How Banks Shape Workforce Housing in North Fulton
How Banks Shape Workforce Housing in North Fulton (North Fulton Voices, Episode 13)
Affordable housing is often discussed in terms of zoning, development, or politics, but the financial system behind it is just as critical. In this episode of North Fulton Voices, hosts Jack Murphy and Kathy Swahn examine workforce housing through the banking lens with Antonio Henson of Renasant Bank and Scott Doll of American Commerce Bank.
Antonio and Scott explain how the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) shapes what banks can and cannot do, and why CRA responsibilities go beyond loans to include financial literacy, board service, and community investment. The conversation also explores specific tools, from down payment assistance and Federal Home Loan Bank grants to manufactured housing and consortium lending, that can make projects financially viable.
Along the way, the guests unpack the toughest barriers, including land costs and loan risk, and highlight why creativity and collaboration among banks, developers, and municipalities are essential. For listeners in North Fulton and beyond, the episode offers a candid view of how financial institutions weigh risk, balance shareholder obligations with community needs, and use regulatory frameworks to help expand housing access for essential workers.
North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC.
Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank
Antonio Henson has over twenty years of experience in business and banking. He has facilitated training sessions for staff aimed at enhancing product & credit knowledge and regulatory procedures.
Antonio has structured project financing designed to spur neighborhood revitalization efforts in the low-income communities throughout the State of New Jersey and Metro Atlanta. This action involved community outreach and working with elected officials, government agencies, quasi-public agencies and the private sector to promote revitalization and commercial development.
He has provided expertise and assistance to various community-based organizations to assist them with meeting the financial needs of their respective organizations.
Scott Doll, American Commerce Bank
Scott Doll, American Commerce Bank
Scott Doll is the SVP of Retail Market Strategies and Community Development and also serves as the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer at American Commerce Bank, N.A. In these roles, he leads initiatives to strengthen the bank’s retail presence and deepen its community relationships, with a strategic focus on building partnerships that support sustainable local growth and ensuring compliance with CRA requirements. Scott’s career has included executive roles in both banking and nonprofit sectors, such as CEO of The Global Impact Group, Executive Director at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Vice President at Crescent Bank and Trust Company, as well as the Bank of Ellijay. His expertise spans business development, financial management, team leadership, and advancing market strategies that align with the bank’s mission to serve its communities.
In addition to his leadership in retail strategy and CRA oversight, Scott is recognized for his dedication to philanthropic and civic causes, actively supporting local charities and participating in programs like Lionheart WORKS and Your Family’s Table through the bank’s Community of One Fund. He is passionate about financial literacy education and economic opportunity and regularly engages in volunteer projects that benefit families and youth.