$7.47 million in ARPA funds have been allocated to the North Downtown Athens Project (NDAP). This project is a public-private partnership between Athens Housing Authority, ACCGov, and private developers, and will result in the redevelopment of the Bethel Midtown property into a mixed income residential community. More information can be accessed using the links below.

External Website: https://ndathens.com/

SPLOST 2020 Affordable Housing project page

$1.25 million has been designated to be used for affordable housing preservation via home repairs and downpayment assistance. This funding was allocated in response to the recommendations of the Athens Justice and Memory Project. ACCGov staff issued a Request for Proposals from qualified organizations in June 2023 and received one proposal from Historic Athens for home repair projects. This proposal was approved by Mayor and Commission for funding on November 7, 2023.

Down Payment Assistance RFP Re-Release:

In an effort to address the lack of affordable housing for low-income Athens-Clarke County residents, ACCGov is now accepting proposals from organizations for funding associated down payment assistance for prospective homeowners. There is a total of $718,400 in funding for this purpose. Selected proposals will be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). All awarded funding must be expended by December 31, 2026. For-profit, public non-profit, and private non-profit entities, incorporated by or licensed in the state of Georgia are invited to submit applications now through January 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  

This is a re-release of a funding opportunity that closed on September 1, 2023. The preservation and creation of affordable housing opportunities for lower income households continues to be one of the top priorities of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov). This program stems from a recommendation from the Athens Justice and Memory Project to help address financial losses created by urban renewal and to reinvest in historically underserved neighborhoods in Athens-Clarke County.  

Interested parties are invited to participate in a technical assistance webinar on December 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. to learn more about this opportunity. Email arpa@accgov.com or visit accgov.com/arpa for webinar details, updates and more information.

Related Documents:

Click here for AJMP DPA Re-Release RFP

Click here for December 11, 2023 AJMP DPA Re-Release Technical Assistance Webinar

Down Payment Assistance RFP Re-Release Timeline:  

Athens-Clarke County worked with HR&A Advisors, a consultant, to develop an Affordable Housing Investment Strategy. This strategy document will guide the decisionmaking process around affordable housing over the coming years. Mayor and Commission voted on October 3, 2023 to approve the final version of the Affordable Housing Investment Strategy.