Opinion: Affordable housing deficit needs attention

We appreciate the opportunity to highlight our volunteer team’s efforts to address the urgent need for affordable housing in our community. 

We’re working hard to build a network of advocates prioritizing housing solutions. While this challenge is nationwide, we’ve identified communities successfully implementing proactive strategies. Encouragingly, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce has made affordable housing a legislative priority this year.

Although North Fulton’s six cities boast strong leadership focused on economic development, we are not adequately forecasting the workforce housing required to sustain growth. Industries like healthcare, education, hospitality and emergency services face critical shortages due to insufficient housing stock. The “missing middle”— households earning $50,000 to $80,000 annually — struggle to find affordable options, whether renting or buying. Current zoning restrictions further hinder progress, leaving comprehensive plans for workforce housing unfulfilled.

To prepare for future needs, we must adopt innovative solutions, including property reuse, zoning adjustments, and the addition of Auxiliary Dwelling Units, carriage houses, or multi-generational housing on private land. Faith-based organizations could also play a key role by repurposing land or underutilized parking lots for housing development. Empty nesters lack downsizing options, and young professionals — our children and recent graduates — cannot afford to return to live here. It’s time to change that.

Thanks to our partner, John Ray, with Business Radio X, you can now access our podcast, “North Fulton Voices,” via our website or your favorite podcast platform. The podcast features experts discussing critical issues such as senior housing, housing for school employees, and workforce challenges faced by healthcare providers. We also share insights from the Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia Public Policy Foundation, elected officials and economic developers on potential solutions for North Fulton.

This is not a political issue; it should be a community priority. Addressing housing affordability can ease traffic congestion, strengthen our workforce, and provide homes for the people we need and value in our community.

Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy are members of North Fulton Improvement Network. Learn more at www.improvenorthfulton.org.