Established in 1938 under state enabling legislation and the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, the Athens Housing Authority (AHA) has a long-standing mission to provide secure, affordable, and high-quality housing to the community. Today, AHA owns and operates 1,291 public housing units and continues to expand its efforts through innovative housing initiatives.
In addition to traditional public housing, AHA promotes homeownership by supporting homebuyer lending and constructing new in-fill housing. The Authority is also a recognized issuer of multi-family tax-exempt bonds and notably completed the first true private mortgage on a HUD property in the United States.
Since 1985, AHA has issued over $200 million in 19 tax-exempt bond transactions, supporting the development and preservation of affordable housing in Athens and throughout Georgia.
AHA is also deeply committed to community partnerships. In 2010, the Authority joined forces with the local school district and government to repurpose a historic gym into a new Boys & Girls Club. In 2011, AHA partnered with Columbia Residential on a transformative, award-winning $60 million redevelopment of one of its aging neighborhoods into a vibrant, mixed-income community.
Currently, AHA is a partner in a multi-phase redevelopment project aimed at revitalizing North Downtown Athens. Additionally, the Authority continues to collaborate with private developers to expand access to affordable housing in the greater Athens area.
