The February 21 Transform Westside Summit, held at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, brought together community leaders, residents and partners to reflect on the progress made in affordable housing in Atlanta. The Summit featured a dynamic conversation with Terri Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing and John Ahmann, President and CEO of Westside Future Fund (WFF), as we celebrated Lee’s first year leading Atlanta Housing and explored the current state and future of housing in the City of Atlanta.
Ahmann opened the Summit by highlighting WFF’s commitment to transforming the Historic Westside neighborhoods, ensuring both legacy residents and newcomers can thrive. He introduced Derrick Jordan, a Westside resident, who shared his personal connection to Terri Lee. Rev. Sean Smith, New Horizon Baptist Church Pastor, led the devotion.
Key Highlights From the Discussion
“Affordable housing is not just about buildings; it’s about people, partnerships, and a shared vision for a future where every family has the stability they deserve.” – Terri Lee
Leadership in Affordable Housing
Lee shared her journey in leading Atlanta Housing, focusing on the collaborative efforts needed to address the city’s housing challenges. She spoke about the importance of building a strong team and forging partnerships with community organizations like WFF to create a unified approach to affordable housing.
Progress in 2024
Lee highlighted Atlanta Housing’s significant strides over the past year. Key achievements included the development of new housing units, the revitalization of long-standing public housing sites and efforts to streamline the housing application process. The organization’s goal was not only to build new housing but also to preserve neighborhood character and reduce displacement.
Future Plans for Atlanta Housing
Looking forward, Lee emphasized Atlanta Housing’s focus on long-term affordability. The organization plans to develop new mixed-income communities that integrate both market-rate and affordable housing, ensuring residents of all income levels can find stable housing. Additionally, community engagement will be prioritized, making sure that redevelopment efforts meet the needs of residents and respect the integrity of the neighborhoods.
“The future of Atlanta Housing is about more than just new developments—it’s about ensuring affordability, community engagement, and respect for the neighborhoods we serve.” – Terri Lee
Collaborative Impact with WFF
Lee and Ahmann discussed the importance of partnerships in achieving their shared housing goals. Joint initiatives between Atlanta Housing and WFF have been crucial in advancing development projects in English Avenue and Vine City, with both organizations working to ensure the needs of legacy residents are at the forefront of redevelopment.
“Our partnership with WFF has been critical to driving progress in communities like English Avenue and Vine City. Together, we are shaping a future that reflects the needs of residents.” – Terri Lee
Ahmann thanked Lee for her leadership and the collaboration between Atlanta Housing and WFF. He reinforced the importance of continued public and private partnerships to ensure that the Historic Westside remains an inclusive, vibrant and accessible community for all.
Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.