Georgia Power, Atlanta Land Trust Commit to Housing Affordability Amid Atlanta's Rapid Growth

With Atlanta's population set to grow by approximately two million new residents by 2050, Georgia Power and Atlanta Land Trust are working together to actively address housing affordability. 

Founded in 2009, Atlanta Land Trust was established to create and maintain permanently affordable housing, particularly around the Atlanta Beltline. The nonprofit operates uniquely as a community land trust, selling homes to low and moderate-income families while retaining ownership of the underlying land. This model ensures long-term affordability by requiring homeowners to sell their homes at affordable prices to other qualified families, thus maintaining a cycle of affordability for future generations.

One of the beneficiaries of this initiative, Makeisha Roby, shared her personal story of finding stability through Atlanta Land Trust on Atlanta & Co. 

“Before purchasing one of the first homes with Atlanta Land Trust, I was just trying to find our place in the city,” Roby said. “Our family had a hard time being stable in one neighborhood because the prices would just keep increasing and so being able to find the Atlanta Land trust that gave us a sense of stability.”

Rita Breen, Executive Director of Corporate Responsibility with Georgia Power, highlighted the company's dedication to investing in communities across Georgia. 

“Affordable housing is so important for stabilization of individuals and families,” Breen said. “We work in that entire affordable housing ecosystem, and we love Atlanta Land Trust because it offers home ownership and permanent affordability. And at Georgia Power, we want to connect our citizens to affordable housing and to various resources in the community.”

More information about Atlanta Land Trust and its initiatives can be found by visiting the nonprofit’s website and participating in their monthly community information sessions. 

The full Atlanta & Co. interview with Breen, Roby, and Executive Director of Atlanta Land Trust Amanda Rhein can be watched on 11 Alive’s website.