Although housing authorities have a strong relationship with local, state, and federal governments, they are actually independent agencies and not part of a government body. However, we are required to follow federal regulations and receive a portion of our budget from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We do not receive any funds from state or local governments, but we do provide an annual Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) of approximately $95,000 to Athens-Clarke County.

A local Board of Commissioners, appointed by the community’s mayor, governs housing authorities. This organizational structure allows housing authorities to work in conjunction with local governments and agencies to develop long-term housing strategies.


Construction, Real Estate Development, and Asset Management

On an annual basis, the Athens Housing Authority completes approximately $2 million in capital improvements in our public housing neighborhoods. Over the years, dwelling units have been completely modernized to include central air conditioning, fully equipped kitchens, and re-designed exteriors to create attractive and desirable rental communities.


Tax-Exempt Housing Revenue Bonds

The Athens Housing Authority is also involved in a number of local affordable housing initiatives. Our experience in housing finance and construction enhances and augments options for all residents of Athens. Through our ability to issue tax-exempt housing revenue bonds, the Athens Housing Authority has aided the development of other affordable housing in the community.

Although the properties are neither owned nor managed by the Athens Housing Authority, we have played a role in the renovation or development of the following properties:

1. the historic Georgian Hotel in downtown Athens;
   
2. Clarke Gardens and Athens Gardens affordable multi-family complexes;
   
3. Bethel Midtown Village, a significant downtown apartment complex;
   
4. Oak Hill, an apartment community designed for working families;
   
5. East Campus Village at the University of Georgia.
   

Affordable Homeownership

In an effort to offer more affordable housing choices, we began to build and sell homes through our ACT I Homes program. This program has enabled moderate-income families, who thought a house of their own was out of reach, to become first-time buyers. Working with Athens-Clarke County’s Department of Human and Economic Development (HED), the Athens Housing Authority has taken a leadership role in the revitalization of in-town neighborhoods and the creation of greater opportunities for homeownership. The development of the ACT I Homes program provides long-term property tax benefits to the community as well as increases homeownership rates. More information about our ACT I Homes program and eligibility requirements »


Community Partnerships for Affordable Housing

To further increase homeownership opportunities and community development, we have worked closely with other affordable housing organizations in Athens. There are several affordable housing organizations in our community, but some of our abilities lend themselves to easing the path for other organizations to complete their projects.

Often, in older neighborhoods, it is difficult to ascertain clear ownership of a property. Legally, we are able to resolve land ownership issues and in that way have assisted the Athens Land Trust with the purchase of property for their homeownership programs.

In addition, we have provided financial assistance to the Athens Land Trust for the development of the Fourth Street Village and to the East Athens Development Corporation (EADC) for the Home Buyer Club housing counseling program and their homeownership program.


Regional Presence

On a regional level, the Athens Housing Authority is a founding member of the Georgia HAP Administrators, a consortium that provides asset management and program compliance for the multi-family Section 8 subsidized housing program through a contract with HUD. The Athens Housing Authority is responsible for monitoring almost 600 dwelling units in Northeast Georgia. During 2004, GHAP won a contract to provide Section 8 monitoring for the State of Illinois, excluding the Chicago area. Profit sharing from the proceeds of this activity will return to the Athens Housing Authority for our work in the community.