This state sold the world’s very first Coca-Cola in 1886, served as a hub for the Civil Rights Movement, is known as the “Hollywood of the South,” and is home to a variety of cultural institutions. Now, homeowners in Atlanta may benefit from a whopping $10 million fund before the summer holidays. A new multi-million dollar program is being implemented to assist legacy homeowners. Time to pay attention, because you never know, you might also be a legacy homeowner.
The new multi-million dollar program that will assist legacy homeowners
Atlanta has seen an extreme rise in its property values, and it continues to rise. The new developments throughout Atlanta increased property values and, inevitably, property taxes. This is why city leaders decided to expand the property tax relief program to help legacy homeowners, particularly seniors, remain in their homes.
Per Invest Atlanta, over the past five years, homeowners with a homestead exemption experienced an average property tax increase of 31%. The pilot program was set in motion in 2024, and this year, the Anti-displacement Tax Relief Fund is expanding with a $10 million fund backed by private resources, including the Centennial Yards Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and its goal is to help more than 200 families.
“This is for the people who built this city. They are the fabric.” – Anita Allgood, Vice President of Homeownership Services at Invest Atlanta.
These homeowners will qualify for the relief program
As with any other relief program, some criteria must be met by homeowners to be seen as qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive coverage of any increase in taxes above the homeowner’s base taxes for up to 20 years from the relief program, provided the homeowner continues to qualify.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- Be 60 years of age or older
- Have proof of homeownership
- Have owned their home in the city since 2015 or before
- There are no negative disadvantages attached to the property
- Have a household income of 60% AMI or below
- $48,000 for a one-person household, $54,840 for two people, and $61,680 for three
- Have a current city and county homestead exemption
Applicants who do not have a homestead exemption can apply at the Fulton Assessor Exemption official website.
The program brings relief and joy to many
Per Invest Atlanta officials, the program is essential to offset the unintended effects of property growth. A Capitol View resident, Quincy Alexander, joined the pilot program in 2024. Alexander lost her previous home in Oakland City due to the high-risk mortgage crisis, and Atlanta’s ever-rising property taxes had her fearing that the past might repeat itself.
“A lot of money, because property values have gone through the roof. The program is a blessing. It means everything to me to have somewhere my grandchildren can come spend the night.” – Quincy Alexander.
The application window opened on May 1, 2025, and will remain open until May 31, 2025. Interested homeowners are advised to read the Invest Atlanta official press release to apply for the Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund online. Applicants may also receive in-person application assistance through one of Atlanta’s Community-Based Organizations listed below:
- Meals on Wheels Atlanta – Open Wednesday and Thursday, 10 AM – 1 PM
- Rebuilding Together Atlanta – Call or Email to set an appointment
- The Nehemiah Project – Open Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM
Legacy homeowners in Atlanta are advised to apply for the Anti-displacement Tax Relief Fund as soon as possible, as the deadline to apply is a mere 20 days away. Do not let this benefit slip through your fingers. You never know if you might qualify, so take a leap of faith, because you and your family deserve to hold onto your legacy. You showed your loyalty to Atlanta, so let Atlanta and its relief fund return the favor.
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