Atlanta City Council to consider investing $1.8 million to the Atlanta Legacy Business Program
ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council will consider an ordinance authorizing the transfer of $1.8 million to Invest Atlanta to fund the Atlanta Legacy Business Program, which supports businesses operating for 30 years or more and contributing to the city’s history, culture, and identity. They have also contributed significantly to developing neighborhoods and communities by providing services, products, and entertainment that would have otherwise not been accessible to so many residents (24-O-1372).
Other items on the agenda include:
· An ordinance to impose a tax increase on owners of neglected properties. Georgia voters previously approved a measure allowing municipalities to temporarily increase property taxes on blighted properties until remediated or redeveloped. Occupied properties would be exempt, ensuring no residents are involuntarily displaced. The ordinance would impose a “blight tax” of 25 times the City millage rate (24-O-1370).
· An ordinance authorizing the acquisition of approximately 5.34 acres from the Conservation Fund for $2.7 million. Previously used as an urban farm, the property will be developed into a city park featuring urban farming, natural areas, and community green space (24-O-1379).
· An ordinance renaming the property referenced above as “Red’s Farm Preserve” to honor Brian Charles (Red) Harrison, who developed the land into a community green space, hosting events and providing a gathering place for the Oremewood Park neighborhood until his passing in 2022 (24-O-1380).
· A resolution authorizing a $40,000 donation to the non-profit organization 21st Century Leaders. The funds will provide micro-grants in increments of $1,000 to $5,000 to young people ages 14 to 24 to design, produce, and implement climate solutions in the city (24-R-3764).
· An ordinance transferring an amount to be determined to Atlanta Invest to create the Neighborhood Small Business Impact Response Loan Fund (NSBIRLF). The fund will provide low-interest, deferred, or forgivable loans of at least $10,000 to small businesses affected by significant economic disruptions or infrastructure developments. (24-O-1374).
· An ordinance adding $600,000 to funds allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and authorizing a new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) agreement for Vanira Village Apartments under the City’s Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program. The funds will provide rental subsidies for 28 low-income families (24-O-1360).
· A resolution authorizing a $40,000 donation to the Historic Oakland Foundation to support its Living History Capital Campaign, funding greenspace preservation and street, sidewalk, and trail improvements (24-R-3765).
· A resolution authorizing a $30,000 donation to Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAGV), an organization dedicated to preventing gang violence and providing support to the families and victims affected by gang activities (24-O-1373).
The City Council will present proclamations and recognitions to honor Ralph Wells, Lenox Square’s 65th anniversary, and the Credit Union of Atlanta.
