Since the inception of Sandy Springs Together, we’ve harped on the importance of the city addressing the growing affordable housing crisis before it’s too late.
We’ve also highlighted the fact that this problem isn’t exclusive to Sandy Springs — it’s impacting the entire city of Atlanta and similar metropolitan areas around the country.
11Alive Speaks Up
Recently, the news crew over at 11Alive produced a great segment articulating the key issues and consequences that the ever-rising cost of housing is creating in the Atlanta area.
As 11Alive says in their report, “it has become common in Atlanta — homes coming down, expensive buildings and developments going up.”
Why This is a Problem
This is a huge problem because people who have lived in these areas for decades are being forced out of their neighborhood, and the average person cannot afford to live in, or even near, the city.
As it stands now, according to an Atlanta Business Chronicle report, roughly 340,000 Atlanta households pay more than 30% of their income toward housing costs, including rent and mortgage.
The 11Alive segment points out that the fact that these high housing costs impact people’s ability to spend money on other things, such as healthcare, daycare and even basic necessities, like groceries.
Perhaps an even more compelling argument comes from the National Association of Realtors, who argue that as housing prices increase, workers have to live farther out, which means businesses are less likely to come to Atlanta due to workers’ longer commutes.
Solid Evidence
Housing prices are up nearly 50% over the last 5 years; that is a short time to see such a price hike.
Housing prices are more than double the growth rate of the median family income.
It’s evident that the impact of a lack of housing affordability is seeping its way into all aspects of our lives.
The Solution
Well, the city of Atlanta has a $1 billion — yes, BILLION — plan to tackle some of the core issues that drive the affordable housing crisis.
We can be part of the solution as well.
Sandy Springs Together started as a group of concerned citizens. We’ve been echoing these same sentiments every single day since our founding.
If you’re finding yourself feeling like a concerned citizen as well, we would love for you to join us as we search for the best policies.
Action is needed and it’s needed now.
Let’s make it happen together.
