta residents have access to safe and quality housing.

The Summit concluded with a call to action for community members to report blighted properties and get involved in efforts to revitalize their neighborhoods. By working together, the city, community organizations, and residents can transform Atlanta’s neighborhoods into vibrant, thriving places to live.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.