Atlanta Housing's CEO Terri M. Lee Marks a Year of Progress, Driving Affordable Housing and Community Impact

ATLANTA, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- One year ago, Terri M. Lee stepped into the role of President and CEO of Atlanta Housing (AH) with a clear vision: to accelerate housing production, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure that affordability remains a cornerstone of Atlanta's future. In just 12 months, she has driven a transformative shift in AH's approach to development, expanding the city's affordable housing pipeline, delivering long-term stability for residents, and positioning the agency as a leader in tackling Atlanta's housing challenges.

Under Lee's leadership, AH has made significant progress toward its long-term strategic goal, reaching 66% of its commitment to create or preserve 10,000 affordable housing units. In 2024 alone, the agency created 1,794 new affordable units and preserved an additional 1,406, ensuring that more than 3,200 households have access to stable, high-quality housing.

"From day one, my vision has been clear: housing must be a platform for stability, economic mobility, and self-sufficiency," said Lee. "This past year has been a testament to what is possible when urgency meets commitment. Every unit we've delivered, every partnership we've forged, and every family we've supported is a step toward a stronger, more inclusive Atlanta. We know the challenges before us are great, but so is our passion for this work. The progress we've made in 2024 is just the beginning—our team and partners are working tirelessly to ensure that affordable housing is not just a promise, but a reality for thousands of Atlantans."

As part of this progress, AH closed 10 real estate development transactions in 2024, a level of activity that reflects the agency's ability to deliver projects at scale and with speed. These closings, including The Proctor, Heritage Village at West Lake, Villas at Stone Hogan, Flats at Stone Hogan, Englewood IA Multi-family, Herndon Phase III, the acquisition of 450 Hank Aaron, and the renovation of Cosby Spear, have significantly expanded Atlanta's affordable housing pipeline and set the stage for future growth.

In addition to real estate transactions, Lee has led AH in advancing major redevelopment projects that will reshape neighborhoods and create lasting economic opportunity for residents. The Bowen Homes Redevelopment Phase I, a $63.6 million investment backed in part by a $40 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative grant, will revitalize a historic community into a mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood that integrates housing, economic mobility, and neighborhood revitalization. In May 2024, AH broke ground on Englewood Phase 1B Senior, a development adjacent to the BeltLine that will provide affordable housing for seniors while ensuring access to key amenities and transportation.

"Affordable housing is fundamental to Atlanta's future, and under Terri Lee's leadership, Atlanta Housing has made significant progress in just one year," said City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. "Atlanta Housing is committed to ensuring that families, seniors, and individuals can continue to live and thrive in the communities they love. This level of impact is exactly what we need to meet the challenges of our growing city, and I look forward to continuing to work together to create lasting housing solutions for all Atlantans." 

Beyond development, AH has expanded direct support services for residents, reinforcing the agency's commitment to housing as a foundation for opportunity. The Learning Spaces initiative has grown to provide early childhood education access for AH families, fostering long-term academic and economic success. AH has also continued to prioritize transparency and accountability, utilizing the AH Strategic Plan Dashboard to track key housing production and community impact goals.

With this momentum, Atlanta Housing is positioned to build on its work, demonstrating that bold leadership, forward-thinking policy, and community-driven solutions can redefine what's possible for affordable housing in Atlanta.

"Atlanta Housing has made tremendous progress in 2024 toward the Board's emphasis on delivering on our strategic vision," added Larry Stewart, Chair of Atlanta Housing's Board of Commissioners. "Terri Lee's unwavering commitment to excellence and to people inside and outside of AH is what has driven us to the solid foundation this organization provides for stability and opportunity. The Board is proud to support this work and excited for what's ahead."

Addressing housing affordability requires strong leadership and strategic collaboration, and AH – with Lee's direction – is demonstrating both at a critical time for the city. This level of development underscores the importance of public-private partnerships, innovative financing strategies, and a commitment to ensuring all Atlantans have access to stable, affordable housing. Lee and her team have made tremendous progress and will continue its collaboration to expand housing opportunities across Atlanta.

ABOUT ATLANTA HOUSING 
President and Chief Executive Officer Terri M. Lee leads The Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, Georgia (AH), the largest housing authority in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation. AH carries the prestigious Moving to Work (MTW) designation and serves as an industry leader in providing and facilitating affordable housing resources for nearly 27,000 low-income households comprised of approximately 45,000 people through its AH-owned residential communities, tenant-based and project-based vouchers, supportive housing, as well as down payment assistance, where innovation leads the approach to making the dream of homeownership attainable for more Atlantans. Atlanta Housing programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Visit AH at www.atlantahousing.org or follow us on social media @housingatlanta.

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SOURCE Atlanta Housing