Photograph by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The primary-ever State of Atlanta Housing tackle started with a video that featured a girl giving her testimony on how Atlanta Housing helped maintain her and her three grandchildren of their dwelling.
“I simply can’t clarify what I really feel as a result of you must be in my sneakers to see how I obtained right here,” the unnamed lady stated.
Atlanta Housing President & CEO Terri M. Lee referred to as housing in Atlanta a “group venture” and stated she was stunned by how many individuals across the metropolis don’t know precisely what the division does.
“Steady housing creates alternative,” Lee stated. “When Atlanta strikes, the world watches. We’re reimagining what inexpensive housing could be.”
Lee introduced that part two of the multimillion-dollar Bowen Houses residential venture has been secured. The primary part, which started in March 2025, will embrace 151 items of inexpensive housing, which can value $63 million, in line with Lee.
The complete-scale rebuild of the previous Bowen Houses initiatives, which was demolished in 2009, is anticipated to have 20,000 items of housing.
“As we speak, we’re breaking new floor,” Lee stated.
Lee additionally listed different residential initiatives scheduled for 2025 and past, together with The Proctor, which is at the moment beneath development and will likely be situated on the town’s Westside.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens credited Atlanta Housing Lee with the town rising nearer to his plan of offering 20,000 items by the yr 2030.
“Terri, your first yr on the helm has been transformative,” Dickens stated. “We’re greater than midway there, and Atlanta Housing is a significant a part of that.”
Dickens, who took half in a media occasion for the upcoming FIFA Membership World Cup and FIFA 2026 World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, is on his solution to Washington, D.C. for the annual assembly of African American Mayors.
Lee additionally spoke about creating 500 items of housing for unhoused households by the tip of 2025.
“We’re constructing futures,” Lee stated.
Earlier than she left the stage, Lee shared a narrative of assembly a pair of native school college students and having considered one of them inform her that she was the primary CEO he had ever met. Lee, combating again tears, stated it reminded her of rising up in Louisiana.
She stated that second was why it’s necessary to be current locally.
Pastor Paul Thibodeaux, the lead pastor at Affect Church, gave the opening invocation. Atlanta Housing Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Stewart, and Atlanta Housing CEO Dwayne C. Vaughn additionally spoke throughout the occasion.
