Housing Affordability Discussed at Savannah City Council Workshop

In the charming city of Savannah, Georgia, the City Council held a significant workshop meeting recently to tackle a pressing issue that has been a growing concern for residents – housing affordability. The discussions highlighted troubling data that has left many in the community searching for answers and solutions.

According to insights from Housing Savannah, a local non-profit dedicated to improving housing stability, the situation has not been favorable for over three decades. The rising cost of housing has consistently outpaced household income. A revealing survey conducted by a local task force discovered that an alarming 21,000 households, which represents roughly 40% of Savannah households, simply cannot afford the housing available to them.

The Shift in Income Requirements

Martin Freddy, the director of housing and neighborhood services, provided crucial context during the workshop. “At that time, if you made less than $55,000 a year as a household, you probably couldn’t afford housing,” he explained. “Now, that figure has ticked up to about $65,000.” This slight increase reflects a significant challenge for the community, as many struggle to meet the changing demands of the housing market.

Developing a Plan

Back in 2021, the city council adopted the 10-year Housing Savannah Action Plan, which officially kicked off in 2022. The city’s mayor, Van Johnson, who took office in 2020, emphasized the importance of a well-thought-out strategy, saying, “When I was elected, Savannah had never had an affordable housing plan.” His commitment to making bold moves for inclusive housing is evident in the ongoing efforts to address this issue.

Real Impacts and Ongoing Projects

Thanks to the investments from Housing Savannah, the organization has reported positive results, having assisted over 1,950 households in just under three years. Freddy provided further details, stating, “If you look a little bit more at the participants, the average income for those in the home improvement program is about $26,000.” Moreover, he noted that an impressive 96% of these households are minority households, with 82% led by women. This highlights the significant impact that these initiatives have on the availability of safe and affordable housing in underrepresented communities.

The plans do not stop here. Housing Savannah has outlined an exciting roadmap ahead, featuring five major construction projects set to roll out in 2024 and 2025 aimed at enhancing housing affordability. One particularly notable project will provide more than 400 housing units, including affordable apartments designated for seniors, on the former Coastal Empire Fairgrounds property.

Forward-Thinking Vision

Mayor Johnson expressed gratitude for the progress made so far, stating, “I’m just so grateful because we swung for the fences. We’ve been able to do great things, and I think we can go harder.” He recognizes that addressing housing affordability is a defining issue for the future wellbeing of Savannah.

As the discussions around housing continue, it’s clear that there is a growing commitment among city officials and community organizations to ensure that all residents have access to safe, affordable housing. Efforts like these showcase Savannah’s determination to create a community where everyone can thrive.

In conclusion, while the challenges are daunting, the willingness to confront them with a robust plan and community engagement offers hope. The coming years will be pivotal for Savannah as it continues to work toward solutions that champion housing affordability for everyone.