Research Library

The work of Sandy Springs Together was recently featured in a profile written by Southeastern Council of Foundations (SECF).

SECF is a “membership association of more than 360 grant-makers working together to strengthen, promote and increase philanthropy in 11 Southeastern states, including here in Georgia”. The magazine article highlights outstanding philanthropic work across the southeastern United States.

In the article, titled “Bringing People to the Table” by Peter Panepento, the Couchmans’ outline their work with Sandy Springs Together and the vision they have for the future of the city of Sandy Springs.

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Sandy Springs has an affordable housing crisis. It’s a fact, and we shouldn’t beat around the bush when we talk about it.

It’s important to note that the Task Force’s mission included the phrase: “creates a place for the families presently living in the neighborhoods”. 

Well, what is the city actually doing about it? Spoiler alert: Nothing.

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The affordability of housing in Atlanta has been fueling the entire region’s economic growth for the past several decades. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, our region has added more than 400,000 people since  2010 and forecasts another 2.5 million people will move hereby the year 2040.

However, Sandy Springs is projected to only increase in population by 20,000 residents.   

We are losing our edge.

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At Sandy Springs Together, we have made it our mission to advocate for affordable housing for everyone in our city. Access to affordable housing is an essential aspect to any strong and diverse community. We take pride in our ability to hold elected officials accountable, educate the public and create change around such an important issue.

With that, we could not be happier to announce that we have received a letter of support from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

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We have reached a pivotal moment in our short history as a city. 

In recent statements, Mayor Rusty Paul and the City Council have announced that they are making the redevelopment of the North End a primary focus for the remainder of their current terms in office. Since receiving the final report from the North End Revitalization Task Force in January, the city government has already made plans for a new community center and a non-motorized trail system a part of the city’s Parks and Rec Master Plan.

In addition, they have initiated a request for proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of four under-utilized shopping centers. But this just begs the question that so many in our community are asking themselves — where are the city’s plans to address affordable housing? It’s undeniable that affordable housing is the true key to any kind of revitalization or redevelopment project.

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On Monday night, we joined forces with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the region’s top urban planning agency, to host a needed discussion on affordable housing issues in metro-Atlanta. Despite the pouring rain, roughly 100 attendees came out to engage in this important conversation. 

Some of those in attendance included City Councilman John Paulson, City Councilman Andy Bauman, Executive Director of the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods Rhonda Smith, as well as Andrea Settles, who serves on the Planning Commission.

Sam Shenbaga with the ARC presented some of the issues and potential solutions to this problem. 

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