Renters in Oakland City are expressing anger about being labeled as squatters, claiming that they are facing illegal evictions as housing instability continues to rise.
According to English, who serves as Mayor Andre Dickens’ chief policy adviser, the implications of cutting off federal funding for housing are dire.
“If you were to stop giving the money, that leaves tens of thousands of residents in limbo, full stop,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for widespread homelessness across Atlanta and beyond.
The Atlanta Housing Authority, led by CEO Terri Lee, reportedly relies on federal resources for nearly 98% of its funding, which underpins affordable housing projects and essential services for vulnerable residents.
A recent federal court ruling temporarily halted a funding freeze, giving officials some breathing room.
However, the housing authority is now grappling with the chilling possibility of significant reductions in funding for major housing programs as outlined in President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 budget.
English expressed that these proposed cuts are causing substantial concern within the mayor’s office, necessitating a strategic shift towards a more self-sufficient model for the city’s housing efforts.
This shift entails reducing dependence on federal resources and utilizing alternative funding channels.
“When we contemplate that worst-case scenario, we use that as a blueprint to say prepare for the worst but hope for the best,” English commented.
A draft internal city document reviewed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicates that city officials are preparing for the repercussions of potential severe cuts, particularly affecting low-income residents.
Written on February 26, just weeks before Trump’s 2026 budget proposal, the memo highlights that a freeze in federal funding could result in a staggering $1.4 billion deficit, with housing and infrastructure initiatives facing the brunt of the impact.
The analysis also predicted that up to 40,000 low-income residents could be adversely affected by these funding changes.
Yonah Freemark, a housing policy researcher at the Urban Institute, reiterated the severity of the cuts reflected in Trump’s budget request, asserting that it threatens the livelihoods of numerous individuals who rely on housing assistance.
The proposed budget aims to slash funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs from $58.4 billion to just $31.7 billion.
More specifics about the budget request revealed on May 30 indicate a plan to consolidate existing housing assistance programs into a new State Rental Assistance Program, managed at the state level.
This dramatic reshaping would replace various forms of rental assistance with a block grant, allowing states to tailor programs for their residents.
The budget proposal also suggests instituting a two-year cap on rental assistance for working-age households, while prioritizing assistance for elderly individuals and those with disabilities.
In addition, crucial funding for two vital programs, HOME and the Community Development Block Grant, is proposed to be eliminated altogether.
An Office of Management and Budget representative did not address inquiries about the potential fallout of these proposed budget cuts on cities and low-income renters, but emphasized the administration’s aim to reform federal housing policy for better targeted support.
Michael Lucas, executive director of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, voiced deep concern over the possible repercussions of the cuts, stating that reductions in federal support would lead to an increase in evictions, displacing families into precarious living conditions.
He explained, “A family that gets evicted means a kid has to change schools in the middle of the school year. These things have ripple effects and very human impacts.”
The city’s memo articulates that severe cuts would echo throughout the community rather than merely causing minor disturbances.
It reveals that a freeze could create a $224 million funding gap in the 2025 budget for essential programs including housing vouchers, capital projects, and emergency shelters for the homeless.
This impending funding shortfall could disrupt the city’s efforts to develop 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030, affecting crucial initiatives such as the transformation of the Two Peachtree office tower into affordable housing and the rehabilitation of public housing at Bowen Homes.
Furthermore, hundreds of millions in federal funds earmarked for infrastructure projects, like segments of the Southside Beltline Trail and the 14-acre green space project known as The Stitch, are also at significant risk due to the proposed funding freeze.
The city’s internal document warns that a retreat from federal investment could destabilize the local economy, jeopardizing financial performance and access to funding for capital projects, and ultimately hinder progress on existing initiatives.
While Lee, the housing authority CEO, declined an interview request, she affirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding housing for low-income residents in Atlanta.
She acknowledged the budget proposal remains uncertain and anticipates legislative modifications as discussions unfold.
“We are actively working with national partners, other housing authorities, and federal lawmakers to protect housing programs that work,” Lee stated.
Similarly, Justin Ving, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, noted that while they are evaluating the proposed budget, it is premature to ascertain its comprehensive implications across various housing programs, including Section 8 vouchers.
In the midst of growing anxiety about dwindling federal support, both city officials and housing advocates remain alert and ready for potential adjustments as the future of funding becomes clearer and decisions are solidified in Congress.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/06/evictions-homelessness-could-soar-under-trump-housing-cuts-advocates-warn/
