Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is trying to combat the challenges of accessing affordable housing. He recently announced his $5 billion Atlanta Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, which includes a $1.3 billion plan to subsidize affordable housing projects. He aims to extend existing tax allocation districts to fund community investment projects, with an initial focus on 7 neighborhoods: Thomasville Heights, English Avenue/ Vine City, Grove Park/Bankhead, West Hollowell, East Campbellton, West Campbellton, and Downtown Atlanta.

For the November installment of Coffee Conversations held at Grant Park Coffeehouse, program host Rose Scott talked with a panel of guests about what exactly TADs are, the pros and cons of them, as well as other possible solutions that could potentially help build stronger communities and center equity for all Atlanta residents.

Guests Include:

Rahel TafarI, the owner of the Grant Park Coffeehouse

Kyle Kessler, the director of policy and research of the Center for Civic Innovation

Gavin McGuire, the executive director of the Grove Park Foundation

Julian Bene, an Atlanta Economic Justice advocate and Former Invest Atlanta board member

Alison Johnson, the executive director of the Housing Justice League

Fred Stevens, a consultant in residence with the Paradise Community Development Center