The City of Atlanta is once again taking strides to mitigate the effects of rising property taxes on its senior resident homeowners.
The Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund opened on May 1 this year, as part of a broader affordable housing initiative led by Invest Atlanta and the City of Atlanta.
This program aims to support homeowners at the highest risk of displacement due to increased property taxes.
Through this initiative, qualifying homeowners can receive funds to cover property tax increases above a designated base amount for up to 20 years.
With $10 million allocated from the Centennial Yards Housing Trust Fund, the program seeks to relieve some of the financial burdens faced by long-time residents.
This new round of funding follows a pilot program launched last year, which also had a budget of $10 million.
As investment flows into previously overlooked neighborhoods in Atlanta, the city has experienced significant economic growth, now becoming the nation’s sixth-largest metro area.
However, this increase in investment has led to higher property values—beneficial for many homeowners but burdensome for long-term residents facing rising property taxes.
Many long-time residents are finding themselves forced to consider selling their homes, which have appreciated substantially.
The demographic shifts in Atlanta, especially within historically Black neighborhoods, reflect a complex narrative of gentrification that many in the community feel acutely.
The impacts of these changes can be seen in neighborhoods like the Old Fourth Ward, which has transformed significantly following the introduction of the Atlanta Beltline.
Against this backdrop, the Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund seeks to stabilize homeowners, particularly seniors, allowing the city of Atlanta to develop while retaining its long-standing residents.
Eligibility criteria for the program are as follows:
– Applicants must be residents of the City of Atlanta since 2015.
– They must be aged 60 or older.
– Applicants should have proof of ownership of their property.
– A household income must not exceed 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) or the applicant must actively enroll in qualifying homestead exemption programs.
– There must be no negative encumbrances attached to the property.
To provide clear direction and assistance to potential applicants, the city has partnered with local Atlanta nonprofits, including Nehemiah Project, Rebuilding Together Atlanta, and Meals on Wheels Atlanta (MOWA).
These partnerships aim to facilitate the application process for eligible seniors, ensuring they understand their options.
Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, CEO of MOWA, emphasized the importance of the fund in helping longtime Atlanta residents remain in their homes.
“Since we serve so much of the Westside, it made sense that we would participate and that citizens who believe they’re impacted would be able to come into our facility and sit with folks to complete their application,” she stated.
This year marks the second collaboration between MOWA and Invest Atlanta on the Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund, with the nonprofit now helping process applications on-site for the first time.
Applications for the Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund are being accepted until May 31.
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