{"result":[{"id":525,"title":"The Vision for Centennial Yards","promo_title":"The Vision for Centennial Yards","published_date":"2024-06-26","featured_image":{"id":2663,"parent_id":170,"resource_file_name":"cent1.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":141458,"resource_updated_at":"2024-07-09T16:39:20.513-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2024-07-09T16:39:20.538-04:00","updated_at":"2024-07-10T13:56:38.213-04:00","filename_hash":"cent1_nMbK6RY.jpg","width":937,"height":529},"filename":"the-vision-for-centennial-yards","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"-QzQvw","created_at":"2024-07-09T16:40:01.432-04:00","updated_at":"2024-07-10T13:56:38.193-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Working with the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta and CIM Group are partnering to develop the area formerly known as the Gulch in Downtown Atlanta, representing a public-private partnership that will create a world-class destination and spur significant economic growth for the city.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2024","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWorking with the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta and CIM Group are partnering to develop the area formerly known as the Gulch in Downtown Atlanta, representing a public-private partnership that will create a world-class destination and spur significant economic growth for the city.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe vision for Centennial Yards includes the transformation of downtown rail lines and parking lots into a bustling, mixed-use, 50-acre development adjacent to State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This expansive city attraction will feature high-end restaurants and retail, entertainment, 5-star hotels, innovative workplaces for businesses of all sizes and thousands of residential units.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce complete, Centennial Yards will boast 900,000 square feet of retail space, 2.8 million square feet of residential housing (including more than 200 affordable units), 1.7 million square feet of hospitality venues, along with a 300,000 square foot Data Center and 6,000 parking stalls.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCentennial Yards is situated at the crossroads of Georgia\u0026rsquo;s transportation system, 20 minutes from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and 10 minutes from Midtown Atlanta. MARTA lines converge at Centennial Yards, along with easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine \u0026ndash; the 22-mile loop of trails, transit and parks connecting 45 intown neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt its June 2024 meeting, the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved the monetization of previously issued bonds to help accelerate the development of Centennial Yards and further the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s development goals for Downtown Atlanta and the adjacent Westside Tax Allocation District\u0026nbsp;neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":463,"title":"Affordability in English Avenue and Vine City","promo_title":"Affordability in English Avenue and Vine City","published_date":"2022-11-28","featured_image":{"id":2150,"parent_id":135,"resource_file_name":"west1.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":80062,"resource_updated_at":"2022-11-28T10:38:13.217-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2022-11-28T10:38:13.927-05:00","updated_at":"2022-11-28T10:40:11.764-05:00","filename_hash":"west1_r9Dq3qW.jpg","width":855,"height":778},"filename":"affordability-in-english-avenue-and-vine-city","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"wnhI7A","created_at":"2022-11-28T10:40:11.542-05:00","updated_at":"2022-11-28T10:40:11.542-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta is working with five, neighborhood-based developers that will redevelop 14 residential properties in the English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods \u0026ndash; resulting in the new construction or redevelopment of seven for-sale units and 42 rental units.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2022","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta is working with five, neighborhood-based developers that will redevelop 14 residential properties in the English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods \u0026ndash; resulting in the new construction or redevelopment of seven for-sale units and 42 rental units.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAtlanta Land Trust \u0026amp; Urban Oasis Development; Barn Owl Real Estate 7, LLC; Hagar Civilization Training Missionary, Inc.; oaksATL, Inc.; and Westside Future Fund will offer a variety of for-sale and rental housing options and are committed to preserving long-term affordability. Each developer has proposed a complementary housing design to maintain the community\u0026rsquo;s architectural character.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe for-sale properties will ensure long-term affordability through the Atlanta Land Trust at 80-120% area median income (AMI), while the rental properties will have 99-year ground leases with Invest Atlanta for permanent affordability at 50-80% AMI.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":452,"title":"Historic Theatrical Outfit to Undergo Renovations","promo_title":"Historic Theatrical Outfit to Undergo Renovations","published_date":"2022-09-21","featured_image":{"id":2056,"parent_id":127,"resource_file_name":"balzer_3.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":141536,"resource_updated_at":"2022-09-21T11:47:12.683-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2022-09-21T11:47:12.718-04:00","updated_at":"2022-09-21T11:47:48.544-04:00","filename_hash":"balzer_3_3kwmYjl.jpg","width":904,"height":618},"filename":"historic-theatrical-outfit-to-undergo-renovations","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"0K89ig","created_at":"2022-09-21T11:47:48.402-04:00","updated_at":"2022-09-21T11:47:48.402-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s second-oldest professional theater will soon receive a $2 million renovation with financial assistance from a $200,000 Westside TAD Downtown Fa\u0026ccedil;ade Improvement Grant.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2022","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAtlanta\u0026rsquo;s second-oldest professional theater will soon receive a $2 million renovation with financial assistance from a $200,000 Westside TAD Downtown Fa\u0026ccedil;ade Improvement Grant.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2005, the Theatrical Outfit, which has been operating in Atlanta for 45 years, purchased and renovated the historic Herren\u0026rsquo;s Restaurant building at 84 Luckie St., making it their permanent home. Herren\u0026rsquo;s Restaurant was a prominent business in downtown Atlanta from 1934 until 1987, after which the building remained vacant until it was purchased by Bill Balzer and donated to Theatrical Outfit in 2005.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Theatrical Outfit is now undertaking a $2 million renovation of the Balzer Theater to include expansion of the lobby space, updates to the interior and restoration of the fa\u0026ccedil;ade to create a more visible storefront that historically aligns with the original exterior design.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOther improvements will include a new energy-efficient LED display marquee signage and new and enlarged windows. What\u0026rsquo;s more, the original Herren\u0026rsquo;s sign, which is currently mounted on an interior stairwell, will be relocated to the lobby and illuminated to ensure visibility from the street.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":447,"title":"Innovative Affordability in Grove Park Community","promo_title":"Innovative Affordability in Grove Park Community","published_date":"2022-07-27","featured_image":{"id":2006,"parent_id":124,"resource_file_name":"grove_park_4.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":51746,"resource_updated_at":"2022-07-27T13:46:13.338-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2022-07-27T13:46:13.367-04:00","updated_at":"2022-07-27T13:46:50.930-04:00","filename_hash":"grove_park_4_bw324X8.jpg","width":936,"height":459},"filename":"innovative-affordability-in-grove-park-community","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"GIHJMA","created_at":"2022-07-27T13:46:50.896-04:00","updated_at":"2022-07-27T13:46:50.896-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n To help very-low-income families, especially those at risk of displacement, the Invest Atlanta Board approved $1.8 million in Housing Opportunity Bond Funds for the construction of affordable, single-family scattered site rental units in the Grove Park community.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2022","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTo help very-low-income families, especially those at risk of displacement, the Invest Atlanta Board approved $1.8 million in Housing Opportunity Bond Funds for the construction of affordable, single-family scattered site rental units in the Grove Park community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe project, located at 1842 Markone Street, is in close proximity to mass transit and will be developed by Grove Park Renewal Rentals \u0026ndash; a nonprofit focused on empowering communities through high quality, dignified housing.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGrove Park Renewal currently owns 10 parcels that will be used to create 40 units. There will be two structures on each parcel \u0026ndash; a primary unit and a detached accessory dwelling unit \u003cstrong\u003e(\u003c/strong\u003eADU) \u0026ndash; that will house four separate living units. Affordability will include 30%, 50% and 80% of area median income (AMI) units \u0026ndash; 12 of which will be permanently affordable and 10 will be deed restricted. In addition, Atlanta Housing Choice Vouchers will be available for 10 units.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":449,"title":"New Fire Station Coming to Almond Park Community","promo_title":"New Fire Station Coming to Almond Park Community","published_date":"2022-07-27","featured_image":{"id":2008,"parent_id":124,"resource_file_name":"fire_station_3.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":135053,"resource_updated_at":"2022-07-27T13:55:23.474-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2022-07-27T13:55:23.512-04:00","updated_at":"2022-07-27T13:56:14.200-04:00","filename_hash":"fire_station_3_YWDoyyv.jpg","width":1850,"height":619},"filename":"new-fire-station-coming-to-almond-park-community","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"sagS-A","created_at":"2022-07-27T13:56:14.179-04:00","updated_at":"2022-07-27T13:56:14.179-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The construction of a new fire station on Hollywood Road will soon resume, improving response times and safety for local residents seeking emergency services.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2022","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe construction of a new fire station on Hollywood Road will soon resume, improving response times and safety for local residents seeking emergency services.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board approved a $5.1 million grant from the Perry Bolton Tax Allocation District (TAD) to complete the construction of the new facility known as Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department (AFRD) Fire Station #22.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 17,000-square-foot building will replace the original 1938 fire station at 817 Hollywood Road, which was outdated and out of service. The new facility, located at 855 Hollywood Road, will house administrative offices, a living dormitory and storage spaces for AFRD personnel, tools, equipment and fire apparatus.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe project was previously awarded a $1 million Perry Bolton TAD grant in 2019. Construction began in early 2021 but was halted because of challenges with the general contractor and an inability to acquire critical materials. The City of Atlanta retained a new general contractor and revised the total project cost to include an additional interior buildout and equipment covered by the approved new grant funding.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":446,"title":"Housing Affordability in the Westside","promo_title":"Housing Affordability in the Westside","published_date":"2022-07-27","featured_image":{"id":2005,"parent_id":124,"resource_file_name":"220_sunset_3.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":55515,"resource_updated_at":"2022-07-27T13:44:33.931-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2022-07-27T13:44:34.799-04:00","updated_at":"2022-07-27T13:44:40.479-04:00","filename_hash":"220_sunset_3_VRVZ7ke.jpg","width":542,"height":364},"filename":"housing-affordability-in-the-westside","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"yN7ofQ","created_at":"2022-07-27T13:44:40.384-04:00","updated_at":"2022-07-27T13:44:40.384-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Board has approved $1.115 million in tax allocation district (TAD) grants to fund three small, multifamily residential projects that will increase affordability in the Westside community.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2022","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board has approved $1.115 million in tax allocation district (TAD) grants to fund three small, multifamily residential projects that will increase affordability in the Westside community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA $340,000 Westside TAD Resurgens Fund Grant will assist in the current redevelopment of \u003cstrong\u003e400 Paines Ave.\u003c/strong\u003e in the English Avenue neighborhood. The property will include six one-bedroom units leased at 60% area median income (AMI). Renovations will include ADA enhancements, utility upgrades and updates to the interior and exterior of the property. Other improvements will include reconstruction of curbs, sidewalks, streetscapes, stormwater management and curb cuts.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Westside Future Fund, which is a place-based community organization that utilizes private and philanthropic partnerships to revitalize Westside neighborhoods, received a $325,000 Westside TAD grant to fund a redevelopment project at \u003cstrong\u003e613 Echo St.\u003c/strong\u003e The project will feature seven units of affordable rental housing priced at 50-60% AMI. Plus, assistance from Atlanta Housing Project-Based Rental Assistance Voucher Program ensures tenants will pay no more than 30% of their income on rent.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Westside Future Fund also will receive up to $450,000 in Westside TAD Resurgens Fund Grants to finance the stabilization and historic preservation of \u003cstrong\u003e220 Sunset Ave.\u003c/strong\u003e for affordable multifamily housing. Built in 1950, the property is a historic landmark to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Civil Rights Movement and was acquired in 2020 to preserve the structure. The redevelopment will include a complete interior and exterior renovation of the four original apartments and construction of an additional two-bedroom, one-bath unit.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I wholeheartedly support this,\u0026rdquo; says Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. \u0026ldquo;These are not only affordable houses\u0026ndash;seven at a time, six at a time, 10 at a time\u0026ndash;that all add up. This is also neighborhood revitalization\u0026hellip;when you start fixing them up and placing residents in them at affordable rates\u0026hellip;it has a huge amount of impact.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":441,"title":"New Primary Care Facility to Open in the Westside","promo_title":"New Primary Care Facility to Open in the Westside","published_date":"2022-05-26","featured_image":{"id":1939,"parent_id":115,"resource_file_name":"propco.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":275397,"resource_updated_at":"2022-05-26T09:50:20.902-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2022-05-26T09:50:21.677-04:00","updated_at":"2022-05-26T12:42:33.135-04:00","filename_hash":"propco_ooraeNr.png","width":489,"height":279},"filename":"new-primary-care-facility-to-open-in-the-westside","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"N2HVXg","created_at":"2022-05-26T09:50:48.149-04:00","updated_at":"2022-05-26T12:42:33.103-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n A blighted property that has been vacant for more than 20 years will soon be transformed into a full-service healthcare entity serving the Grove Park and greater Westside communities.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2022","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA blighted property, that has been vacant for more than 20 years, will soon be transformed into a full-service healthcare entity, serving the Grove Park and greater Westside communities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta closed on a $500,000 Perry Bolton Tax Allocation District (TAD) grant to Ames Properties, LLC.\u0026nbsp; Owner and entertainment attorney, Jonathan Leonard, acquired the 11,000 square-foot commercial property located at 2056 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in 2021 with the intent to renovate.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow under development, the property will be leased to a full-service healthcare entity, Primary Care Cohort 2 PropCo, which is an affiliate of Humana, Inc.\u0026nbsp;In addition to the nearly $1.8 million investment, supporting the whitebox construction\u0026nbsp;PropCo will invest capital to complete the buildout of its offices, which are scheduled to open in September 2022. The remaining 2,500 square footage will be available for lease to a compatible business.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This is a much-welcomed amenity to the corridor,\u0026rdquo; says Semira Ajani, assistant director, Westside Initiatives. \u0026ldquo;The project is the first Resurgence\u0026nbsp;Grant to be awarded in the Perry Bolton TAD and represents an outstanding win for the Grove Park neighborhood and the greater Westside.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":428,"title":"Enhancing the English Avenue Corridor","promo_title":"Enhancing the English Avenue Corridor","published_date":"2021-11-22","featured_image":{"id":1757,"parent_id":83,"resource_file_name":"557_lindsay_street.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":66048,"resource_updated_at":"2021-11-22T15:56:43.748-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-11-22T15:56:44.238-05:00","updated_at":"2021-11-22T16:14:08.979-05:00","filename_hash":"557_lindsay_street_2ayyo1Y.jpg","width":1029,"height":570},"filename":"enhancing-the-english-avenue-corridor","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"Zy4YhQ","created_at":"2021-11-22T16:14:08.959-05:00","updated_at":"2021-11-22T16:14:08.959-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Board voted to approve a grant up to $534,000 from the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) to oaksATL Community Development LLC for the development of a neighborhood-scale, mixed-use development on Lindsay Street.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board voted to approve a grant up to $534,000 from the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) to oaksATL Community Development LLC for the development of a neighborhood-scale, mixed-use development on Lindsay Street.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eoaksATL is a non-profit development entity associated with Peace Preparatory Academy in the English Avenue neighborhood. Together they support low-income families holistically through access to quality education, safe and affordable housing and proximity to parks and employment. Housed in the Lindsey Street Baptist Church directly across from the future development, Peace Preparatory Academy serves school-aged children from pre-K through fifth grade.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce complete, 557 Lindsay Street will be a three-story development that includes affordable multifamily units over a ground floor retail and office space. The development will feature six, two-bedroom, two-bath units priced for households earning between 50-60% area median income, about $47,000 a year for a four-person family. The ground floor will contain community-oriented retail and office space, in addition to a community laundry facility.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I want to draw attention to the fact that [oaksATL] is creating housing for families who are attending the school,\u0026rdquo; said Fred O. Smith, Invest Atlanta Board member. \u0026ldquo;One challenge when it comes to education is that housing instability causes people to move from school to school to school, and it\u0026rsquo;s really difficult for kids to keep up. This is really one of the most exciting [projects] at this level of affordability. It\u0026rsquo;s exciting that we can be a part of it.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2020, oaksATL was awarded $1 million in Westside TAD Community Improvement Fund grants to finance the renovation of 31 deeply affordable multifamily units in three buildings in English Avenue, which are complete and fully leased. The Lindsay Street project will augment these existing developments.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Homebuying/ Homeownership\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":427,"title":"Preserving Grove Park Affordability","promo_title":"Preserving Grove Park Affordability","published_date":"2021-11-22","featured_image":{"id":1760,"parent_id":83,"resource_file_name":"gpf_map.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":143631,"resource_updated_at":"2021-11-22T15:56:44.360-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-11-22T15:56:44.392-05:00","updated_at":"2021-11-22T16:04:55.029-05:00","filename_hash":"gpf_map_2ayyo1Y.jpg","width":914,"height":814},"filename":"preserving-grove-park-affordability","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"235l1g","created_at":"2021-11-22T16:04:54.985-05:00","updated_at":"2021-11-22T16:04:54.985-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n With a $1 million grant approved by the Invest Atlanta Board, the Grove Park Foundation is helping to preserve and deepen affordability in the Grove Park neighborhood.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWith a $1 million grant approved by the Invest Atlanta Board, the Grove Park Foundation is helping to preserve and deepen affordability in the Grove Park neighborhood.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Grove Park Foundation is implementing its neighborhood housing strategy through a phased approach of acquiring and rehabilitating homes in the Grove Park neighborhood. Over a three-year period, the foundation aims to acquire and rehabilitate properties near the Westside Reservoir Park to ensure long-term, permanent affordability.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFunding from the Perry Bolton Tax Allocation District (TAD) paves the way for the construction of 14 for-sale homes and will help the Grove Park Foundation offer these homes to income-qualified homebuyers, many of whom are existing Grove Park residents, at no more than 80% area median income.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDawn Arnold, executive vice president and COO of Invest Atlanta, believes this project is vital because much of the inventory in the neighborhood consists of aging, single-family homes. \u0026ldquo;Many of the current occupants could be pushed out if we don\u0026rsquo;t do something,\u0026rdquo; said Arnold. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s great to see the work that the Grove Park Foundation is doing, especially given the pressures of gentrification. We are being respectful and intentional about retaining these legacy residents.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It literally costs more to construct these homes then they\u0026rsquo;re able to sell them at,\u0026rdquo; added Invest Atlanta Board Member Randy Hazelton. \u0026ldquo;This grant really helps to close that gap. This also speaks to the pure intentionality of affordability in that [the Grove Park Foundation] is making no profit. I commend the effort and intention.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Homebuying/ Homeownership\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":426,"title":"Fifth Third Announces $20 Million Neighborhood Investment to Accelerate Revitalization in Grove Park","promo_title":"Fifth Third Announces $20 Million Neighborhood Investment to Accelerate Revitalization in Grove Park","published_date":"2021-10-25","featured_image":{"id":1735,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"fbwczlkwyammxue.jpeg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":673692,"resource_updated_at":"2021-10-26T10:54:32.605-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-10-26T10:54:32.874-04:00","updated_at":"2021-10-26T10:55:28.585-04:00","filename_hash":"fbwczlkwyammxue_E6KnE4q.jpeg","width":2064,"height":1376},"filename":"fifth-third-announces-20-million-neighborhood-investment-to-accelerate-revitalization-in-grove-park","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"w5B0nQ","created_at":"2021-10-26T10:55:28.515-04:00","updated_at":"2021-10-26T10:55:28.515-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Last week, Fifth Third Bank and Enterprise Community Partners announced the launch of a $180 million neighborhood program to accelerate revitalization in nine key majority-Black communities across seven states that have experienced disinvestment \u0026ndash; including Grove Park in Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLast week, Fifth Third Bank and Enterprise Community Partners announced the launch of a $180 million neighborhood program to accelerate revitalization in nine key majority-Black communities across seven states that have experienced disinvestment \u0026ndash; including Grove Park in Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFifth Third intends to commit up to $20 million in lending, investments, and philanthropic support, including grants from the Fifth Third Foundation to the Grove Park neighborhood. The investment will include $2 million in grants and $18 million in affordable financing from housing to small business loans.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The gift received by the Grove Park Foundation from Fifth Third Bank is a tremendous investment in the amazing residents of Grove Park and a vote of confidence to all who serve each day in this historic community,\u0026rdquo; said Gavin McKinney, executive director of the Grove Park Foundation. \u0026ldquo;It is a commitment to youth and families that says we believe in you and your dreams, and we want to provide adequate resources and support to make home ownership, starting a business and wealth building a reality.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe bank is collaborating with Enterprise Community Partners, a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for millions of families without one. Together, they managed a criteria-based, invitation-only application process to select nine majority-Black neighborhoods that have seen a sustained period of disinvestment. Enterprise will provide technical assistance to support each neighborhood in developing and implementing a plan tailored to the unique challenges it faces. The national nonprofit will then assist with assessing the plan\u0026rsquo;s effectiveness at improving the economic well-being of residents and small locally owned businesses. Among other solutions, the program will include investments in small businesses, homeownership, and workforce development to create successful outcomes such as increased employment, economic stability, and growth.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOver a three-year period, the program will focus on organizations that create cross-sector partnerships to serve the communities within Fifth Third\u0026rsquo;s retail banking footprint.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":423,"title":"Community Builders Revitalize the Westside","promo_title":"Community Builders Revitalize the Westside","published_date":"2021-09-23","featured_image":{"id":1695,"parent_id":78,"resource_file_name":"ada_-_75_griffin_st.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":61863,"resource_updated_at":"2021-09-23T11:39:18.167-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-09-23T11:39:18.202-04:00","updated_at":"2021-09-23T12:25:36.375-04:00","filename_hash":"ada_-_75_griffin_st_gvwMJeN.jpg","width":944,"height":577},"filename":"community-builders-revitalize-the-westside","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"_oOIoQ","created_at":"2021-09-23T12:25:36.352-04:00","updated_at":"2021-09-23T12:25:36.352-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRoyal Family Properties serves as a perfect example of how Invest Atlanta programs are working together to build community capacity for Westside revitalization and encouraging private investment.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta launched the Community Builders program in 2017 to train Westside resident property owners and other community stakeholders in core property redevelopment skills. A year later, the Invest Atlanta Board approved the creation of a $150,000 Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) Community Builders Pre-Development Fund to provide graduates of the program with grants for eligible expenses.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow, with help from a recently approved $36,000 Westside TAD Community Builders Grant, Royal Family Properties is able to finance improvements to a residential property on Griffin Street in Vine City. Plans include adding two, one-bed/one-bath living units to the owner-occupied, single-family property. Each unit will be approximately 400 square feet and will be rented to local residents for rates at or below 50% of the area median income for one person.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 850 square feet will be added to the existing home, and a new entry will be created for the new dwelling units, with a shared hallway that opens to both new and existing bedrooms. Each new dwelling unit will contain a bathroom, laundry room, closet space and eating area. The existing kitchen will be reconfigured to accommodate use by both the existing bedroom and the new dwelling units.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This program represents what true community engagement and wealth-building means,\u0026rdquo; said Alan Ferguson, senior vice president of Community Development at Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;It ensures that our residents and stakeholders are involved in the transformation that\u0026rsquo;s occurring within their communities and are not just observers. We are hoping to repeat and expand the program in the future.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRandy Hazelton, Invest Atlanta Board member, agreed saying: \u0026ldquo;This project is fulfilling the goal of retaining our legacy communities and doing it at a scale that\u0026rsquo;s accessible to folks who can\u0026rsquo;t come in as a big developer. It\u0026rsquo;s a good step in community engagement that will hopefully build capacity over time in our neighborhoods, and I appreciate the work.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Renting\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":404,"title":"Bond Resolutions Give Green Light for Three Affordable Housing Developments ","promo_title":"Bond Resolutions Green Light More Affordable Housing ","published_date":"2021-05-25","featured_image":{"id":1597,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"may_i_i_-1-.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":925306,"resource_updated_at":"2021-05-25T20:47:50.701-04:00","caption":"Lakewood-the-mallory-populus","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2021-05-25T20:47:50.930-04:00","updated_at":"2021-05-25T20:51:20.037-04:00","filename_hash":"may_i_i_-1-_JjL2Vr6.png","width":1066,"height":460},"filename":"bond-resolutions-give-green-light-for-three-affordable-housing-developments","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"GOs7zQ","created_at":"2021-05-25T20:50:16.679-04:00","updated_at":"2021-05-25T20:51:19.987-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta board\u0026nbsp;has approved $84 million worth of\u0026nbsp;tax-exempt\u0026nbsp;bond financing \u0026ndash; $30 million of which will go toward two affordable housing developments to support Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s senior community and another $54 million for multifamily housing.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta board has approved $84 million worth of\u0026nbsp;tax-exempt\u0026nbsp;bond financing \u0026ndash; $30 million of which will go toward two affordable housing developments to support Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s senior community and another $54 million for multifamily housing.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLakewood Christian Manor\u0026nbsp;has been offered a $17.5 million tax-exempt loan for the acquisition and rehabilitation of a 250-unit senior housing development. Located on Springdale Road in the\u0026nbsp;Perkerson\u0026nbsp;neighborhood, this development will undergo a complete renovation and feature full amenities. Affordability will include 21 units at 30% area median income (AMI), 154 units at 50% AMI and 75 units at 60% AMI.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA\u0026nbsp;$12.5 million tax-exempt loan has paved the way for construction of\u0026nbsp;another senior development \u0026ndash;\u0026nbsp;The Mallory\u0026nbsp;\u0026ndash;\u0026nbsp;in the Dixie Hills community. This development will feature 116 units and full amenities. Affordability will include 20 units at 50% AMI, 86 units at 60% AMI and 10 units at 80% AMI.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, a $54 million lease-purchase bond will bring 286 new housing units to the Monroe Heights neighborhood \u0026ndash; 43 of which will be affordable.\u0026nbsp;The Populus at Westside\u0026nbsp;will feature a garden-style apartment community on what is now a vacant property on Northwest Drive. The development will include eight residential buildings on 349,199 total square feet. Affordability will include 13 units at 60% AMI and 30 units at 80% AMI.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":403,"title":"TAD Grants to Fund More Affordable Housing ","promo_title":"TAD Grants to Fund More Affordable Housing ","published_date":"2021-05-25","featured_image":{"id":1596,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"may_i_i_-_proctor.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":10407621,"resource_updated_at":"2021-05-25T20:41:24.797-04:00","caption":"May TAD Grants","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2021-05-25T20:41:25.731-04:00","updated_at":"2021-05-25T20:45:10.490-04:00","filename_hash":"may_i_i_-_proctor_MYpjPEB.png","width":6912,"height":3456},"filename":"tad-grants-to-fund-more-affordable-housing","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"i6tdDg","created_at":"2021-05-25T20:44:43.824-04:00","updated_at":"2021-05-25T20:45:10.442-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta\u0026nbsp;Board\u0026nbsp;board\u0026nbsp;approved more than $3\u0026nbsp;million in\u0026nbsp;Tax\u0026nbsp;Allocation\u0026nbsp;District (TAD) grants\u0026nbsp;to fund\u0026nbsp;construction\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;298\u0026nbsp;affordable housing units.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta board\u0026nbsp;approved more than $3\u0026nbsp;million in\u0026nbsp;Tax\u0026nbsp;Allocation\u0026nbsp;District (TAD) grants\u0026nbsp;to fund the construction\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;298\u0026nbsp;affordable housing units\u0026nbsp;\u0026ndash; further supporting Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms\u0026rsquo; efforts to\u0026nbsp;expand housing affordability and\u0026nbsp;drive economic mobility\u0026nbsp;in Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eUp to\u0026nbsp;$2 million\u0026nbsp;has been granted from the Westside TAD Ascension Fund\u0026nbsp;to finance a mixed-use development that will include 132 multifamily apartments and six live/work spaces\u0026nbsp;for small businesses. Located on Lindsay Street near the Donald Lee Hollowell and Joseph E. Lowery corridors,\u0026nbsp;The Proctor\u0026nbsp;will be\u0026nbsp;located\u0026nbsp;on what is\u0026nbsp;currently\u0026nbsp;a vacant lot\u0026nbsp;in the English Avenue neighborhood.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe\u0026nbsp;development\u0026nbsp;will include\u0026nbsp;138\u0026nbsp;housing units,\u0026nbsp;10,000 square feet of retail space for local entrepreneurs\u0026nbsp;and is situated near the Bankhead MARTA Station, the Atlanta BeltLine, Downtown and West Midtown employment centers. The six,\u0026nbsp;for-sale units will be available at 120% area median income (AMI), while rental affordability will include 14\u0026nbsp;units\u0026nbsp;at 50% AMI, 18\u0026nbsp;units\u0026nbsp;at 80% AMI and 100\u0026nbsp;units\u0026nbsp;at market rate.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eConstruction\u0026nbsp;also\u0026nbsp;will begin on a new senior housing development in the\u0026nbsp;Chosewood\u0026nbsp;Park community\u0026nbsp;with help\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;a $1 million grant from the BeltLine TAD. Located at\u0026nbsp;1265 Lakewood Ave., this development will include\u0026nbsp;full amenities and\u0026nbsp;160\u0026nbsp;multifamily\u0026nbsp;housing units, with 48 units\u0026nbsp;available\u0026nbsp;at 50% AMI, 88\u0026nbsp;units\u0026nbsp;at 60% AMI and 24\u0026nbsp;units\u0026nbsp;at 80% AMI.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":402,"title":"Preserving Affordable Housing","promo_title":"Preserving Affordable Housing","published_date":"2021-04-21","featured_image":{"id":1558,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"hollywood___big_bethel.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":817823,"resource_updated_at":"2021-04-21T09:55:30.208-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-04-21T09:55:30.261-04:00","updated_at":"2021-04-21T09:55:45.717-04:00","filename_hash":"hollywood___big_bethel_V1amQ1N.png","width":1066,"height":460},"filename":"preserving-affordable-housing","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"thKWdQ","created_at":"2021-04-21T09:55:45.692-04:00","updated_at":"2021-04-21T09:55:45.692-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Board approved financing for two affordable housing preservation projects, which together will rehabilitate a total of 232 units.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-f3b7eb35-7fff-9cae-260d-2e548ec7b224\"\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board approved financing for two affordable housing preservation projects, which together will rehabilitate a total of 232 units.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-f3b7eb35-7fff-9cae-260d-2e548ec7b224\"\u003eThe Board approved $11.25 million tax exempt bond financing for the acquisition and renovation of an existing 112-unit multifamily housing development on Hollywood Road in the Almond Park neighborhood. These units will all be targeted at 60% area median income (AMI) and below, and 81 of them also will be included in a housing assistance payment contract, which provides rental subsidies through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These residents will pay no more than 30% of their income towards their housing costs.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-f3b7eb35-7fff-9cae-260d-2e548ec7b224\"\u003eThe Board also approved $12.39 million tax exempt bond financing for the acquisition and rehabilitation of Big Bethel Village, an existing property on Richard Allen Boulevard in the Fairburn Mays neighborhood. This development is targeted towards seniors with 44 units being made available at 50% area median income (AMI), 59 units at 60% AMI and 17 units at market rate.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-f3b7eb35-7fff-9cae-260d-2e548ec7b224\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;ve very excited to see the developer, National Church Residences, come back, refinance and reposition [Big Bethel Village] so they can maintain affordability and really improve and modernize the quality of the units going forward,\u0026rdquo; said Alan Ferguson, senior vice president of Community Development at Invest Atlanta.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Renting\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":401,"title":"Tax Allocation District Grants to Improve Safety in Atlanta","promo_title":"Tax Allocation District Grants to Improve Safety in Atlanta","published_date":"2021-04-21","featured_image":{"id":1557,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"apf_2021.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1029124,"resource_updated_at":"2021-04-21T09:47:55.313-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-04-21T09:47:55.384-04:00","updated_at":"2021-04-21T09:48:10.901-04:00","filename_hash":"apf_2021_qN6ark9.png","width":1066,"height":600},"filename":"tax-allocation-district-grants-to-improve-safety-in-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"A8cIZg","created_at":"2021-04-21T09:48:10.875-04:00","updated_at":"2021-04-21T09:48:10.875-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Atlanta Police Foundation has been granted $2.378 million as part of an effort to increase public safety infrastructure, reduce crime and promote new development through a focus on\u0026nbsp;safety.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-b5e9f66c-7fff-17e0-1e9f-5fe62c6c0eac\"\u003eThe Atlanta Police Foundation has been granted $2.378 million as part of an effort to increase public safety infrastructure, reduce crime and promote new development through a focus on\u0026nbsp;safety.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-b5e9f66c-7fff-17e0-1e9f-5fe62c6c0eac\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;Having a strong sense of safety and security is a fundamental element of building healthy people and healthy communities,\u0026rdquo; said Alan Ferguson, senior vice president of Community Development at Invest Atlanta.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-b5e9f66c-7fff-17e0-1e9f-5fe62c6c0eac\"\u003eThe funds, which were approved by the Invest Atlanta Board, will be distributed from seven Tax Allocation Districts (TADs), including the Campbellton Road TAD, Eastside TAD, Hollowell-ML King TAD, Metropolitan TAD, Perry Bolton TAD, Stadium TAD and Westside TAD.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-b5e9f66c-7fff-17e0-1e9f-5fe62c6c0eac\"\u003eThe funding will allow the Atlanta Police Foundation to install security cameras and license plate readers within the boundaries of the seven TADs, which will increase police visibility and feedback to the Operation Shield Video Integration Center, where Atlanta police officers have access to cameras in real-time.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-b5e9f66c-7fff-17e0-1e9f-5fe62c6c0eac\"\u003eAccording to Dave Wilkinson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation, this investment is part of Mayor Bottoms\u0026rsquo; recently announced One Atlanta, One Atlanta Police Department (APD) plan. \u0026ldquo;This is an additional 250 cameras that will be installed throughout the city in what has been identified as priority-one hotspots by the Atlanta Police Department, city council members and community members,\u0026rdquo; said Wilkinson. \u0026ldquo;The impact of these cameras is really something special. They not only provide immediate deterrence through police visibility because the cameras go up with blue lights and signage, they also create immediate situational awareness for the police department when there is an incident or crime that\u0026rsquo;s just taken place, and they create great investigative value for the officers.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-b5e9f66c-7fff-17e0-1e9f-5fe62c6c0eac\"\u003eIn addition, studies indicate that security cameras contribute to a minimum of 20% reduction of crime in hotspots within the first year. The cameras will be installed within 90-100 days. \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":389,"title":"Integrity Transformations CDC Receives Funding for Renovations","promo_title":"Integrity Transformations CDC Receives Funding for Renovations","published_date":"2021-02-23","featured_image":{"id":1485,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"screen_shot_2021-02-19_at_3.30.55_pm.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":912164,"resource_updated_at":"2021-02-23T16:50:32.805-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-02-23T16:50:32.878-05:00","updated_at":"2021-02-23T16:50:59.292-05:00","filename_hash":"screen_shot_2021-02-19_at_3.30.55_pm_387qVWB.png","width":1930,"height":1168},"filename":"integrity-transformations-cdc-receives-funding-for-renovations","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"-XFUjw","created_at":"2021-02-23T16:50:59.265-05:00","updated_at":"2021-02-23T16:50:59.265-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Board approved a Westside Tax Allocation (TAD) grant of up to $75,000 to Integrity Transformations CDC (ITCDC) for interior building renovations, technology infrastructure improvements and furniture upgrades at 692 Lindsay Street.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2000","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board approved a Westside Tax Allocation (TAD) grant of up to $75,000 to Integrity Transformations CDC (ITCDC) for interior building renovations, technology infrastructure improvements and furniture upgrades at 692 Lindsay Street.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-fa783640-7fff-5d22-33ac-ec0d1e66c651\"\u003eFounded in 1995, ITCDC is an established, local nonprofit whose mission is to facilitate job training, career readiness and access to jobs within English Avenue, Vine City and the surrounding neighborhoods. The approved TAD funding will be used to renovate and expand two restrooms, upgrade technology infrastructure and purchase furniture for a digital literacy lab, community resource center, training room and staff offices.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccording to Jennifer Fine, vice president of Planning \u0026amp; Strategic Initiatives for Invest Atlanta, these improvements and upgrades enable ITCDC to continue providing workforce readiness training and job placement services to its clients and modernize its facility. \u0026ldquo;It also will allow them to expand their services and increase capacity amid a growing demand for job placement services,\u0026rdquo; said Fine.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":377,"title":"In Bloom ","promo_title":"In Bloom","published_date":"2021-01-20","featured_image":{"id":1464,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"impact___insights_2021_-2-.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1014747,"resource_updated_at":"2021-01-20T14:53:47.983-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-01-20T14:53:48.047-05:00","updated_at":"2021-07-23T14:56:36.871-04:00","filename_hash":"impact___insights_2021_-2-_E63emxV.png","width":1000,"height":529},"filename":"in-bloom","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"TBc8IA","created_at":"2021-01-20T14:55:37.097-05:00","updated_at":"2021-07-23T14:56:36.845-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n As the daughter of a farmer, Cindy Tarrant grew up planting flowers on her own little plot of land. The seeds she tended as a child eventually became her life\u0026rsquo;s work, which is in full bloom at French Market Flowers.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv style=\"clear:both;\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eAs the daughter of a farmer, Cindy Tarrant grew up planting flowers on her own little plot of land. The seeds she tended as a child eventually became her life\u0026rsquo;s work, which is in full bloom at French Market Flowers.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eCindy now grows flowers on her own farm in Coweta County, where she lives with her family, two cats, a Pyrenees-Australian shepherd dog, seven sweet hens and one ornery rooster. \u0026ldquo;We are members of the\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://slowflowers.com/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eslow flower movement\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;and believe that organic, sustainable, locally grown flowers are the best for our business, community and environment,\u0026rdquo; says Cindy. \u0026ldquo;We supply these flowers whenever possible.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eFrench Market Flowers opened its doors six years ago at Krog Street Market and eventually moved to Garrett Street in Grant Park. Cindy offers everything from floral design for weddings, funerals and special events to weekly corporate and residential flower delivery, floral restaurant installations and container gardening.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eWith weddings and special events on hold due to COVID-19, Cindy estimates that she\u0026rsquo;s lost\u0026nbsp;nearly\u0026nbsp;40% of her business, and she had to close her storefront. But she was able to shift her operations to become primarily delivery-based, which has presented a new set of challenges for her small business.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;We quickly realized that we didn\u0026rsquo;t have enough cooler space to store the flowers or a proper vehicle to deliver them,\u0026rdquo; says Cindy, who applied for an Invest Atlanta Resurgence Grant to help offset the costs of a new walk-in cooler and delivery van. She also qualified for the Resurgence Technical Assistance Program and opted for a social media advertising campaign from\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003eTrevelino\u0026nbsp;Keller Group.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;This assistance was incredibly helpful and meaningful,\u0026rdquo; says Cindy. \u0026ldquo;Not only could we present ourselves in a more professional manner, it\u0026nbsp;also increased our delivery business and allowed us to keep all of our employees.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;This business has a lot of heart, and we\u0026rsquo;ve worked so hard over the past six years to stay afloat,\u0026rdquo; adds Cindy. \u0026ldquo;It means so much to know that people care about small, local businesses. We are grateful for the support.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003c/div\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":364,"title":"Approved Grant Allows Atlanta Beltline to Complete Westside Connector Trail","promo_title":"Approved Grant Allows Atlanta Beltline to Complete Westside Connector Trail","published_date":"2020-11-24","featured_image":{"id":1441,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"screen_shot_2020-11-18_at_5.04.27_pm.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":3652484,"resource_updated_at":"2020-11-24T16:43:34.801-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2020-11-24T16:43:34.924-05:00","updated_at":"2020-11-25T10:01:34.010-05:00","filename_hash":"screen_shot_2020-11-18_at_5.04.27_pm_gv4yE7Q.png","width":1998,"height":1498},"filename":"approved-grant-allows-atlanta-beltline-to-complete-westside-connector-trail","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"vkVnyg","created_at":"2020-11-24T16:45:50.965-05:00","updated_at":"2020-11-25T10:01:33.978-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Board approved a Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) grant up to $2.3 million to the Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (ABI) to complete construction of the Westside BeltLine Connector Trail.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-865578b5-7fff-8a86-9ed9-725dc702a4ca\"\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board approved a Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) grant up to $2.3 million to the Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (ABI) to complete construction of the Westside BeltLine Connector Trail.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccording to Alan Ferguson, senior vice president of Community Development at\u0026nbsp;Invest Atlanta, the grant will serve as a bridge loan to ABI, which typically funds construction efforts that fall outside the Atlanta BeltLine TAD. \u0026ldquo;Although their fundraising has been successful, it has been hampered by the current economic conditions resulting from COVID-19,\u0026rdquo; he says. \u0026ldquo;They are fully committed and believe they\u0026rsquo;ll meet their fundraising goals, but in the interim, this funding allows construction to continue unimpeded.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTargeted for completion in February 2021, the Westside BeltLine Connector Trail will be a 14-foot-wide, multi-use trail approximately three miles in length. It begins at the intersection of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard and Northside Drive and ends at the intersection of Marietta Boulevard and Huff Road.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":357,"title":"Relief Coming to Mechanicsville Retail Property Owner: $20,000 TAD Grant for Renovations","promo_title":"Relief Coming to Mechanicsville Retail Property Owner: $20,000 TAD Grant for Renovations","published_date":"2020-10-19","featured_image":{"id":1409,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"screen_shot_2020-10-14_at_11.54.25_am.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1283397,"resource_updated_at":"2020-10-19T13:28:55.676-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2020-10-19T13:28:55.766-04:00","updated_at":"2020-10-19T13:30:32.815-04:00","filename_hash":"screen_shot_2020-10-14_at_11.54.25_am_vlxxLyW.png","width":2462,"height":1448},"filename":"relief-coming-to-mechanicsville-retail-property-owner-20000-tad-grant-for-renovations","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"Zr2bPw","created_at":"2020-10-19T13:30:32.761-04:00","updated_at":"2020-10-19T13:30:32.761-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n A $20,000 grant from the Stadium Tax Allocation District (TAD) will help rehabilitate a 4,280-square-foot, multiple-occupancy retail commercial property in the Mechanicsville neighborhood on Pryor Street, which was damaged by heavy rain in 2018.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA $20,000 grant from the Stadium Tax Allocation District (TAD) will help rehabilitate a 4,280-square-foot, multiple-occupancy retail commercial property in the Mechanicsville neighborhood on Pryor Street, which was damaged by heavy rain in 2018.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eStadium TAD funds will be used for window replacement on the property, and insurance proceeds will cover the cost of roof and gutter replacement. The owner\u0026rsquo;s required 20% contribution, plus additional owner equity, will provide funding for a full interior rehabilitation of the three units, including replacing damaged drywall, ceiling tiles and flooring.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe owner also received Annie E. Casey NPU V Small Business Improvement Grant funds to paint the building\u0026rsquo;s exterior.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re encouraged and excited about the uptick in these kinds of projects using TAD dollars to impact small businesses and small commercial redevelopment,\u0026rdquo; says Jennifer Fine, vice president of Planning \u0026amp; Strategic Initiatives for Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;Word of mouth is raising awareness of this program, and people are tapping into this resource.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":308,"title":"Adair Court Senior Mixed-Income Community Opens Near Westside Atlanta BeltLine Trail","promo_title":"Adair Court Senior Mixed-Income Community Opens Near Westside Atlanta BeltLine Trail","published_date":"2019-11-19","featured_image":{"id":1069,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"adair_court_ribbon.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1529669,"resource_updated_at":"2019-11-22T10:17:51.569-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-11-22T10:17:51.646-05:00","updated_at":"2019-11-22T10:18:15.520-05:00","filename_hash":"adair_court_ribbon_p54LByb.png","width":1200,"height":615},"filename":"adair-court-senior-mixed-income-community-opens-near-westside-atlanta-beltline-trail","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"7Zg2iA","created_at":"2019-11-22T10:18:15.481-05:00","updated_at":"2019-11-22T10:18:15.481-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Seniors in the Adair Park neighborhood of southwest Atlanta now have access to a new mixed-income rental community near the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail following the highly awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony of Adair Court.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeniors in the Adair Park neighborhood of southwest Atlanta now have access to a new mixed-income rental community near the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail following the highly awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony of Adair Court.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAtlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, along with \u0026nbsp;Invest Atlanta CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich. Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn, Atlanta City Councilmember Joyce Shepherd, and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. CEO Clyde Higgs, were among the City officials and housing leaders present to cut the ribbon of the 91-unit community. Developed by Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and Parallel Housing, Inc, the $51 million property provides cutting-edge energy efficiency as well as close proximity to intown amenities including the MARTA West End Station, Adair Park, retail stores, restaurants, and health care services.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGeared towards seniors aged 55 years and above, Adair Court offers nineteen of the units for residents earning up to 50% of the area median income (AMI) and 58 for residents earning up to 60% AMI.\u0026nbsp; Fourteen units are offered at market rate with no income restrictions. Seven apartments were designed for those with disabilities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Atlanta BeltLine is committed to helping residents connect with affordable housing, economic development and a healthy lifestyle and has supported Adair Court from its inception.\u0026nbsp; \u0026ldquo;Adair Court exemplifies our work with our partners to create and preserve affordable homes in our Atlanta BeltLine neighborhoods,\u0026rdquo; said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of ABI. \u0026ldquo;Affordability is key to equity and ensuring that legacy residents can continue to live and thrive in their communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening of this development represents the culmination of numerous partners dedicated to improving affordable housing in Atlanta, including the City of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and Invest Atlanta, with the support of Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The 77 new affordable housing units bring the Atlanta BeltLine one step closer to achieving its goal of 5,600 affordable workforce housing units by 2030.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":295,"title":"Invest Atlanta Supports 241 Affordable Units at 60% AMI ","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Supports 241 Affordable Units at 60% AMI ","published_date":"2019-09-19","featured_image":{"id":721,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"pakrside_qy_insight.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1165049,"resource_updated_at":"2018-09-20T13:51:58.758-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":4,"created_at":"2018-09-20T13:51:58.822-04:00","updated_at":"2019-09-19T13:30:11.795-04:00","filename_hash":"pakrside_qy_insight_ZOXw1vW.png","width":1299,"height":585},"filename":"invest-atlanta-supports-241-affordable-units-at-60-ami","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"RrZ2iQ","created_at":"2019-09-19T10:19:17.989-04:00","updated_at":"2019-09-19T13:30:11.748-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved financing for the Capitol View and Parkside developments.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved financing for the Capitol View and Parkside developments. The financing will retain 88 units of affordable housing at Capitol View on Metropolitan Parkway near the Atlanta BeltLine, and the creation of 153 new units at Parkside on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. All 241 of these units will be set aside for families earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapitol View\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 120-unit, garden-style Capitol View complex in southwest Atlanta was built in 1948 and will be preserved and renovated with new building systems, interiors, and amenities. The complex sits on the Atlanta Beltline as it crosses Metropolitan Parkway and will ensure affordable units have direct access to the Beltline loop. Residents will also have access to meeting rooms, laundry facilities, a picnic area, play areas for small children, and after-school programs.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Board approved $13.4 million in tax-exempt loan for this development.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParkside\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Parkside development will consist of the new construction of 182 units, 153 units of which will be affordable for families earning at or below 60% AMI, in the Bankhead neighborhood. Amenities will include a central laundry facility, washer dryer hookups in units, picnic area, tot lots, fitness room, and a business center.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Board approved $22 million tax-exempt bond financing, and it has previously approved a $2 million loan from the Atlanta BeltLine Affordable Housing Trust Fund.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":293,"title":"Woodson Park Academy, YMCA \u0026 Health Clinic Breaks Ground in Grove Park","promo_title":"Woodson Park Academy, YMCA \u0026 Health Clinic Breaks Ground in Grove Park","published_date":"2019-09-16","featured_image":{"id":995,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"woodson_park_insights.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1455239,"resource_updated_at":"2019-09-16T10:06:46.678-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-09-16T10:06:46.761-04:00","updated_at":"2019-09-17T14:36:29.317-04:00","filename_hash":"woodson_park_insights_lpYYBxQ.png","width":1092,"height":575},"filename":"woodson-park-academy-ymca-health-clinic-breaks-ground-in-grove-park","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"OohC7g","created_at":"2019-09-16T10:07:00.692-04:00","updated_at":"2019-09-17T14:36:29.275-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. recently celebrated another investment in high-quality education for the Westside and bright futures for children on this side of the city.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAtlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. recently celebrated another investment in high-quality education for the Westside and bright futures for children on this side of the city. Many community and financial partners came together to provide the resources to make Woodson Park Academy a reality and a symbol of opportunity, empowerment, and equity for Grove Park.\u0026nbsp;AEMI\u0026rsquo;s New Markets Tax Credit program supported Woodson Park academy with a $15 million allocation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWoodson Park Academy will be a 115,000-square-foot, 900-seat K-8 public school serving 900 students. KIPP Metro Atlanta to operate the neighborhood school, which will be open to all students in the Woodson Park Academy zone.\u0026nbsp;The 23,000-square-foot YMCA and 2,500-square-foot community health facility be a beacon for brighter futures, as well as a community and neighborhood hub and a central component of larger revitalization and economic mobility effort in Grove Park and Westside neighborhoods.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt will also help to further activate the Donald Lee Hallowell commercial corridor. The academy is expected to provide 120 jobs and includes a $37 million capital investment \u0026ndash; which, in turn, will make a $52.1 million economic impact for the community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA project like this is rooted in inclusive development and economic mobility meant to ensure that economic resources are provided to communities where they can make a meaningful and even life-changing difference for residents.\u0026nbsp;With support from APS, YMCA, Grove Park Foundation, KIPP, Purpose Built Communities, SunTrust, Bank of America and Atlanta Emerging Markets, this facility is a model, not only in Atlanta but nationally, for what can be accomplished when best-in-class partners come together to make a positive, lasting impact for the community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":291,"title":"Innovative Metro Atlanta YMCA Leadership and Learning Center Now Open","promo_title":"Innovative Metro Atlanta YMCA Leadership and Learning Center Now Open","published_date":"2019-09-11","featured_image":{"id":993,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"ymca_hq_insights.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1611012,"resource_updated_at":"2019-09-11T11:01:07.014-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-09-11T11:01:07.101-04:00","updated_at":"2019-09-17T14:37:41.867-04:00","filename_hash":"ymca_hq_insights_YB2Jz6x.png","width":1200,"height":715},"filename":"innovative-metro-atlanta-ymca-leadership-and-learning-center-now-open","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"Y3O0Wg","created_at":"2019-09-11T11:01:19.333-04:00","updated_at":"2019-09-17T14:37:41.821-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta Leadership and Learning Center officially opened its doors this month in Vine City. This is a place that serves the community through early learning, youth development, workforce training, health and wellness, and community building.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2000","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta Leadership and Learning Center officially opened its doors this month in Vine City. This is a place that serves the community through early learning, youth development, workforce training, health and wellness, and community building.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Center houses\u0026nbsp;the YMCA of Metro Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s 55,000 square-foot headquarters and the state-of-the-art Arthur M. Blank Early Learning Center at E.A. Ware. Opened at the start of the new school year, the Center\u0026nbsp;will empower approximately 90 low-income children from the community to start kindergarten on track for long-term academic success. Accessible early education is essential. Children in low-income neighborhoods face a steeper hill and fall short of key educational milestones at a higher rate than others. A facility like this not only goes a long way in providing support at an early age, it symbolizes opportunity, empowerment, and equity in the community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe benefits of Head Start programs are clear. Children who take part make significant progress in language, literacy, math, and social development. They leave Head Start programs like this one better prepared to enter elementary school. And many years down the road, Head Start kids have a higher likelihood of graduating high school and going on to college.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chick-fil-A Foundation Training Center, which opened in May 2019, serves as a hub for innovative professional development and staff training for those in early learning, afterschool, health and wellness, and more. The Y will deliver professional development for more than 4,000 Y employees from across the Southeast through the onsite regional training program. The training center is also available for use by community organizations.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kaiser Permanente Community Wellness Center will host free classes for the community as well as a market and caf\u0026eacute; serving healthy food options.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta provided $2.5 million through the TAD grant approved on Thursday, and Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc., Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s certified community development entity, contributed a New Markets Tax Credit allocation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":256,"title":"Small Business Stories: Hop City Craft Beer \u0026 Wine Founder Kraig Torres","promo_title":"Small Business Stories: Hop City Craft Beer \u0026 Wine Founder Kriag Torres","published_date":"2019-03-17","featured_image":{"id":842,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"kt-_hopy_city.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":422700,"resource_updated_at":"2019-03-21T14:14:32.842-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-03-21T14:14:32.885-04:00","updated_at":"2019-04-10T11:35:42.316-04:00","filename_hash":"kt-_hopy_city_E6BkP1R.png","width":846,"height":469},"filename":"small-business-stories-hop-city-craft-beer-wine-founder-kraig-torres","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"jGo7Mg","created_at":"2019-03-21T13:55:46.851-04:00","updated_at":"2019-04-10T11:35:42.275-04:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/325082635","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Hopy City Founder \u0026amp; Cheif Hophead Kraig Torres sat down with Invest Atlanta to talk about what it means to be a part of the Atlanta business landscape and why the West End was a great neighborhood for their newest location\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://www.hopcitybeer.com/\"\u003eHop City Craft Beer \u0026amp; Wine\u003c/a\u003e Founder and Chief Hophead Kraig Torres sat down with Invest Atlanta to talk about what it means to be a part of the Atlanta business landscape and why the West End was a great neighborhood for their newest location.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHop City is a lifestyle store that specializes in craft beer and wine. Invest Atlanta provided Hop City a \u003ca href=\"/businesses/small-businesses/small-business-loan-programs\"\u003eBusiness Improvement Loan\u003c/a\u003e for a new location, Hop City West End \u0026amp; Boxcar.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Very early on, Invest Atlanta reached out to me,\u0026rdquo; said Torres. \u0026ldquo;They approached me and said, \u0026lsquo;You\u0026rsquo;re opening in a part of town that we feel strongly about.\u0026rdquo; Invest Atlanta also partnered with Torres on workforce initiatives to identify job opportunities at the new location.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHop City currently has five locations in West Midtown, Krog Street Market, West End, Alpharetta, and Birmingham.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We believe that if you can make it here in Atlanta, you can make it in any city in America.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":249,"title":"True Light Haven Development to Offer 124 New Affordable Housing Units for Seniors","promo_title":"True Light Haven Development to Offer 124 New Affordable Housing Units for Seniors","published_date":"2019-02-22","featured_image":{"id":824,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"true_life_haven.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1308988,"resource_updated_at":"2019-02-22T10:36:58.040-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-02-22T10:36:58.128-05:00","updated_at":"2019-02-26T09:00:08.872-05:00","filename_hash":"true_life_haven_ZOB1eoo.png","width":1200,"height":723},"filename":"true-light-haven-development-to-offer-124-new-affordable-housing-units-for-seniors","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"JyKkKQ","created_at":"2019-02-22T10:38:53.801-05:00","updated_at":"2019-02-26T09:00:08.839-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Housing Committee approved $1.2 million in Housing Opportunity Bond financing for the construction of the 124-unit True Light Haven senior affordable housing development.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Housing Committee approved $1.2 million in Housing Opportunity Bond financing for the construction of the 124-unit True Light Haven senior affordable housing development. The Committee took action at their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 14, 2019.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOf the units, 119 will be set aside for seniors 55-years-old and above earning 60% or below the Area Median Income (AMI), and 5 units will be rented to those earning 50% AMI or below.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNational Church Residences, in partnership with True Light Baptist Church, is developing the project and will take a holistic approach to ensuring each resident can remain independent with a high quality of life.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Penelope Neighbors\u0026nbsp;is full of seniors, the area is about 95%\u0026nbsp;seniors,\u0026rdquo; said Derrick Jordan of National Church Residences. \u0026ldquo;What we\u0026rsquo;re going to do here in Atlanta, we have built a new system in the community. We have a service coordinator that will go up to 3-mile radius outside the community and help and assist seniors in that community.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce complete, the seniors living at True Life Haven will live near the West Lake MARTA station and have access to amenities including a fitness center, a business center with computer stations, a community garden,\u0026nbsp;and a central laundry facility.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has worked with National Church Residencies before. IA provided $3.5 million in tax-exempt bond financing for the 62-unit Betmar Village senior affordable housing development in southwest Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We thank you for helping the community,\u0026rdquo; said Bill Bozarth, Secretary of the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors. \u0026ldquo;You\u0026rsquo;ve done the right things, you\u0026rsquo;ve been working with the community, and we appreciate that.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":242,"title":"New Markets Tax Credits and TAD Financing Approved for Quest Nonprofit Center for Change","promo_title":"New Markets Tax Credits and TAD Financing Approved for Quest Nonprofit Center for Change","published_date":"2019-01-24","featured_image":{"id":788,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"qncc.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":2481692,"resource_updated_at":"2019-01-24T09:32:39.234-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2019-01-24T09:32:39.328-05:00","updated_at":"2019-06-10T16:23:43.062-04:00","filename_hash":"qncc_zmpLVNW.png","width":1741,"height":750},"filename":"new-markets-tax-credits-and-tad-financing-approved-for-quest-nonprofit-center-for-change","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"xa5cuw","created_at":"2019-01-24T09:33:57.785-05:00","updated_at":"2019-01-24T09:37:33.965-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. recently closed transactions to fund construction of the Quest Nonprofit Center for Change on Atlanta\u0026#39;s Westside.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta and its affiliate Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. (AEMI) recently closed transactions to fund construction of the Quest Nonprofit Center for Change (QNCC) on Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside. The Quest Community Development Organization will transform a commercial strip center into a catalytic project that will provide new space for neighborhood-oriented commercial and nonprofit tenants.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Quest Nonprofit Center for Change will bring together nonprofits and socially responsible businesses under one roof to provide resources to the Westside. In addition to the nonprofits that will become tenants, Quest will also move its headquarters to the facility. The current site has Family Dollar as an anchor tenant with a lease that will continue with the new building.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOver the last 15 years, the Quest Community Development Organization has provided affordable, supportive housing and services to homeless and low-income men and women so that they may become self-sufficient. The majority of Quest\u0026rsquo;s services are provided to those who suffer from mental illnesses, substance abuse, or other chronic health conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta and AEMI provided two types of funding for the project. Invest Atlanta provided a $500,000 Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) grant, passed by the Board of Directors in November 2018, and AEMI provided $7.5 million in New Markets Tax Credits with SunTrust as the tax credit investor, passed in January 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe $10.8 million project is located at 305 Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard Northwest, selected for its proximity to Quest\u0026rsquo;s housing developments and clients. QNCC and its tenant businesses will support 80 full-time jobs, and employees will be identified in part through partnerships with local organizations including the Center for Working Families and Westside Works.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eQNCC will also provide 25,000 pounds of fresh produce annually by increasing Westside Grower\u0026rsquo;s capacity by 150%, offer case management and supportive services to 650 people each year, provide 4,000 people with financial education and empowerment, and improve access to commercial goods.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe development will be the first-class B office space in Vine City, with more than 26,000 square feet of leasable space. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2019 and be completed by November 2019. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":221,"title":"Invest Atlanta Takes Home Two IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Takes Home Two IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards","published_date":"2018-10-03","featured_image":{"id":723,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"iedc_awards_twitter.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":582007,"resource_updated_at":"2018-10-04T10:00:00.917-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-10-04T10:00:01.107-04:00","updated_at":"2018-10-04T10:01:53.546-04:00","filename_hash":"iedc_awards_twitter_NnLz6nJ.png","width":1000,"height":500},"filename":"invest-atlanta-takes-home-two-iedc-excellence-in-economic-development-awards","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"XWUnNw","created_at":"2018-10-04T10:01:21.927-04:00","updated_at":"2018-10-04T10:01:53.515-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award for its I-85 Alive Business Rapid Response project in the category of Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Single Event. In addition, Invest Atlanta received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development\u0026nbsp;Award in\u0026nbsp;the category of Equity and Diversity for its work within the Westside Tax Allocation District.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta won two Excellence in Economic Development awards at the 2018 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) annual conference held this week in Atlanta. IEDC\u0026#39;s Excellence in Economic Development Awards program recognizes the world\u0026#39;s best economic development programs and partnerships, and honors organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award for its I-85 Alive Business Rapid Response project in the category of Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Single Event. In addition, Invest Atlanta received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award\u0026nbsp;in the category of Equity and Diversity for its work within the Westside Tax Allocation District.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It is an honor to have the work and dedication of the City\u0026rsquo;s economic development team recognized by the world\u0026rsquo;s most prestigious economic development organization,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;What makes it even more special is that we are being recognized for helping small businesses through a man-made disaster, and our efforts around equity in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside neighborhoods. We hope other economic development agencies around the world can learn from these efforts and implement similar initiatives in their own communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026quot;This year our judges reviewed some extraordinary projects that advanced both communities and businesses,\u0026rdquo; said Craig Richard, CEcD, FM, President and CEO, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, and 2018 IEDC Board Chair. \u0026ldquo;We congratulate all the award winners, and thank everyone who nominated their projects for sharing their success with fellow IEDC members. What we learn from each other helps us to grow and advance as a profession. We look forward to even greater participation from economic developers across the globe in the 2019 awards program.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI-85 Alive Business Rapid Response \u0026ndash;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e2018 IEDC Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award: Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Single Event\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta mobilized to support businesses affected by the March 2017, I-85 overpass fire in Atlanta. An I-85 Alive Small Business Resource Event gave business owners an opportunity to meet with local service providers and assess their options. At the event, Invest Atlanta\u0026#39;s partners offered attendees technical assistance, information about business loans, consulting, and other resources. Featured partners came from more than a dozen business and community organizations, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center, private banks, WorkSource Atlanta, and City officials. Additionally, in partnership with Lyft, transportation options and discounts were offered to make it easier for workers and patrons to access affected\u0026nbsp;businesses. For businesses located within a 1-mile radius of the closure, most merchants experienced immediate declines in economic activity when the road closed, followed by a rebound in sales after I-85 reopened.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestside Tax Allocation District (TAD) \u0026ndash;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e2018 IEDC Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award: Equity \u0026amp; Inclusion\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1992, the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and the Atlanta School Board established the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) to spur public and private investment in the neighborhoods west of Downtown Atlanta. Invest Atlanta redoubled these efforts in 2013 through a planning process that engaged more than 300 community stakeholders, focusing on the historic neighborhoods of Vine City, English Avenue, and portions of Castleberry Hill.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s economic development agency, Invest Atlanta has focused on increasing equity and inclusion through positive redevelopment within the Westside TAD and administering the tax allocation district financing process. These investments have helped to nurture a more vibrant and connected community by enhancing Downtown tourism and building an entertainment core; creating and retaining jobs; building a vibrant office and retail core; supporting mixed-income housing; and improving transportation and pedestrian access.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":212,"title":"Small Business Spotlight: Marley Media Productions Films Everything From Falcons to Beyoncé","promo_title":"Small Business Spotlight: Marley Media Productions Films Everything From Falcons to Beyoncé","published_date":"2018-08-30","featured_image":{"id":702,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"marley_media.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1029467,"resource_updated_at":"2018-08-22T10:33:27.402-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-08-22T10:33:27.465-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-29T11:19:50.626-04:00","filename_hash":"marley_media_jpQMpWY.png","width":1000,"height":531},"filename":"small-business-spotlight-marley-media-productions-films-everything-from-falcons-to-beyonce","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"5xEhhw","created_at":"2018-08-22T10:34:53.141-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-29T11:19:50.582-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \u003ca href=\"https://www.marleymediaproductions.com/\"\u003eMarley Media Productions\u003c/a\u003e,\u0026nbsp;based in the City of Atlanta, has been telling stories through film and video for nearly a quarter century. The company ​handles the majority of filming for commercials and other video production for the NFL at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.marleymediaproductions.com/\"\u003eMarley Media Productions\u003c/a\u003e has been telling stories through film and video for nearly a quarter century. They\u0026rsquo;ve done it using their unique docu-film style that puts the viewer in the middle of the action, whether it\u0026rsquo;s on the field at an Atlanta Falcons game or onstage with Beyonc\u0026eacute;.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBased in Atlanta, the company handles the entire creative process\u0026mdash;from pre-production to post-production\u0026mdash;including services like on-location camera work, editing, graphic design, and event integration.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We do it all,\u0026rdquo; said Mark Eschoe, who runs the this one-stop production shop with his partner Kiyomi Rollins. \u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re always busy doing content creation.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMarley Media Productions handles the majority of filming for commercials and other video production for the NFL at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons. They\u0026rsquo;ve also provided services for a wide variety of other well-known national brands, including Major League Soccer, the NCAA, and Energy Monster Truck events.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The majority of our clients are sports-related,\u0026rdquo; said Rollins. \u0026ldquo;That client is coming to us because they need help creating video content created for website, social media, or marketing activation.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThey also document concerts, and recently they had the opportunity to collaborate with Beyonc\u0026eacute; to film her concerts\u0026mdash;not once, but twice.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;ve done a bunch of things production-wise, but very few people can say they were on stage with\u0026nbsp;Beyonc\u0026eacute; and Jay Z,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRunning the company is a dream come true for Eschoe, who was born and raised in Jamaica and lived in Brooklyn for several years. He moved to Atlanta after graduating from film school.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Since I was a kid, I was always amazed by storytelling,\u0026rdquo; he said. Soon after he arrived in Atlanta, he drove down Northside Drive near the Georgia Dome and saw a video playing about the Atlanta Falcons.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I looked up at the Jumbotron that was there, and I remember looking up, \u0026lsquo;Wow, what a great feeling that must be, whoever is doing this,\u0026rsquo;\u0026rdquo; he said. \u0026ldquo;It was just kind of like a dream.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith Rollins, Eschoe has made that dream a reality, creating a media production company after their daughter Marley. (She was named after the legendary reggae singer-songwriter Bob Marley.) They settled on the name because they wanted to be meaningful and \u0026ldquo;something that just lasts forever.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMarley Media Productions separates itself by staying on the cutting-edge of new filming technologies, like drone services, and staying up-to-date on always evolving video format standards.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Because we do come from a very technical base, we\u0026rsquo;re looking at those things and that\u0026rsquo;s what allows us to be successful,\u0026rdquo; said Rollins. \u0026ldquo;You have to be aware of what the industry trends are and know your customer.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBetween them, Eschoe and Rollins have decades of entrepreneurial experience. They also currently own\u0026nbsp;and operate\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.thegoodhairshop.com/\"\u003eThe Good Hair Shop\u003c/a\u003e in Westview, where they sell plant-based natural hair products. With the help of a small business loan from Invest Atlanta, they\u0026#39;ve been able to sustain and grow her business.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond financial resources, Eschoe and Rollins have received additional assistance through Invest Atlanta Small Business Development Director Lonnie Saboor, someone that they\u0026rsquo;ve come to \u0026ldquo;adore.\u0026rdquo; He\u0026rsquo;s provided them with much-needed advice and helped them prepare for new market opportunities through supplier diversity programs. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Talking to Lonnie, it was the first time that I met someone in that position that I felt got it,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;He gives you a listening ear of empathy that I\u0026rsquo;ve just never had.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;What I didn\u0026rsquo;t realize initially that Invest Atlanta is kind of like a long-term support system. They\u0026rsquo;re really great at doing those follow-ups.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":203,"title":"Hagar Acquires Two Westside Properties for Rehab Into 17 Affordable Housing Units","promo_title":"Hagar Acquires Two Westside Properties for Rehab Into 17 Affordable Housing Units","published_date":"2018-07-06","featured_image":{"id":669,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"415-jpb-insight_v2.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1036030,"resource_updated_at":"2018-07-06T10:46:55.608-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-07-06T10:46:55.668-04:00","updated_at":"2021-03-24T15:21:29.606-04:00","filename_hash":"415-jpb-insight_v2_zmn7K9z.png","width":900,"height":687},"filename":"hagar-acquires-two-westside-properties-for-rehab-into-17-affordable-housing-units","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"6RAgjg","created_at":"2018-07-06T10:45:28.727-04:00","updated_at":"2018-07-06T10:47:12.634-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n At their June monthly meeting, the Invest Atlanta board approved the sale of two vacant multifamily properties to Hagar CTM, who will renovate them into 17 units of quality, affordable rental housing for the Westside community.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAt their June monthly meeting, the Invest Atlanta board approved the sale of two vacant multifamily properties to Hagar CTM, who will renovate them into 17 units of quality, affordable rental housing for the Westside community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe two properties\u0026mdash;located at 712 Fox Street and 415 James P. Brawley Drive\u0026mdash;were acquired by Invest Atlanta as part of the Westside land acquisition initiative.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by Invest Atlanta, Hagar CTM proposed to purchase the improvements on both parcels and negotiate a long-term ground lease with Invest Atlanta to redevelop the two properties. The organization has an equity partner in KP Realty One, who will provide funding assistance for the acquisition and rehabilitation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This one rose to the surface as one that we were very excited about and felt like we could take action on it now,\u0026rdquo; said Jennifer Fine, the VP of Planning and Strategic Initiatives at Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re really encouraged by the proposed design and architectural detail they want to do on these properties. They\u0026rsquo;re really kind of changing the landscape of what these looked like. For all intents and purposes, they\u0026rsquo;re going to look completely different. Which I think is hugely important to help set a tone. And change the narrative that we\u0026rsquo;re not just talking about painting windows. This is real change.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe redevelopment of existing multi-family properties in English Avenue and Vine City is a primary focus of this effort as it provides a significant opportunity to positively impact the availability of quality, affordable rental housing in the community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHagar Civilization Training Missionary (CTM) is a 501(C)3 nonprofit volunteer organization that provides unsubsidized affordable rental housing to low-income senior, disabled, and veteran residents. Hagar CTM\u0026rsquo;s work has significantly improved the quality and mix of housing stock in their target neighborhoods, while also creating new employment opportunities. Hagar also partners with organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank to provide wrap-around services to residents.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has worked with Hagar CTM several times already. Most recently, the Invest Atlanta Board approved an $812,000 grant from the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) Community Improvement Fund and an $812,000 loan from the Vine City Housing Trust Fund to support the conversion of 7 vacant properties into 20 affordable housing units.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":194,"title":"Board Approves $2.4 Million for Westside TAD Resident Retention Effort","promo_title":"Board Approves $2.4 Million for Westside TAD Resident Retention Effort","published_date":"2018-05-18","featured_image":{"id":639,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"westside_oor.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":151309,"resource_updated_at":"2018-05-15T12:59:00.112-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-05-15T12:59:00.152-04:00","updated_at":"2018-07-17T16:01:04.701-04:00","filename_hash":"westside_oor_Pgx1zMp.jpg","width":900,"height":582},"filename":"board-approves-24-million-for-westside-tad-resident-retention-effort","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"P4FWqw","created_at":"2018-05-17T10:04:15.595-04:00","updated_at":"2018-05-22T11:08:56.954-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n At their monthly meeting, the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved a $2.4 million grant from the Westside TAD Community Improvement Fund to expand the Westside Heritage Owner-Occupied Rehab (OOR) program.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAt their monthly meeting, the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved a $2.4 million grant from the Westside TAD Community Improvement Fund to expand the Westside Heritage Owner-Occupied Rehab (OOR) program. This initiative offers residents forgivable loans to make critical health and safety repairs on their homes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe new funding comes as the pilot program in the Westside wraps up this summer after helping eight Westside homeowners fix things on their homes like a leaky roof, plumbing, electrical work, foundation repairs and other necessities. In March, Invest Atlanta opened Westside Heritage OOR program to mare residents and launched programs for residents in Choice Neighborhoods and citywide.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We feel like we\u0026rsquo;re in a good position to scale up,\u0026rdquo; said Jennifer Fine, Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Vice President of Planning and Strategic Initiatives, when the item was initially approved by the TAD Committee a week earlier.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFulton County Commissioner Emma Darnell, a member of the TAD Committee, added at the time: \u0026ldquo;I think it\u0026rsquo;s one of the best projects I\u0026rsquo;ve seen Invest Atlanta do.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe $2.4 million in additional funding will allow more residents to receive a forgivable loan of up to $60,000 for home repair work in the Westside neighborhoods of Vine City, English Avenue, and portions of Castleberry Hill. Because there are relatively few existing low-to-moderate income homeowners within the Westside TAD neighborhoods, the program will impact almost 20% of homeowners in the area.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has received around 500 applications for the citywide, Choice Neighborhoods, and Westside Heritage Owner-Occupied Rehab programs, which are all part of the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s larger community retention effort.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLinda Graham is one of five homeowners who received repairs as part of the pilot program. She has lived in Vine City for more than 25 years, and had considered moving before joining the Owner-Occupied Rehab program.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I have such a deep gratitude for Invest Atlanta and am so tickled with all the work that was done,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;To extend that arm of assistance is very impressive. It shows they really care about homeowners and our community.\u0026quot;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Homebuying/ Homeownership\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":189,"title":"Legacy at Vine City Breaks Ground, Will Offer 105 Affordable Senior Units","promo_title":"Legacy at Vine City Breaks Ground, Will Offer 105 Affordable Senior Units","published_date":"2018-05-05","featured_image":{"id":626,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"legacy_vine_city.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":2275240,"resource_updated_at":"2018-05-02T10:29:38.012-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2018-05-02T10:29:38.274-04:00","updated_at":"2018-05-15T12:52:24.577-04:00","filename_hash":"legacy_vine_city_Bx3YVqV.jpg","width":5407,"height":3605},"filename":"legacy-at-vine-city-breaks-ground-will-offer-105-affordable-senior-units","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"dunVag","created_at":"2018-05-02T10:30:37.907-04:00","updated_at":"2018-05-15T12:52:24.559-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta joined with our partners to celebrate the April 27 groundbreaking of The Legacy at Vine City, a $20 million,\u0026nbsp;105-unit\u0026nbsp;affordable housing development for seniors above the age of 62.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta joined with our partners to celebrate the April 27 groundbreaking of The Legacy at Vine City, a $20 million, 105-unit affordable housing development for seniors above the age of 62. All residents will pay no more than 30% of their income on rent thanks to assistance from the Atlanta Housing Authority.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;With this new project, people like my mother and my family, can now still have a place,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;As the 60th Mayor of this city and the product of the Vine City and English Avenue community, I say congratulations and the best is yet to come.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This project will allow us to have resident retention and it will address the affordable housing needs and concerns that we have in this community,\u0026rdquo; said Bishop Dexter Johnson of the Higher Ground Empowerment Center Church.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the ceremony, the audience also heard from city officials and community leaders, including: Councilman Ivory Young, City of Atlanta, District 3; Alan Ferguson of Invest Atlanta; Ms. Catherine Buell, President, Atlanta Housing Authority; Ms. Laurel Hart, Division Director, Georgia Department of Community Affairs; and property developer Mr. Philip Searles, President of the Beverly J. Searles Foundation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe state-of-the-art Legacy at Vine City community will offer 1- and 2-bedroom affordable apartments for senior living. The Higher Ground Empowerment Center Church (HGECC) is spearheading the development through its community development corporate The Oasis of Vine City, Inc. The Beverly J. Searles Foundation serve as co-developers and will help bring to life the 25-year-old vision of Bishop Johnson.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta supported The Legacy at Vine City through $10 million in tax-exempt bond financing, as well as a $1 million Vine City Trust Fund loan.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOther key financial supporters included the Atlanta Housing Authority, Cabretta Capital, Community Development Trust, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and PNC Real Estate.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":186,"title":"Board Approves Pre-Development Fund for Westside TAD Community Builders","promo_title":"Board Approves Pre-Development Fund for Westside TAD Community Builders","published_date":"2018-04-19","featured_image":{"id":619,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"community_builders_event_2.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":1545156,"resource_updated_at":"2018-04-19T10:50:56.861-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2018-04-19T10:50:57.147-04:00","updated_at":"2018-04-19T10:52:02.125-04:00","filename_hash":"community_builders_event_2_xDNw3XR.jpg","width":5308,"height":3539},"filename":"board-approves-pre-development-fund-for-westside-tad-community-builders","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"z564Ug","created_at":"2018-04-19T10:52:02.099-04:00","updated_at":"2018-04-19T10:52:02.099-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n At the April 2018 monthly meeting, the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved the creation of a $150,000 Westside TAD Community Builders Pre-Development Fund.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAt the April 2018 monthly meeting, the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved the creation of a $150,000 Westside TAD Community Builders Pre-Development Fund.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta launched the Community Builders program October 2017 to train Westside resident property owners and other community stakeholders in core property redevelopment skills. The six-month training concluded with final project presentations in March 2018.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Everyone I spoke to said the program was really valuable and taught them so much,\u0026rdquo; Dr. Klementich said of the Community Builders participants. \u0026ldquo;They feel encouraged about moving their projects forward.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs a next step to assisting participants, Invest Atlanta will now take on a more well-rounded support process by providing graduates with grants for eligible pre-development expenses.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe fund will award grants of up to $15,000 for eligible pre-development expenses, such as site inspection, environmental assessments, and permitting. Awardees will have to provide 20% of the pre-development costs and have a clear plan for post-development operations of the project. They also must successfully complete the new Community Builders training program and have ownership or site control of the project property.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Not only are we really excited about bringing in new development, but especially because we are supporting it organically within the Westside neighborhoods,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;The Community Builders program and this new fund will support residents who want to develop properties within their communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBoth the Community Builders pilot training program and Pre-Development Fund are funded through the Westside TAD and meet Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s larger goals in the Westside neighborhoods of Vine City, English Avenue, and portions of Castleberry Hill. By helping participants develop core property redevelopment skills, while also providing up-front capital for their projects, this effort builds community capacity for revitalization efforts, helps retain existing residents, and improves the overall quality of life in the community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":177,"title":"URFA Supports 100+ Affordable Rental Units for Seniors in Vine City","promo_title":"URFA Supports 100+ Units for Seniors in Vine City","published_date":"2018-03-02","featured_image":{"id":560,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"oasis_vine_city_v1.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1702537,"resource_updated_at":"2018-03-02T14:21:57.875-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2018-03-02T14:21:57.924-05:00","updated_at":"2018-03-02T15:15:22.010-05:00","filename_hash":"oasis_vine_city_v1_8mmZxZK.png","width":1159,"height":704},"filename":"urfa-supports-100-units-for-seniors-in-vine-city","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"gvRI3w","created_at":"2018-03-02T14:22:06.825-05:00","updated_at":"2018-03-02T15:15:21.997-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Urban Residential Finance Authority (URFA) closed on $10 million in tax-exempt bond financing transaction to support the construction of 105 units of senior housing at Oasis of Vine City.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Urban Residential Finance Authority (URFA) closed on $10 million in tax-exempt bond financing transaction to support the construction of 105 units of senior housing at Oasis of Vine City.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe groundbreaking for Oasis of Vine City will take place in the coming months, and once complete, it will offer units to seniors over the age of 62 at\u0026nbsp;60% Area Median Income (AMI). (The 60% AMI income limit for FY2017 is $29,280 for a one-person household, and $33,480 for a two-person household.) All renters will pay no more than 30% of their income towards rent.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis project closing represents a great start to the year after the team supported the creation or retention of a nearly 2,000 affordable units, a record for the organization, in 2017. Knowing how critical it is for the city\u0026rsquo;s growing senior population to have access to affordable living options, the Community Development team has been working to complete this deal for several years.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOasis of Vine City will be located near Rodney Cook Sr. Park and amenities will include a fitness center and energy-efficient appliances.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":22,"title":"IA Leads Southwest BeltLine Existing Business Resource Event","promo_title":"IA Leads Southwest BeltLine Existing Business Resource Event","published_date":"2017-12-11","featured_image":{"id":228,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"sw_beltline_feature.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":675919,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:53:16.533-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T14:53:16.995-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T15:12:23.021-05:00","filename_hash":"sw_beltline_feature_DNxemvv.jpg","width":5119,"height":3840},"filename":"ia-leads-southwest-beltline-existing-business-resource-event","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"w4vj7g","created_at":"2017-12-20T15:02:05.821-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T15:12:22.466-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta led the Southwest Atlanta BeltLIne Existing Resource Event to present the resources and programs available to small businesses.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta recently led the Southwest Atlanta BeltLIne Existing Resource Event to present the many resources and programs available to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s small businesses.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe event, the first in a series planned for other locations along the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://beltline.org/\"\u003eAtlanta BeltLine\u003c/a\u003e, took place on November 30.\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.dcafeatl.com/\"\u003eD Caf\u0026eacute; \u0026amp; Catering\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;in Westview hosted and provided breakfast to presenters and participants.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eKiyomi Rollins, owner of\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.thegoodhairshop.com/\"\u003eThe Good Hair Shop\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;and a recipient of a small business loan through Invest Atlanta, urged attendees to seek out the resources they need to sustain and grow their business.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Call them up, apply,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;They are giving you the path to success, the path to sustainability. Everyone at Invest Atlanta has been very supportive with the tools we need to retain businesses.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, Ms. Rollins took over Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Twitter feed to update those who couldn\u0026rsquo;t attend about the resources available to existing small businesses along the Atlanta BeltLine.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral members from the Invest Atlanta team also spoke at the event. Erika Smith covered IA\u0026rsquo;s Business Retention and Expansion programs, while Lonnie Saboor detailed our available\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/business/small-business-loan-programs/\"\u003esmall business loan programs\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eJerald Mitchell from Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., Jim Skinner from the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://atlantaregional.org/\"\u003eAtlanta Regional Commission (ARC)\u003c/a\u003e, and Terry Collier from the MLK, Jr. Dr. Merchants Association also presented, as did representatives from\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.villagemicrofund.com/\"\u003eThe Village Micro Fund\u003c/a\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://aceloans.org/\"\u003eAccess to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)\u003c/a\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ga/atlanta\"\u003eSBA\u003c/a\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.georgiasbdc.org/atlanta-office/\"\u003eSBDC\u003c/a\u003e, and\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.wellsfargo.com/\"\u003eWells Fargo\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to all the presenters and attendees\u0026mdash;including members of the Atlanta City Council\u0026mdash;for coming out, and a special thanks to Ms. D for hosting and catering the event.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":2,"title":"IA Hosts Second Annual Small Business Excellence Awards","promo_title":"IA Hosts Second Annual Small Business Excellence Awards","published_date":"2017-11-01","featured_image":{"id":42,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"sbal_awardees.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":233239,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-18T17:07:38.221-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-18T17:07:38.286-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-06T13:18:06.015-05:00","filename_hash":"sbal_awardees_gvVg9W3.jpg","width":800,"height":535},"filename":"ia-hosts-second-annual-small-business-excellence-awards","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"h9CJ3A","created_at":"2017-12-20T11:03:11.518-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-06T13:18:06.001-05:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/245262848","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta hosted the second annual Excellence in Small Business Awards to honor Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s outstanding small businesses.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta hosted the second annual Excellence in Small Business Awards at The Gathering Spot on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 to honor Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s outstanding small businesses. Eight Atlanta businesses were recognized for all they\u0026rsquo;ve done to strengthen our city\u0026rsquo;s small business sector.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Your determination has made Atlanta one of the most vibrant city\u0026rsquo;s for small business,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;Whether it\u0026rsquo;s a tech startup or a brick and mortar business serving the community, entrepreneurs like you throughout Atlanta are changing our city for the better. You\u0026rsquo;re not only selling products and services, you\u0026rsquo;re creating new jobs, and building stronger communities. It\u0026rsquo;s your determination that has made Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s small business sector strong and successful.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe theme of the event was \u0026ldquo;Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Spirit,\u0026rdquo; with entrepreneur and Spotify senior manager Amber Grimes delivering a riveting keynote address about the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Don\u0026rsquo;t let anyone, ever, dim your light,\u0026rdquo; she told the audience.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis year, the first Excellence in Small Business Pitch Competition took place during the event, which brought together three emerging entrepreneurs to present how their business would create new economic opportunities. The presenters were Ngozi Chuku from Reel Chemistry, JaQuis McCullough from Numis, and Mbye Nije from Legal Equalizer. Legal Equalizer, an app that provides a crash course in civil and constitutional rights, took home the top prize.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2017 Small Business Excellence Award recipients were:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSpotlight Award: Atlanta Movie Tours, Inc.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eExcellence In Longevity: Like a River Salon and Spa LLC\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eFranchise Excellence: This Is It! Seafood \u0026amp; BBQ\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eEntrepreneur Of The Year: Watkins Mortuary Inc.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eManufacturing Excellence: The Good Hair Shop LLC\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eExpansion Excellence: Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group Inc.\u0026rsquo;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eCommunity Favorite: The Trophy Room Barbershop LLC\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eStart-Up Excellence: Doux South Specialties LLC\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe event sponsors were: Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc., Wharton Law, Ground Floor, New Realm Brewing Company, New Africa Business Association of Atlanta, and Shay Latte.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSince 2001, Invest Atlanta has invested more than $11.5 million in 187 small businesses in the City of Atlanta, leveraging an additional $32.5 million from the private sector.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":4,"title":"Westside Community Builders Program Officially Launched","promo_title":"Westside Community Builders Program Officially Launched","published_date":"2017-10-30","featured_image":{"id":39,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"community_builders_feature.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":192291,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-18T17:07:37.901-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-18T17:07:37.972-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:30:56.249-05:00","filename_hash":"community_builders_feature_xD2qEjD.jpg","width":800,"height":600},"filename":"westside-community-builders-program-officially-launched","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"I1UL8A","created_at":"2017-12-20T11:41:58.394-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:30:55.686-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The first members of the Community Builders program gathered at a welcoming reception to launch of the initiative.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe first members of the\u0026nbsp;Community\u0026nbsp;Builders program gathered at a welcoming reception the Invest Atlanta offices on October 26 to mark the official launch of the initiative.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta created the Community Builders program in response to growing interest from residents on the Westside to learn how to redevelop vacant, abandoned, and blighted commercial and multi-family properties. The goal of the program is to empower participants to partner with Invest Atlanta on the organization\u0026rsquo;s work on the Westside.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThrough this program, participants will learn core property redevelopment skills, and once they complete it, they\u0026rsquo;ll be eligible to apply for funding assistance to support their own redevelopment projects.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has committed $15 million to the Westside Community Fund and leverages these dollars in coordination with public and private partners to address critical areas of need \u0026ndash; such as affordable housing, employment opportunities, and retail development. The work is focused on the neighborhoods of English Avenue, Vine City, and Castleberry Hill.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe work is being done in several different areas. First, IA is working to create and retain the affordable workforce housing stock so more people can call Atlanta \u0026ldquo;home,\u0026rdquo; whether they\u0026rsquo;re renting, leasing, or looking to buy a home.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, IA is working with developers to turn 24 vacant properties into new affordable housing units in English Avenue and Vine City that will go to families earning 80%-100% of the area median income. IA is also expanding employment opportunities through our support of great organizations like Westside Works, and supporting area small businesses on the Westside like Steed Media Group through grants and low-interest small business loans. In addition, IA is improving quality of life in many ways, from removing blight to creating greenspace, and reenergizing the MLK corridor with economic investment to supporting service organizations like Families First.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe ultimate goals are to create jobs, invest in neighborhoods, and create greater equity in our communities. This is all being done along with our other economic and community development programs, as well as alongside Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s many public and private partners.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":8,"title":"IA Grant Supports Housing for Homeless Women and Children","promo_title":"IA Grant Supports Housing for Homeless Women and Children","published_date":"2017-10-06","featured_image":{"id":213,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"city_of_refuge_v2_larger.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":60481,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:09:11.563-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T13:09:11.699-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:10:44.873-05:00","filename_hash":"city_of_refuge_v2_larger_jpvjjDb.jpg","width":800,"height":601},"filename":"ia-grant-supports-housing-for-homeless-women-and-children","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"-6RPag","created_at":"2017-12-20T13:10:44.362-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:10:44.362-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n City of Refuge will use a $350,000 Housing Opportunity Fund grant to develop supportive housing for homeless women and children.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA $350,000 grant from the Housing Opportunity Fund will go to the City of Refuge to reimburse the organization for property being developed into supportive housing for homeless women and children. The Urban Residential Finance Authority board approved the grant in June, and the grant closed in September.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe property, located directly across from the City of Refuge\u0026rsquo;s center off Joseph E. Boone Blvd., will be redeveloped into at least 43 units of new supportive housing. Formerly homeless residents will have access to a variety of services, including meal services, day care, after school programming, counseling, and job training.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCity of Refuge is non-profit organization that provides access to opportunities in housing, vocational training, healthcare and youth development on Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside. They have served over 20,000 men, women, and children in crisis over the past two decades. Over 100 full-time City of Refuge and partner staff members are trained, educated, and experienced in assisting individuals and families in crisis to access resources and create a plan for future success. Their partners include Invest Atlanta, as well as St. Joseph\u0026rsquo;s Mercy Care Clinic, Westcare, Bright Futures Academy, Feed My Lambs, Genuine Parts Company, BB\u0026amp;T, Regions Bank, SunTrust Bank, Chick-fil-a, Coca-Cola, and Georgia Public Defenders.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLast year, City of Refuge received more than\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://insight.investatlanta.com/2016/10/19/city-of-refuge-receives-funding-to-expand-job-training-on-the-westside/\"\u003e$7 million in philanthropic support\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;for the construction and renovation of a 20,000-sq.ft. training center and culinary academy, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":11,"title":"Atlanta BeltLine’s Westside Trail Officially Opens","promo_title":"Atlanta BeltLine’s Westside Trail Officially Opens","published_date":"2017-10-04","featured_image":{"id":216,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"westside_trail_feature_-1-.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":827622,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:34:21.438-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T13:34:21.822-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:35:28.114-05:00","filename_hash":"westside_trail_feature_-1-_8myOOlr.jpg","width":4688,"height":3516},"filename":"atlanta-beltlines-westside-trail-officially-opens","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"ncZgEw","created_at":"2017-12-20T13:35:27.583-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:35:27.583-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Westside Trail, a new three-mile corridor on the Atlanta BeltLine, is now open and available for everyone to enjoy.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Westside Trail, a new three-mile corridor on the Atlanta BeltLine, is now open and available for everyone to enjoy.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Gordon White Park on Friday, September 29. In attendance were Mayor Kasim Reed, Rep. John Lewis, Atlanta BeltLine Inc. President and CEO Brian McGowan, Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Rob Brawner, Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich, and many others.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe $43 million investment brings the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. closer to its goal of connecting every community in the City of Atlanta. Running from Washington Park to Adair Park in Southwest Atlanta, the new 14-foot wide multi-use trail features 14 access points, public art and greenway. Of the 14 access points, 11 entrances are ADA accessible \u0026ndash; representing more accessibility than any other trail in the city. For a half mile along White Street, the trail will use the existing West End Trail.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Today is a good day in the City of Atlanta as we celebrate a promise kept with the opening of the new Westside Trail,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Kasim Reed. \u0026ldquo;My Administration was committed to working with the Atlanta BeltLine and other partners to make this shared public space available in Southwest Atlanta, connecting some of the city\u0026rsquo;s most important and historic neighborhoods in a new way while honoring them with such a valuable and significant investment.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Westside Trail is the largest expansion of the Atlanta BeltLine since its inception. The amenity connects four schools, four parks and a dozen Westside neighborhoods. The trail will also feature murals, sculptures and other artwork.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone in the Atlanta BeltLine\u0026rsquo;s history \u0026ndash; the opening of the Westside Trail,\u0026rdquo; said Brian McGowan. \u0026ldquo;This trail will have a transformative effect on the city and will foster new jobs, promote business creation and ensure livable communities in Southwest Atlanta. As we continue to build upon this amenity, we are 100 percent committed to working with the community to identify the unique needs that must be built in our planning as much as our concrete trails are.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":17,"title":"AEMI Awards Civic Impact Loans to Three Atlanta Social Entrepreneurs","promo_title":"AEMI Awards Civic Impact Loans to Three Atlanta Social Entrepreneurs","published_date":"2017-09-08","featured_image":{"id":224,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"civic_impact_loan_1_share-1024x680.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":111248,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:36:39.672-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T14:36:39.825-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:37:54.849-05:00","filename_hash":"civic_impact_loan_1_share-1024x680_kbVD1BO.jpg","width":1024,"height":680},"filename":"aemi-awards-civic-impact-loans-to-three-atlanta-social-entrepreneurs","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"EiFTjg","created_at":"2017-12-20T14:37:54.274-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:37:54.274-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. (AEMI) closed on the first round of Civic Impact Loans going to three Atlanta social entrepreneurs.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://www.atlantaemergingmarkets.org/\"\u003eAtlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. (AEMI)\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;officially closed on the first round of its new Civic Impact Loans program that will go to three Atlanta social entrepreneurs. The flexible, zero-percent interest rate loans will support honorCode, Marddy\u0026rsquo;s, and Gilliam\u0026rsquo;s Community Garden as they seek to expand their businesses and make a greater impact in the communities they serve.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We established the Civic Impact Loan fund to support local businesses in Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; said Michael Syphoe, Board Chair of Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. \u0026ldquo;From enhancing K-12 STEAM education to cultivating urban agriculture to supporting our city\u0026rsquo;s unique culinary culture, these three companies demonstrate how small social enterprises can have a big impact within our communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;These first three loan recipients all demonstrate how businesses can focus on the bottom line while also making a difference in our city,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta and a member of the AEMI board. \u0026ldquo;Atlanta is a place where social entrepreneurship can continue to thrive, and we look forward to supporting more social impact investing and talented enterprises in the future.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Center for Civic Innovation assisted the entrepreneurs with the application process, and all three recipients are former CCI fellows or members. The three Civic Impact Loan recipients are:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003ehonorCode: A non-profit social enterprise that provides curriculum and training to schools to bring computer science and social emotional learning into the general K12 classroom. honorCode plans to use the loan funding to hire an additional team member to facilitate more trainings for teachers within Atlanta Public Schools. Last year, honorCode won the 2016 Forbes Change the World Entrepreneurship Competition at their Under 30 Summit last year. And their Founder and CEO, Jeffrey Mart\u0026iacute;n, was recently honored on the 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 List and The Wharton School\u0026rsquo;s 40 Under 40 List, where Mart\u0026iacute;n is an alumnus (W\u0026rsquo;13).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGilliam\u0026rsquo;s Community Garden: An outdoor kitchen to teach residents how to prepare healthy food for their families. Their goal is to improve community health in the area around Oakland City neighborhood through urban agriculture. Gilliam\u0026rsquo;s provides residents with access to fresh fruits, vegetables and poultry products.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eMarddy\u0026rsquo;s: A shared kitchen space and marketplace for food-based entrepreneurs on the Westside. The owner, Keitra Bates, was recently featured on the NPR series, \u0026ldquo;Kitchen Table Conversations.\u0026rdquo; Her mission is to preserve culinary culture of the Westside by supporting home chefs within the community. Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has already provided support to the business with a loan to purchase the building where the business is located. Funding obtained through the Civic Impact Loan will be used for staffing and marketing purposes.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAEMI is a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Entity created by Invest Atlanta in 2006 that specializes in providing gap financing for projects that create jobs and revitalize Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s distressed neighborhoods. In 2016, the AEMI board of directors approved the allocation of $100,000 to finance a pilot revolving loan fund for social entrepreneurship in Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":31,"title":"Invest Atlanta Hosts Inaugural Westside Housing Fair","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Hosts Inaugural Westside Housing Fair","published_date":"2017-08-08","featured_image":{"id":238,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"westside_housing_fair_1_feature.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":420595,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T15:50:19.380-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T15:50:19.689-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T15:51:13.946-05:00","filename_hash":"westside_housing_fair_1_feature_RJqevOr.jpg","width":3616,"height":2713},"filename":"invest-atlanta-hosts-inaugural-westside-housing-fair","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"307BQg","created_at":"2017-12-20T15:51:13.408-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T15:51:13.408-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The first-ever Westside Housing Fair offered residents valuable housing information, as well as prizes and fun activities for the family.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe first-ever Westside Housing Fair, held on Saturday, July 22 at the Hollis Innovation Academy, offered residents valuable housing information from Invest Atlanta and our partners, as well as prizes and fun activities for the entire family.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe partners participating at the Fair provided valuable insights to attendees, whether they currently rent, already own a home, or are looking to buy a home on the Westside. The highlight of the event was an informative presentation during which each group offered a brief overview of what products and services they provide. Here\u0026rsquo;s a quick overview of the program:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eRenters: The Atlanta Housing Authority spoke about their work on the Westside and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, while Invest Atlanta representatives spoke about our land acquisition efforts and the Dalvigney and Oasis of Vine City developments. The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation focused on renters\u0026rsquo; rights and the effect of rising property values on Westside renters.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eHomebuyers: Invest Atlanta spoke about our\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/intown-living/homebuyer-incentives/\"\u003edown payment assistance programs\u003c/a\u003e, as well as our new\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/intown-living/trio/\"\u003eTrio lease-to-own option\u003c/a\u003e. The On the Rise Financial Center spoke about preparing for the homebuying process, and Atlanta Habitat for Humanity discussed their future construction plans on the Westside.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eHomeowners: The Westside Future Fund focused on the recently announced Anti-Displacement Tax Fund. Meals on Wheels spoke about their joint work with IA on an owner-occupied rehabilitation program, while the Georgia Heirs Property Law Center emphasized the importance of correcting title issues.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAttendees also enjoyed fun outdoor activities, back-to-school giveaways, prize drawings, and free food. The non-profit Soccer in the Streets even set up an area where children could play a quick game of pickup soccer.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Westside Housing Fair is part of Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s larger effort to support the Westside revitalization and resident retention effort. Learn more about Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s work\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/westside-tad-investments/\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Homebuying/ Homeownership\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":40,"title":"Dr. Klementich to CREW Atlanta: Let’s Strenghten Our Commercial Corridors","promo_title":"Dr. Klementich to CREW Atlanta: Let’s Strenghten Our Commercial Corridors","published_date":"2017-07-12","featured_image":{"id":248,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"commercial_corridors_metropolitan_feature_1.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1603476,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T09:59:35.930-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T09:59:36.204-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:02:51.234-05:00","filename_hash":"commercial_corridors_metropolitan_feature_1_38XmLal.png","width":1042,"height":782},"filename":"dr-klementich-to-crew-atlanta-lets-strenghten-our-commercial-corridors","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"isjSSg","created_at":"2017-12-21T10:02:50.120-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:02:50.120-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich emphasized the importance of investing in our city\u0026rsquo;s emerging corridors for CREW Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich recently wrote about the importance of investing in our city\u0026rsquo;s emerging corridors for the CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Atlanta blog. Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s real estate industry will be deeply involved with this issue in the coming years, especially as the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s population continues to grow.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://www.crewatlanta.org/\"\u003eCREW Atlanta\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;is a member of\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://crewnetwork.org/home\"\u003eCREW Network\u003c/a\u003e. Founded in 1982, CREW Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s mission is to influence the success of the commercial real estate industry by advancing the achievements of women. CREW Network is the industry\u0026rsquo;s premier business networking organization dedicated to supporting the achievements of women in commercial real estate. Its 8,000 members represent nearly every discipline within the industry and are located in 74 major markets across North America. CREW Network seeks to influence the success of the commercial real estate industry by focusing on fulfilling four key initiatives: business development, leadership development, industry research and career outreach.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eImages courtesy of City of Atlanta Department of Planning.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere is Dr. Klementich\u0026rsquo;s article,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.crewatlantablog.com/strengthening-atlantas-commercial-corridors/\"\u003ereprinted in full\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eStrengthening Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Commercial Corridors\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBy: Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO, Invest Atlanta\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nPublished: July 12, 2017\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe future strength and equity of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s economy depends on several key factors, one of which is how we can effectively invest in our city\u0026rsquo;s emerging commercial corridors.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s population is expected to double in the coming years\u0026mdash;from 465,000 today to an estimated 1.3 million by 2050\u0026mdash;a large percentage of these new residents will be living and working along our city\u0026rsquo;s major corridors. Therefore, we must invest in these to ensure they connect neighborhoods and accommodate growth in a way that benefits all Atlantans.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe have all heard that many of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s driving directions include the phrase, \u0026ldquo;Go down Peachtree.\u0026rdquo; It\u0026rsquo;s our city\u0026rsquo;s most prominent street, connecting the areas with the highest employment densities in the region: Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. Peachtree has thrived throughout Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s history, and will continue do so in the future.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut Invest Atlanta is now focused on making targeted investments along corridors in Atlanta that are in development\u0026mdash;streets like Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Hollowell Parkway on the Westside, and Campbellton Road and Metropolitan Road in Southwest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently, all these major avenues share similar characteristics. They are all wide, multiple-lane roads filled with high-speed vehicular traffic. Commercial properties are often small and narrow in shape and separated long distances from each other by parking lots and underutilized properties. In addition, these corridors lack the amenities found in other parts of the city, such as greenspace and grocery stores.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo be successful, Invest Atlanta and many partners are working to address these issues. Working on multiple fronts, we hope to ensure these corridors become vibrant, attractive, and equitable connectors between neighborhoods for all forms of mobility.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eImproving infrastructure along these corridors is a key focus area for us. Last year, Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta secured a $10 million TIGER grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Innovation Corridor Project. The grant will fund improvements along MLK that include roadway enhancements such as synchronized traffic lights, new sidewalks, improved medians, and upgraded crosswalks.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta are both working to create more greenspace along these corridors. Near Hollowell, the Bellwood Quarry will soon be transformed into a reservoir and Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s largest park. Along Metropolitan Parkway, the Invest Atlanta board has approved funding for a Livable Communities Initiative (LCI) plan and the creation of a multiuse trail through the area\u0026rsquo;s Tax Allocation District (TAD\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta and our partners are also working to create concentrated nodes of activity along these corridors. We\u0026rsquo;re doing so by coordinating and reconfiguring investment through property assembly, improving the marketability to targeted users, such as grocery stores, and creating an improved \u0026ldquo;sense of place\u0026rdquo; in the process. We\u0026rsquo;re also working to activate commercial activity in a targeted away. A few years ago, Invest Atlanta provided a grant to EUE/Screen Gems with the expansion of their film studio on the former site of the Lakewood Fairgrounds on Metropolitan Parkway. More recently, our board approved a $410,000 Cambellton Road TAD grant to build the Fort Mac FiberNet that will serve residents and businesses along Cambellton Road, as well those in the Oakland City, Sylvan Hills, Venetian Hills, and Capital View neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd looking ahead, Invest Atlanta is working with MARTA to create an Innovation Village at the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA station adjacent to MLK, Jr. Dr. made entirely of repurposed shipping containers. This \u0026ldquo;iVillage,\u0026rdquo; first of its kind in the city, will offer transit-accessible, affordable office and retail space to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s entrepreneurs eager to build and grow their new businesses.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll these efforts go hand in hand with the work we do every day to support residents and business owners throughout the city through our small business loan programs and down payment assistance programs. Many of those who have used our programs live and work along these corridors.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOur approach here at Invest Atlanta will include a key focus on redeveloping our city\u0026rsquo;s most important commercial corridors. By doing so, we\u0026rsquo;ll strengthen the city\u0026rsquo;s core neighborhoods, address equity and support increased resiliency and mobility.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":50,"title":"Innovation Village Made of Shipping Containers Coming to MLK Corridor","promo_title":"Innovation Village Made of Shipping Containers Coming to MLK Corridor","published_date":"2017-06-30","featured_image":{"id":259,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"mlk_innovation_village_400-1.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":794584,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:41:10.568-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T10:41:10.736-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:42:14.629-05:00","filename_hash":"mlk_innovation_village_400-1_JjMQrJo.png","width":800,"height":600},"filename":"innovation-village-made-of-shipping-containers-coming-to-mlk-corridor","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"lBaP2w","created_at":"2017-12-21T10:42:14.139-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:42:14.139-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta board voted to authorize the use of $550,000 to create the MLK Innovation Village using shipping containers.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta board recently voted to authorize the use of $550,000 to create the MLK Innovation Village using repurposed shipping containers at the H.E. Holmes MARTA station.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe container village will provide transit-accessible retail and office space for small businesses along the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive corridor.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We think there\u0026rsquo;s going to be an exciting mix of new, innovative businesses that have yet to open on MLK, Jr. Drive,\u0026rdquo; said Invest Atlanta Real Estate Director Chris Leutzinger. \u0026ldquo;Hopefully these owners will decide this is a great area where they can spin off their businesses and build them along the corridor.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the Innovation Village is complete, Invest Atlanta will solicit applications for tenants over the next six months, and those who are chosen will pay an affordable monthly rent pegged at cost recovery levels.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I think it\u0026rsquo;s a really economical way to service this kind of incubation, and it\u0026rsquo;s a great project for that site,\u0026rdquo; said Invest Atlanta board member Randy Hazelton.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta is partnering with MARTA on this project, and they see it as an innovative opportunity to jumpstart future interest in transit-oriented development (TOD) at this station.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We reached out to MARTA to come up with this concept to utilize repurposed shipping containers,\u0026rdquo; said Kevin Johnson, Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Senior VP of Economic Development. \u0026ldquo;What we\u0026rsquo;ve come up with is a really unique opportunity for the City of Atlanta.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe MLK Innovation Village is part of the larger effort led by Mayor Kasim Reed to invest in the MLK corridor. Last year, the City of Atlanta received a $10 million TIGER grant from the USDOT that will fund a portion of the $22 million in infrastructure improvements planned for MLK, Jr. Drive.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":58,"title":"Southwest Connector Trail Open House Showcases Homebuyer Incentives","promo_title":"Southwest Connector Trail Open House Showcases Homebuyer Incentives","published_date":"2017-06-12","featured_image":{"id":267,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"walking_tour_feature.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":1027780,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:56:06.161-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T10:56:06.609-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:57:03.505-05:00","filename_hash":"walking_tour_feature_KDqalW4.jpg","width":4032,"height":3024},"filename":"southwest-connector-trail-open-house-showcases-homebuyer-incentives","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"PstA_A","created_at":"2017-12-21T10:57:03.028-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:57:03.028-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n On Saturday, June 10 Invest Atlanta and Atlanta BeltLine co-hosted the Southwest Connector Trail Open House Walking Tour 2017.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOn Saturday, June 10 Invest Atlanta and Atlanta BeltLine co-hosted the Southwest Connector Trail Open House Walking Tour 2017. The free home tour event, now in its third year, allowed hundreds of prospective homebuyers to learn helpful information about purchasing a home near the Southwest Connector Trail with Invest Atlanta down payment incentives.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eStarting from Beecher Hills Elementary School, attendees could take a self-guided walking tour of available homes for sale in the adjacent Beecher Hills, Westview, and Audobon Forest neighborhoods. All the available homes were located within two miles of the school and were featured on a handy event map.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Allgood, manager of Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s homeownership center, led a well-attended Homebuyer Q\u0026amp;A session, while Michele Lewis and other IA homeownership specialists answered questions throughout the day. Community leaders, mortgage lenders, real estate agents, and homebuyer education providers were also on hand to share homebuyer education and financial wellness resources to homebuyers interested in affordable intown living.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOther IA partners in attendance were Trees Atlanta, who led an arbotreum tour, and Relay Bike Share, who offered bike rentals for those interested in exploring the 1.15-mile Southwest Connector Spur Trail. And with live music, a DJ, and a face painting station at the Kids Corner, the day was fun for the entire family.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Homebuying/ Homeownership\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":61,"title":"Publix On Moores Mill Now Open for Business","promo_title":"Publix On Moores Mill Now Open for Business","published_date":"2017-06-09","featured_image":{"id":782,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"publix.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1282466,"resource_updated_at":"2019-01-16T08:38:40.571-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2019-01-16T08:38:40.689-05:00","updated_at":"2019-01-16T08:38:58.463-05:00","filename_hash":"publix_1OP6zJ6.png","width":1251,"height":690},"filename":"publix-on-moores-mill-now-open-for-business","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"Houp6g","created_at":"2017-12-21T11:06:10.907-05:00","updated_at":"2019-01-16T08:38:58.442-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Mayor Kasim Reed, members of the Atlanta City Council, Dr. Klementich, and Publix representatives opened the Moores Mill grocery store.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMayor Kasim Reed, alongside members of the Atlanta City Council, Dr. Eloisa Klementich, and representatives of Publix, cut the ribbon to announce the grand opening of a Publix grocery store at Moores Mill. The new Publix, part of the first phase of the $95 million shopping center development, opened for business later that morning.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Today marks a great day for Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s upper Westside, and we\u0026rsquo;re proud to partner with Publix on this development effort,\u0026rdquo; said Herbert Ames, Vice President of Southeast for EDENS, the project developer. \u0026ldquo;Publix and Moores Mill have already proven to be a community catalyst for this corridor, sparking significant interest and investment throughout the neighborhood.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe shopping center, originally envisioned over a decade ago, will house a grocery store in an area of Atlanta that has lacked this resource for years. Construction on the second phase of the center will begin this summer, with plans for up to 345 apartments and 15,000 square-feet of retail space.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta was instrumental in getting this project across the finish line. In 2015, the board approved $500,000 from the Perry Bolton TAD bond issue to fund the extension Moores Mill Road from Bolton Road into the shopping center, including new traffic signalization at the nearby intersection. This infrastructure work was integral to the redevelopment of the Moores Mill Shopping Center and the construction of a Publix grocery store as the anchor tenant.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s kind of funny that we\u0026rsquo;re that excited about the opening of a grocery store but it\u0026rsquo;s that important to this side of town,\u0026rdquo; Kevin Shankwiler, a resident of the area, told CBS46. \u0026ldquo;It really means a lot to the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.cbs46.com/story/35553534/opening-of-new-publix-location-part-of-neighborhood-revitalization-project\"\u003efuture development\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;that\u0026rsquo;s going to happen over here.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":66,"title":"ATL Officials Break Ground on Vine City’s Rodney Cook, Sr. Park","promo_title":"ATL Officials Break Ground on Rodney Cook, Sr. Park","published_date":"2017-05-25","featured_image":{"id":275,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"cook_park_feature.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":5505055,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T11:18:19.779-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T11:18:20.099-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T11:19:13.703-05:00","filename_hash":"cook_park_feature_5E5p43y.png","width":2048,"height":1536},"filename":"atl-officials-break-ground-on-vine-citys-rodney-cook-sr-park","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"D6k9ug","created_at":"2017-12-21T11:19:13.218-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T11:19:13.218-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Mayor Kasim Reed gathered with other Atlanta dignitaries for the groundbreaking ceremony for Rodney Cook, Sr. Park in Vine City.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMayor Kasim Reed gathered with other Atlanta officials and dignitaries on May 19 for the groundbreaking ceremony for Rodney Cook, Sr. Park in Historic Vine City.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe $45 million, 16-acre park represents the largest investment in a public park in the Westside neighborhoods in more than fifty years, and will serve as a grand and appropriate symbol of the neighborhood\u0026rsquo;s tremendous historical legacy. The park, slated to be completed in summer 2018, will feature a stormwater retention pond, a splash-pad, a playground, a performance plaza, a picnic pavilion, courts for multi-use sports, a fitness area, a boardwalk, an overlook and terraced pools.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta donated approximately 4 acres of land for this critically important project.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We are proud to break ground today and watch this state-of-the-art park move from vision to reality,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Reed. \u0026ldquo;The synergy to revitalize and reactivate the Historic Vine City neighborhood and surrounding areas is remarkable, and I would like to thank all the partners involved who are making a positive impact. Rodney Cook, Sr. Park in Historic Vine City will serve as a catalyst for economic development in the Westside, and be a source of pride for Atlanta for decades to come.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMayor Reed was joined by Ambassador Andrew Young, Arthur Blank, Invest Atlanta President and CEO Eloisa Klementich, Department of Watershed Management Commissioner Kishia L. Powell, Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Amy Phuong, Atlanta City Councilmember Ivory Lee Young, Jr., National Monuments Foundation President Rodney Cook, Jr., The Trust for Public Land Georgia State Director George Dusenbury and Higher Ground Empowerment Center Rev. Dexter Johnson at the official ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of the park design, the Department of Watershed Management will carry out important environmental remediation work, and has committed $20 million to fund and manage the design and construction of a stormwater retention pond. The official name for the project is the Upper Proctor Creek Capacity Relief Pond at Cook Park. In response to the floods in Vine City over the past decades, the new park will be able to accommodate a 100-year flood event. Similar to the Historic Old Fourth Ward Park stormwater retention pond model, the project aims to reduce flooding and the amount of pollutants entering Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s waterways, as well as increase the capacity of the combined sewer system which will eliminate sewer spills.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Trust for Public Land and its design consultant firm, Andropogon, in collaboration with the City of Atlanta, worked with several stakeholders and the community to finalize the plan design. In addition, The Trust for Public Land is raising $12.7 million from the private sector for the construction and design of the greenspace. With lead gifts from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, and support from other notable family and corporate foundations, The Trust for Public Land is on track to complete fundraising for the project by the end of September.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe park is named in honor of Rodney, Cook Sr., a former state representative from Atlanta who helped bridge racial divides. To pay tribute to the City of Atlanta being the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, the park will include 18 statues of Georgia civil rights leaders and peacemakers, as well as a 110-foot peace column dedicated to civil and human rights and the Dr. C.T. Vivian Library of African American Literature.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":67,"title":"YMCA Regional HQ and Head Start Facility Coming to Vine City","promo_title":"YMCA Regional HQ and Head Start Facility Coming to Vine City","published_date":"2017-05-18","featured_image":{"id":276,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"ymca_feature_second.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1597924,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T11:22:06.602-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T11:22:06.841-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T11:22:35.807-05:00","filename_hash":"ymca_feature_second_JjMQOax.png","width":1664,"height":1248},"filename":"ymca-regional-hq-and-head-start-facility-coming-to-vine-city","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"yX63hg","created_at":"2017-12-21T11:22:35.218-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T11:22:35.218-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The IA board approved a $2.5 million Westside TAD grant for the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta Center in Vine City.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta board of directors approved at their May meeting a $2.5 million Westside TAD grant to fund the new YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta Leadership and Learning Center in Vine City.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Center will house the YMCA of Metro Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s administrative offices and Head Start learning facility serving 70-90 children aged zero to four-years-old. Priority for these spaces will be given to eligible residents of Vine City, English Avenue, Castleberry Hill and other Westside neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA good deal of thought was put into the Center\u0026rsquo;s design, which involves the redevelopment of Jordan Hall, a privately‐owned former Morris Brown University facility. Based on the input received at community meetings and listening sessions, the Center will preserve the iconic entry building fronting Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, and much of the new fa\u0026ccedil;ade will complement the style and scale of the original building. Significant areas of the Center will also be named to pay respect to the history of the site(pending approval from Morris Brown), including Bishop Jordan Hall Pavilion , the Asa Ware Early Learning Center, and the Ruth Hall Hodges Art Hall and Gallery.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe plans for the Center received recommendations from the Vine City Civic Association, NPU-L, and the Westside TAD Advisory Board.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Head Start learning facility will also serve as a regional innovation and training lab, providing training for all YMCA early learning classrooms and more than 1,500 YMCA staff throughout the southeast. Members of the surrounding communities, along with local non-profits, will also have access to the facility.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, the Center will include a small community market offering quality, affordable groceries and healthy \u0026ldquo;grab and go\u0026rdquo; meal options sourced from local farms.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTwo-thirds of the funding for the $24 million Center will come from philanthropic contributions, raised as part of an aggressive YMCA capital campaign. Invest Atlanta is providing $2.5 million through the TAD grant approved on Thursday, and Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc., Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s certified community development entity, is using New Markets Tax Credits to attract private investors to contribute an additional $6.8 million to the project.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta Leadership and Learning Center is expected to begin construction this summer and open in the fall of 2018. Learn more about Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s efforts on the Westside\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/westside-tad-investments/\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":72,"title":"Board Takes Steps Forward on Westside Affordable Housing","promo_title":"Board Takes Steps Forward on Westside Affordable Housing","published_date":"2017-05-03","featured_image":{"id":282,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"oasis_vine_city_rendering_400.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1102623,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:07:14.392-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T13:07:14.563-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-22T08:40:43.463-05:00","filename_hash":"oasis_vine_city_rendering_400_BxkNe82.png","width":825,"height":619},"filename":"board-takes-steps-forward-on-westside-affordable-housing","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"f_yU6g","created_at":"2017-12-21T13:07:58.754-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:07:58.754-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Board of Directors signed off on two efforts to create more affordable housing options on the Westside.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAt their April meeting, the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors signed off on two efforts to create more affordable housing options on the Westside.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first, on Dalvigney Street in English Avenue, will involve the renovation of 12 units for residents earning no more than 50 percent area median income (AMI), with rents capped at 30 percent of income. And the 105-unit Oasis of Vine City complex will be reserved for seniors above the age of 62, who will pay no more than 60 percent AMI.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the Dalvigney Street properties, the board authorized staff to negotiate a ground lease with Quest Community Development Organization. Once terms are agreed to, Quest will convert the currently vacant facilities into 12 newly refurbished units, all with robust affordability requirements.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta originally bought the Dalvigney Street property as part of the larger Westside land acquisition strategy.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The purchase of this property was made with the intention of redeveloping this, along with our other multi-family assets, for affordable housing,\u0026rdquo; said Jennifer Fine, VP of Planning and Strategic Initiatives. \u0026ldquo;Having access to affordable rental housing is one of the top priorities identified by [Westside] residents.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe site is located on the same block as two other Invest Atlanta projects on the Westside:\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://insight.investatlanta.com/2017/03/07/hagar-celebrates-renovation-of-nine-affordable-units/\"\u003eHagar House\u003c/a\u003eand the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://insight.investatlanta.com/2017/04/04/mattie-freeland-community-house-opening/\"\u003eMattie Freeland Community House\u003c/a\u003e. Quest has previously partnered with Invest Atlanta to finance the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://insight.investatlanta.com/2016/11/17/new-home-for-westside-works-opens-in-vine-city/\"\u003eQuest Community Complex\u003c/a\u003e, the new home of Westside Works.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith Oasis of Vine City, the board approved a $10 million bond resolution to fund the construction of 105 units of senior housing, enabling these long-time residents to age in place in their communities. Additional funding for the project will come from a variety of sources, including Georgia\u0026rsquo;s Department of Community Affairs, the Vine City Trust Fund, and affordable housing tax credits.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe units will all be affordable and high quality, with amenities such as energy efficient appliances, pre-wired security, and a fitness center.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBoth Dalvigney and Oasis of Vine City support the goals of the Westside TAD Neighborhood Strategic Implementation Plan and the Community Retention Strategy currently being finalized by the Westside Future Fund.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":73,"title":"On the Rise Financial Center Opens on Westside","promo_title":"On the Rise Financial Center Opens on Westside","published_date":"2017-04-25","featured_image":{"id":283,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"financial_center_400.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":552939,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:09:47.204-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T13:09:47.504-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:10:17.441-05:00","filename_hash":"financial_center_400_7J6b3xg.jpg","width":3797,"height":2848},"filename":"on-the-rise-financial-center-opens-on-westside","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"bIrtTQ","created_at":"2017-12-21T13:10:16.533-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:10:16.533-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The On the Rise Financial Center offers access to affordable financial services and products, one-on-one financial counseling, and homeownership education.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.ontherisefc.org/\"\u003eOn the Rise Financial Center\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;officially opened Thursday, April 20, with Mayor Kasim Reed, Dr. Eloisa Klementich, and Councilmember Ivory Young, Jr. on hand to celebrate with Westside residents. Joining them were representatives from supporting organizations, including Equifax, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions (NFCDCU) and the CDFI Fund.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt the Center, clients can access affordable financial services and products, one-on-one financial counseling and homeownership education. Ultimately, the Center will provide new financial opportunities for residents and businesses in Westside communities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta board approved a\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://insight.investatlanta.com/2016/12/02/new-westside-financial-capability-center-receives-tad-support/\"\u003e$100,000 Westside TAD Community Improvement Fund grant\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;that went toward the purchase of computers, IT equipment, and office furniture for the On the Rise Financial Center.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Increasing the availability of financial education and services is critically important for our city,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Klementich. \u0026ldquo;This isn\u0026rsquo;t just a philanthropic issue, it\u0026rsquo;s an economic development issue.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.equifax.com/assets/corp/social_responsibility_report.pdf\"\u003eOne in four Atlanta residents are unbanked or underbanked\u003c/a\u003e, meaning they have often rely on alternatives financial services like payday loans. In certain areas of the Westside that percentage can\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://cfed.org/assets/pdfs/Most_Unbanked_Places_in_America.pdf\"\u003ereach as high as 75 percent\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThose without access to safe, affordable banking find it difficult to thrive financially.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the short term, the unbanked often pay avoidable fees to check cashing services or exorbitant interest rates to payday lenders. These added costs have an enormous impact on families in the Westside, where\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.equifax.com/assets/corp/social_responsibility_report.pdf\"\u003e37 percent of adults and 57 percent of children\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;live below the poverty line. And being unbanked creates additional long-term difficulties. The average credit score on the Westside is around 500, making it difficult for many to secure a standard car loan or home mortgage.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has committed $15 million through the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/westside-tad-investments/\"\u003eWestside TAD Community Improvement Fund\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;to encourage more equitable development in English Avenue, Vine City and Castleberry Hill. So far, 11 projects, including the On the Rise Financial Center, have received funding. Each project investment addresses critical areas of need including employment, housing and neighborhood development.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":74,"title":"IA to Redevelop Westside Properties Into Affordable Workforce Housing","promo_title":"IA to Redevelop Westside Properties Into Affordable Workforce Housing","published_date":"2017-04-21","featured_image":{"id":284,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"westside_400.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":997245,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:12:22.689-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T13:12:23.047-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:12:44.925-05:00","filename_hash":"westside_400_7J6b31p.jpg","width":4032,"height":3024},"filename":"ia-to-redevelop-westside-properties-into-affordable-workforce-housing","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"8nokDw","created_at":"2017-12-21T13:12:44.326-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:12:44.326-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta is seeking to develop 24 abandoned land parcels in English Avenue and Vine City into affordable workforce housing.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta recently announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking to develop 24 single-family properties in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods, with the goal of turning these currently abandoned land parcels into affordable workforce housing units.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis redevelopment of 24 Invest Atlanta-owned properties will add new housing for Westside residents and help to reduce blight, enhance security and catalyze future private investment in these communities. The acquisition of these vacant and blighted properties for development was completed as part of the Westside TAD Neighborhood Strategic Implementation Plan with the approval of the Invest Atlanta board of directors.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We implemented a Westside land assembly strategy in 2014 to activate vacant and blighted land, putting these properties to use for the community as affordable workforce housing,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO, Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;This initiative is one part of our larger strategy to encourage equitable development that benefits residents in English Avenue, Vine City and other Westside neighborhoods.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDevelopers can submit bids using a variety of unique and innovative housing types, whether through new construction or the renovation of existing homes. All responses must align with the vision articulated in the Land Use Action Plan, which recommends the preservation of homes with historical importance and the implementation of new housing design that is consistent with the existing historic homes.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This effort will bring a variety of new affordable housing options to English Avenue and Vine City while also preserving the heritage of these historic neighborhoods,\u0026rdquo; said Dawn Luke, senior vice president of Community Development, Invest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll units also must be developed for homeownership and be made available at prices affordable to households earning a maximum of 120 percent of the area median income for Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s metropolitan statistical area. A new unit also needs to be certified through the EarthCraft House residential green building program, demonstrating it is designed in an energy and resource efficient way.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":79,"title":"New Community Space Honors English Avenue’s Mattie Freeland","promo_title":"New Community Space Honors English Avenue’s Mattie Freeland","published_date":"2017-04-04","featured_image":{"id":289,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"mattie_house_400.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":826601,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:32:12.030-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T13:32:12.397-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:32:32.557-05:00","filename_hash":"mattie_house_400_38XmmKP.jpg","width":4032,"height":3024},"filename":"new-community-space-honors-english-avenues-mattie-freeland","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"AI2SAg","created_at":"2017-12-21T13:32:31.707-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:32:31.707-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Mattie Freeland Community House will host workshops, classes, and meetings for English Avenue residents.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Mattie Freeland Community House officially opened on Friday, March 31 in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s English Avenue neighborhood.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis new space will host workshops, classes, and meetings, all offering nearby residents a place to learn new skills, make connections within their community, and grow as individuals. Classes will focus on areas such as financial literacy, computer basics, and resume building. Neighbors will also be able to come together to discuss issues impacting the community such as affordable housing.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMattie Freeland, known affectionately as \u0026ldquo;Miss Mattie,\u0026rdquo; was an English Avenue anchor and icon for decades, opening her home to children and offering support to those in need.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;From this corner she brought healing, from this corner she brought restoration, and from this corner she brought reconciliation,\u0026rdquo; said New Life\u0026rsquo;s Senior Pastor Rev. Timothy Rodgers. \u0026ldquo;We will continue to build on her legacy and continue what she was doing here.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDr. Mironda Williams, Miss Mattie\u0026rsquo;s granddaughter, was there to celebrate the grand opening, and shared stories of how her grandmother encouraged her to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. Dr. Williams also announced that she was launching The Mattie Elizabeth Patterson Freeland Foundation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;What I hope that foundation will be is to replicate what has happened in this community, and create community safe spaces for our children, for our neighbors, for our elderly,\u0026rdquo; she said.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA few minutes later, Councilmember Ivory Lee Young, Jr. (District 3) surprised Dr. Williams with the announcement he was donating $10,000 to the foundation to assist on developing a nearby park to honor Miss Mattie\u0026rsquo;s legacy.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYoung said the area will be a \u0026ldquo;visible reminder of how we are all called to love those around us.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMany volunteers and organizations were involved in completing the construction of the Mattie Freeland Community House, including New Life Covenant Church, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the Home Depot Foundation, Holder, Hunt, Russell, and Moody and English Avenue residents.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta was involved from the start to ensure Miss Mattie\u0026rsquo;s house became a community resource, and several staff members volunteered their time to help with painting and landscaping.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mattie Freeland Community House is only a block away from nine newly upgraded affordable housing units at the Hagar Housing Development, another Invest Atlanta project that also opened recently on the Westside.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":87,"title":"Hagar Celebrates Renovation of Nine Affordable Units","promo_title":"Hagar Celebrates Renovation of Nine Affordable Units","published_date":"2017-03-07","featured_image":{"id":297,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"hagar-celebrates-renovation-of-nine-affordable-units-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":139083,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:58:48.114-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T13:58:48.266-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:59:02.188-05:00","filename_hash":"hagar-celebrates-renovation-of-nine-affordable-units-featured_E6x2K6q.jpg","width":1200,"height":900},"filename":"hagar-celebrates-renovation-of-nine-affordable-units","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"s_ZERA","created_at":"2017-12-21T13:59:01.703-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:59:01.703-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n With a cut of a blue ribbon, nine retained and renovated affordable units opened in the English Avenue neighborhood.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWith a cut of a blue ribbon, the partners involved in completing the Hagar Housing Development celebrated the opening of nine retained and renovated affordable units in the English Avenue neighborhood.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I love turning concept into concrete,\u0026rdquo; said Akilah Ali of Hagar Civilization Missionary, an all-volunteer organization that spearheaded the effort. \u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re working to keep our residents living in Vine City and English Avenue.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hagar Housing Development now has 9 upgraded affordable units for seniors, along with a community space. Other renovations included renovations to the plumbing, HVAC, fixtures, and flooring. All nine units now have modern kitchens, new cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and lighting.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta provided the project a $500,000 award through the Westside TAD Community Improvement Fund. The total project cost was $2,980,000.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This is just the beginning and the first of many projects like this on the Westside,\u0026rdquo; said Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich. Dr. Klementich pointed out these nine apartments are part of the 120 affordable units on the Westside currently in the Invest Atlanta project pipeline.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We want to make a difference and be a partner in any way we can,\u0026rdquo; she added.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with Hagar Civilization Missionary and Invest Atlanta, other partners participating in the ribbon cutting were Councilmember Ivory Lee Young (District 3), Makeda Johnson of the Sisters Action Team, and the Sustainable Design Collaborative of Atlanta. SDCA members volunteered their services to ensure some of the elements of the apartment building were sustainable. Two of the residents, both named George, were also on hand.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I believe in the dream and the possibilities,\u0026rdquo; said Johnson. \u0026ldquo;I want to be sure the assets within our community are fed so they can grow. What you\u0026rsquo;re looking at today is love, passion, and determination.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCouncilmember Young and others also recognized the contribution of Sister Precious Muhammad, a Westside resident who Young described as a \u0026ldquo;giant\u0026rdquo; of the community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;People driving by this place said, \u0026lsquo;We can do better\u0026rsquo;; Sister Precious said, \u0026lsquo;We\u0026nbsp;will\u0026nbsp;do better,\u0026rsquo;\u0026rdquo; said Young.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":88,"title":"Castleberry Park Breaks Ground on Westside","promo_title":"Castleberry Park Breaks Ground on Westside","published_date":"2017-03-06","featured_image":{"id":302,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"castleberry_400.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":694760,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:07:39.237-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:07:39.630-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:08:22.471-05:00","filename_hash":"castleberry_400_zmlZvr8.jpg","width":4106,"height":3080},"filename":"castleberry-park-breaks-ground-on-westside","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"j_W7Jw","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:08:21.482-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:08:21.482-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Mayor Kasim Reed, Dr. Eloisa Klementich, and others broke ground on Castleberry Park, a $90M mixed-use development in Castleberry Hill.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMayor Kasim Reed and Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich were among those who celebrated the official groundbreaking for Castleberry Park, a new $90 million mixed-use development in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood on Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Castleberry Park is yet another example of how our Administration is keeping our promise of promoting revitalization and equitable development in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside neighborhoods,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Reed. \u0026ldquo;Castleberry Hill has already established itself as one of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s most vibrant arts communities, and welcoming a new complex with a Hard Rock brand hotel is a perfect addition to the neighborhood. The new development is steps away from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and will serve as an economic catalyst for the area.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOthers in attendance for the Feb. 28 event included: Bolton Atlanta, LP general manager Yanfeng \u0026ldquo;Frank\u0026rdquo; Chen, Gallman Development Group, LLC CEO Bruce Gallman, Central Atlanta Progress President A.J. Robinson, Atlanta City Councilmembers Ivory Young, Kwanza Hall and Cleta Winslow, Horwath HTL Managing Director Paul Breslin, and Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association President Carrie Sagel Burns.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce complete, Castleberry Park will include a 200-room Hard Rock brand hotel, ground-level retail, a public park, and approximately 130 apartments. The Invest Atlanta board has approved a grant of $4.2 million from the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) to assist with the project, which will help ensure that 20 percent of the new apartments in the development are affordable units. The property is slated to be completed in 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Invest Atlanta continues to focus on delivering strategic investments in projects throughout the Westside TAD, and we are proud to work with Bolton Atlanta, LP and Gallman Development Group to bring Castleberry Park to fruition,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;Thanks to our partnership, this new complex will offer more affordable housing options for working families within the City of Atlanta.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMayor Reed and Invest Atlanta continue to bring in new public and private resources to support economic and civic development in the Westside, particularly along the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive corridor. Last year, the City of Atlanta pledged more than $30 million in new infrastructure, greenspace expansion and to fund MLK Dr. streetscape improvements, which will transform the iconic road into a connected corridor with a Complete Streets approach.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":89,"title":"Invest Atlanta Joins College and Career Week at Hollis","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Joins College and Career Week at Hollis","published_date":"2017-03-06","featured_image":{"id":303,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"invest-atlanta-joins-college-and-career-week-at-hollis-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":138567,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:11:20.704-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:11:20.847-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:12:03.065-05:00","filename_hash":"invest-atlanta-joins-college-and-career-week-at-hollis-featured_982qa3V.jpg","width":1000,"height":750},"filename":"invest-atlanta-joins-college-and-career-week-at-hollis","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"Z6oKQA","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:12:02.194-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:12:02.194-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The team spent a day at Hollis, part of a week of career-related activities exposing students to professional possibilities.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePresident and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich, Assistant General Counsel Justin Giboney, Mortgage Loan Specialist Michele Lewis, and Vice President of Compliance Christie Barnes recently took part in Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy\u0026rsquo;s College and Career Week. The team spent a day in February with the students, and it was part of a full week of career-related activities meant to expose a broader scope of future educational and professional possibilities open to the Hollis students.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHollis is a PreK-8 STEM neighborhood school on the Westside led by Dr. Diamond Jack. Their College and Career Week is just one way in which Hollis is taking hands-on approach to learning, allowing kids to connect the instruction they\u0026rsquo;re getting in the classroom to the real world. Guest speakers from Invest Atlanta, as well as a Delta Air Lines pilot, came to speak with the students.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone from Invest Atlanta had a wonderful time and came away impressed by the sharp questions the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students asked. Dr. Klementich informed students about all of the exciting developments going on in the city, while Giboney spoke about the importance of doing great work each and every day. Barnes talked about her experience going to law school and how her education opened up a world of opportunities for her. And as a fun way to show how Invest Atlanta can help families buy a home, Lewis worked with the kids to decorate a play house.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn December, Dr. Klementich and Invest Atlanta, along with Portman Holdings, worked with Dr. Jack to raise $10,000 to provide all of Hollis\u0026rsquo; students with two school uniforms each.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":119,"title":"IA Staff Helps Restore Mattie Freeland House","promo_title":"IA Staff Helps Restore Mattie Freeland House","published_date":"2017-02-28","featured_image":{"id":351,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"ia-staff-helps-restore-mattie-freeland-house-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":141631,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:03:26.453-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:03:26.610-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:03:55.375-05:00","filename_hash":"ia-staff-helps-restore-mattie-freeland-house-featured_lpV2rpe.jpg","width":1000,"height":750},"filename":"ia-staff-helps-restore-mattie-freeland-house","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"gTs8tw","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:03:54.459-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:03:54.459-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Dr. Eloisa Klementich and members of the Invest Atlanta team volunteered to help renovate the former home of Mattie Freeland\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePresident and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich, along with four other members of the Invest Atlanta team, volunteered their time to help renovate the former home of English Avenue matriarch Mattie Freeland. The team spent time on Saturday, February 25 painting the exterior of the building, which is being converted into a community center operated by New Life Covenant Church (NLCC).\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce complete, the building will serve as a welcoming neighborhood community center in honor of Ms. Freeland, who sheltered and took care of many in her English Avenue home until her death in 2008. She also loved to give candy to children and send bread to her neighbors. Her legacy will continue through the educational programs, meetings, and events that will be held at the Mattie Freeland House.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to Invest Atlanta, the NLCC has also enlisted the help of the English Avenue community, Home Depot, and the Arthur M. Blank Foundation to reconstruct Ms. Freeland\u0026rsquo;s former home. Skilled workers from the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium construction site kicked off the project, with the rest to be completed through a collaborative volunteer effort spanning several weeks.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":101,"title":"Westside Residents Learn Latest on Community Projects","promo_title":"Westside Residents Learn Latest on Community Projects","published_date":"2017-02-07","featured_image":{"id":326,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"westside-residents-learn-latest-on-community-projects-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":159755,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:32:32.355-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:32:32.515-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:32:48.687-05:00","filename_hash":"westside-residents-learn-latest-on-community-projects-featured_DNxymDB.jpg","width":1000,"height":750},"filename":"westside-residents-learn-latest-on-community-projects","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"3yDFdQ","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:32:48.069-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:32:48.069-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta provided more than 100 Westside residents updates on Community Improvement Fund (CIF) projects happening in their communities.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOn January 25, Invest Atlanta provided more than 100 Westside residents the latest updates on all the Community Improvement Fund (CIF) projects happening in their communities. Invest Atlanta staff, including Vice President of Planning \u0026amp; Strategic Initiatives Jennifer Fine, presented at the Westside Community Benefits Plan Committee meeting.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe committee meets periodically to update communities around the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the implementation of the Westside Community Benefits plan. Members include Councilmembers Kwanza Hall (D-2), Ivory Young (D-3), Cleta Winslow (D-4), Michael Bond (Post-1), and Ceasar Mitchell (Council President). Community stakeholders also participate, as do representatives from the Mayor\u0026rsquo;s office, key city departments and agencies, Invest Atlanta and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has committed $15 million to the CIF and leverages these funds in coordination with public and private partners to address critical areas of need in the English Avenue, Vine City, and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods. The fund focuses on these six key areas:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eHousing: Increasing access to homeownership opportunities and affordable rental housing through property redevelopment and rehabilitation.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eEmployment: Increasing access to permanent fulltime jobs through training and job placement.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBusiness: Strengthening neighborhood businesses and creating more economic activity.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eNeighborhood: Improving streets, parks, and blighted properties to make neighborhoods safer and more attractive.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSecurity: Improving neighborhood safety and deterring crime.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eCommunity: Supporting service providers and promoting community life.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEarlier in January, Invest Atlanta staff also convened the Westside TAD Neighborhood Advisory Board, a body comprised of representatives from neighborhood and civic associations in English Avenue and Vine City. The board\u0026rsquo;s role is to make recommendations to Invest Atlanta on projects that could receive TAD funding. The homeownership team also hosted a workshop on January 27 with Westside Works graduates to help prepare them for the home buying process. The workshop covered how to secure a mortgage loan, as well as Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s first-time homebuyer incentives.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt a future community meeting, Invest Atlanta plans to discuss strategies to retain residents through diverse housing models.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":105,"title":"Invest Atlanta Helps Westside Small Businesses Grow","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Helps Westside Small Businesses Grow","published_date":"2017-01-30","featured_image":{"id":335,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"invest-atlanta-helps-westside-small-businesses-grow-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":41531,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:38:17.371-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:38:17.542-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:38:35.421-05:00","filename_hash":"invest-atlanta-helps-westside-small-businesses-grow-featured_QgDnwml.jpg","width":1000,"height":750},"filename":"invest-atlanta-helps-westside-small-businesses-grow","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"8HOoqw","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:38:34.868-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:38:34.868-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The small business development team at Invest Atlanta recently closed on two loans for businesses located in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe small business development team at Invest Atlanta recently closed on two loans for businesses located in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHagger International, Inc. received a $50,000 loan to update and renovate Hagger Station, their convenience store serving the Vine City and English Avenue communities. They plan to purchase new equipment for food and beverage service, as well as update existing furniture fixtures.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePamela Baker, an H\u0026amp;R Block tax return preparer and proprietor of Baker Taxx Services, is currently leasing a space on Martin Luther King Drive in southwest Atlanta. She plans to use the $50,000 loan she just closed with Invest Atlanta, along with additional bank financing, to purchase a building of her own along the MLK corridor.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBoth of these entrepreneurs were assisted through the Business Improvement Loan Fund, one of seven available loan funds Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Small Business team taps to provide gap financing to business owners throughout Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDuring his time at Invest Atlanta, Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Director of Small Business Development Lonnie Saboor has worked on over 600 projects.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re here to fill the gap for good projects in the City of Atlanta that we think are deserving of financing,\u0026rdquo; said Saboor. \u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re here to make dreams come true.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSmall business owners interested in learning more about working with Invest Atlanta to start or grow their business can learn more by attending the next informational seminar on Wednesday, February 22 at 5 pm. Future seminars will be held on the third Wednesday of every month.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":107,"title":"Grant Supports Preliminary Study for Atlanta Urban Ecology Resource Center in Vine City","promo_title":"Grant Supports Study for Atlanta Urban Ecology Resource Center","published_date":"2017-01-18","featured_image":{"id":339,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"grant-supports-preliminary-study-for-atlanta-urban-ecology-resource-center-in-vine-city-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":102521,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:42:39.334-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:42:39.493-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:43:05.184-05:00","filename_hash":"grant-supports-preliminary-study-for-atlanta-urban-ecology-resource-center-in-vine-city-featured_zmlZwN7.jpg","width":444,"height":333},"filename":"grant-supports-preliminary-study-for-atlanta-urban-ecology-resource-center-in-vine-city","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"0NTryQ","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:43:04.657-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:43:04.657-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta has given a $100,000 grant to Community Improvement Association, a partner for the Atlanta Urban Ecology Resource Center.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has given a $100,000 grant to Community Improvement Association, the lead partner for the Atlanta Urban Ecology Resource Center (AUERC) Collaborative. The grant will fund a feasibility study for the creation of the Center and will be sited near the soon-to-be-developed Boone Park West in the English Avenue neighborhood in NW Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Center will provide environmental education for students of all ages, host events, provide employment opportunities, and be a valuable resource for the Westside communities within the Proctor Creek watershed.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We see the Center as being able to deliver a variety of positive outcomes for the local community, including environmental education, workforce training, and employment opportunities,\u0026rdquo; said Shannon Lee, the Urban Conservation Manager at The Conservation Fund. \u0026ldquo;In addition, by siting this facility in English Avenue, AUERC offers a chance to reconnect this community with downtown and deliver additional benefits to local residents.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe feasibility study grant will enable the AUERC Collaborative to build out future programming, and to work hand-in-hand with the community to identify the Center\u0026rsquo;s long-term goals and objectives. The study will also outline funding, operational, and capital campaign requirements this project will need to ensure long-term sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This is looking at the idea of building an environmental resource center that\u0026rsquo;s focused on K-12 education, but also plays a role in terms of hosting jobs training events and other activities along those lines,\u0026rdquo; said Michael Halicki, Executive Director of Park Pride. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s really trying to provide something that\u0026rsquo;s more than a park and helps to lift up the community in a meaningful way.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Collaborative performing the study consists of several community groups and non-profits, including the Community Improvement Association, ECO-Action, the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WASA), Park Pride, The Conservation Fund, and University Center Development Corporation of the Atlanta University Center.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe idea of creating the Atlanta Urban Ecology Resource Center came from Tony Torrence of the Community Improvement Association, a grassroots organization based in English Avenue. While on a trip to Milwaukee sponsored by The Conservation fund, Tony saw the benefits their Urban Ecology Center had within the Riverside Park neighborhood. He quickly brought the idea back with him to Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll of this is part of a larger effort to provide the Westside with additional greenspace to beautify and improve the quality of life in these neighborhoods. Lindsay Street Park and Vine City Park have recently opened, thanks to the support of Invest Atlanta, Park Pride, The Conservation Fund, the Arthur Blank Foundation, and others. Boone Park West is set to be built soon. Once open, Boone Park West will not only create a safe place for kids and families to gather, but it will also reduce the impacts of flooding by providing nearly 300,000 gallons of additional stormwater storage capacity.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":126,"title":"New Westside Financial Capability Center Receives TAD Support","promo_title":"New Westside Financial Capability Center Receives TAD Support","published_date":"2016-12-02","featured_image":{"id":359,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"new-westside-financial-capability-center-receives-tad-support-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":110541,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:22:39.007-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:22:39.154-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:23:15.297-05:00","filename_hash":"new-westside-financial-capability-center-receives-tad-support-featured_zmlZRkb.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"new-westside-financial-capability-center-receives-tad-support","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"xg2O_A","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:23:14.746-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:23:14.746-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n $100,000 Westside TAD Community Improvement Fund grant approved to help fund a new Westside Financial Capability Center in Vine City.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board of Directors recently approved a $100,000 Westside TAD Community Improvement Fund grant to help fund a new Westside Financial Capability Center in Vine City. Once open, the Center will provide residents with high-quality financial counseling, entrepreneurship training, and homeownership education.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFormer 1st Choice Credit Union CEO Sheilah Montgomery, who spoke passionately on behalf of the project at the IA board meeting, said the Center will help put more Westside residents on the \u0026ldquo;road to financial self-sufficiency.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The goal is to be open to the community and cater to their needs,\u0026rdquo; she added.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eForty-four percent of adults on the Westside live below the poverty line, and the average credit score is around 500. Those without a bank account are often left with no other option than to turn to payday lending or check cashing businesses that charge exorbitant interest rates and fees. Unable to gain their financial footing, many Westside residents find it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a loan to buy a home or start a business.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Center\u0026rsquo;s one-on-one financial education and services will help residents develop greater financial literacy and gain improved access to services they currently lack. Armed with these resources, more of the unbanked will open bank accounts, strengthen their credit, and eventually acquire safe and affordable home or small business loans.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions sponsored the project, with funding support from credit reporting agency Equifax and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF). Over a three-year period, Equifax has made a $500,000 commitment to support the Center\u0026rsquo;s core operations, while AMBFF has committed to provide the facility and related costs in excess of $100,000 per year.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Westside Financial Capability Center will initially open a temporary site on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard in the former home of Westside Works. AMBFF is providing the space pro bono, and the TAD grant funding from Invest Atlanta will be used to purchase computers, IT equipment, office and classroom furniture and signage at the site.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s anticipated that by the end of 2018, the Center will move into a permanent home and begin to offer a full range of transactional financial services.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":127,"title":"Westside Students Receive Early Holiday Surprise","promo_title":"Westside Students Receive Early Holiday Surprise","published_date":"2016-12-01","featured_image":{"id":360,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"westside-students-receive-early-holiday-surprise-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":77971,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:24:57.145-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:24:57.281-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:25:21.865-05:00","filename_hash":"westside-students-receive-early-holiday-surprise-featured_QgDn1ny.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"westside-students-receive-early-holiday-surprise","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"uTOm2A","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:25:21.396-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:25:21.396-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta is living up to its long-term commitment to help stabilize Westside communities.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta is living up to its long-term commitment to help stabilize Westside communities. The goal is to ensure current residents of neighborhoods like English Avenue, Vine City, and Castleberry Hill benefit from the new investments being made around the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo date, Invest Atlanta has injected approximately $56 million into the transformation of streets, parks, vacant properties and community development in the Westside Tax Allocation District. But the organization\u0026rsquo;s commitment doesn\u0026rsquo;t stop there.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta recently partnered with Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy, a new PreK-8 STEM neighborhood school led by Dr. Diamond Jack for children in the 30314 zip code. When the community development team first met with Dr. Jack, she spoke about her ongoing effort to provide all of Hollis\u0026rsquo; 560 students two school uniforms. Upon hearing this, Invest Atlanta CEO Dr. Klementich put out a call for donations to her extensive network of local business contacts.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePortman Holdings, an Atlanta-based commercial real estate firm concentrating on urban development, quickly responded. They agreed to cover the entire $10,000 amount Hollis needed to give each student two uniforms, just in time for the holidays. To celebrate, Invest Atlanta staff attended the school\u0026rsquo;s Parent Involvement Day, where parents, teachers, and staff received information about IA\u0026rsquo;s homeownership and small business loan programs.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs these Westside partnerships grow, Invest Atlanta will continue to find opportunities to engage Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s robust business community in the revitalization of the city\u0026rsquo;s core neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, Invest Atlanta staff continues to volunteer their time to improving the area. Over the past six months, they\u0026rsquo;ve participated in two neighborhood cleanups and helped secure in-kind donations of supplies, all in partnership with the Vine City Civic Association. Staff also took part in the Trunk or Treat festivities at Vine City Park, which provided them a fun opportunity to dress up and hand out candy to Westside youth.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":129,"title":"New Home for Westside Works Opens in Vine City","promo_title":"New Home for Westside Works Opens in Vine City","published_date":"2016-11-17","featured_image":{"id":362,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"new-home-for-westside-works-opens-in-vine-city-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":52434,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:35:12.174-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:35:12.315-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:35:32.850-05:00","filename_hash":"new-home-for-westside-works-opens-in-vine-city-featured_4X3JZXx.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"new-home-for-westside-works-opens-in-vine-city","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"cmRvkQ","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:35:32.320-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:35:32.320-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Quest Community Complex held its grand opening celebration on October 10, 2016.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eQuest Community Complex, a catalytic project that will have substantial impact toward creating successful outcomes for Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside, held its grand opening celebration on October 10, 2016. Invest Atlanta provided a $3.5 million grant for the project. As the new home to Westside Works, the contemporary 12,000 square-foot facility in Vine City will be a community resource, providing nearby residents with access to job training, economic development opportunities, and other resources.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWestside Works is a long-term neighborhood program with a mission focused on creating employment opportunities and job training for residents of Vine City, English Avenue, Castleberry Hill and other contiguous Westside neighborhoods. To date, Westside Works has placed about 350 people into full-time jobs earning an average of $12 an hour. They\u0026rsquo;re training hundreds more to work in the construction, technology, healthcare and food and beverage services industries.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSponsors for the Quest Community Complex include Invest Atlanta, PNC Bank, Atlanta Housing Authority, The Home Depot Foundation, and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":157,"title":"City of Refuge Receives Funding to Expand Westside Job Training","promo_title":"City of Refuge Receives Funding to Expand Westside Job Training","published_date":"2016-10-19","featured_image":{"id":387,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"city-of-refuge-receives-funding-to-expand-job-training-on-the-westside-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":49949,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-22T08:54:16.465-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-22T08:54:16.607-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-22T08:55:11.645-05:00","filename_hash":"city-of-refuge-receives-funding-to-expand-job-training-on-the-westside-featured_4X3rMwn.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"city-of-refuge-receives-funding-to-expand-westside-job-training","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"Pq6xcw","created_at":"2017-12-22T08:55:11.195-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-22T08:55:11.195-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The City of Refuge will expand job training programs and foster economic development in the Westside.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe City of Refuge, a non-profit organization that provides access to opportunities in housing, vocational training, healthcare and youth development to impoverished and homeless people on Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside, will receive an infusion of more than $7 million from the Coca-Cola Foundation, Chick-Fil-A and the City of Atlanta to expand job training programs and foster economic development in the area. Invest Atlanta joined the City of Atlanta in its financial commitment to make this initiative possible.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe funds will finance construction and operation of an innovative jobs hub that will give people skills training in automotive technology, retail, culinary arts, landscaping, security services and HVAC installation and repair. Critical elements of the hub will be a computer-coding academy for young adults and a small business incubator and accelerator to support aspiring entrepreneurs.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe investments made by The Coca-Cola Company and Chick-Fil-A have laid the foundation for the City of Refuge\u0026rsquo;s new \u0026ldquo;Shining the Light\u0026rdquo; capital campaign, which aims to raise $25 million by 2018 to support the organization\u0026rsquo;s core programs, including permanent supportive housing and workforce housing.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe planning phase for the job hub has begun. Construction and renovation of the more than 20,000-sq.ft. training center and culinary academy \u0026ndash; as well as programming for the facility \u0026ndash; will begin soon and continue through September 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe mission of the City of Refuge is about complementing job training with the comprehensive social services that can help people attain self-sufficiency and middle-class economic status as adults. This assistance includes transitional housing \u0026ndash; accompanied by a daily hot breakfast, lunch and dinner \u0026ndash; onsite health care, and activities for children and youth.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":34,"title":"Invest Atlanta Conducts Outreach to Castleberry Hill Business Owners","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Conducts Outreach to Castleberry Hill Business Owners","published_date":"2016-08-17","featured_image":{"id":241,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"invest-atlanta-hits-the-streets-with-outreach-to-castleberry-hill-business-owners-featured__1_.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":82915,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T16:00:07.750-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T16:00:07.905-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T16:01:13.768-05:00","filename_hash":"invest-atlanta-hits-the-streets-with-outreach-to-castleberry-hill-business-owners-featured__1__jpvjPbn.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"invest-atlanta-conducts-outreach-to-castleberry-hill-business-owners","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"-V506g","created_at":"2017-12-20T16:01:13.297-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T16:01:13.297-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Kent Spencer of our Business Retention and Expansion team briefed members of the Castleberry Hill Business Association on IA programs.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKent Spencer of Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Business Retention \u0026amp; Expansion team recently briefed members of the Castleberry Hill Business Association on IA programs and resources that can help meet the needs of the neighborhood\u0026rsquo;s business owners. Among other things, Spencer told the audience about IA loan opportunities and a retail impact study of the area that Invest Atlanta could provide, as well as a rundown on the planned expansion of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive corridor.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing Spencer\u0026rsquo;s presentation, he and the attendees conducted a spirited discussion about the community\u0026rsquo;s needs and how Invest Atlanta can support them. The BRE team also is holding one-on-one follow-up meetings with businesses who attended the event.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":47,"title":"More than 700 Homebuyers Attend Westside Trail Open House Walking Tour","promo_title":"More than 700 Attend Westside Trail Open House Walking Tour","published_date":"2016-07-21","featured_image":{"id":257,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"more-than-700-homebuyers-attend-westside-trail-open-house-walking-tour-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":81793,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:34:01.398-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T10:34:01.528-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:35:11.718-05:00","filename_hash":"more-than-700-homebuyers-attend-westside-trail-open-house-walking-tour-featured_MYq4jeo.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"more-than-700-homebuyers-attend-westside-trail-open-house-walking-tour","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"VKZaFA","created_at":"2017-12-21T10:35:11.201-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:35:11.201-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Homeownership Team and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. co-hosted the Westside Trail Open House Walking Tour 2016.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Homeownership Team and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. co-hosted the Westside Trail Open House Walking Tour 2016, an event that attracted more than 700 homebuyers in June to tour more than 18 houses for sale near the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail in the historic West End, Westview, Bush Mountain and Oakland City neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTour attendees received valuable homeownership and community information from mortgage lenders, real estate agents, homebuyer education providers and community leaders who participated in the event.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Walking Tour, in its second year, complements the Invest Atlanta Homebuyer Q \u0026amp;A Sessions offered to familiarize attendees with homebuyer incentives. Eligible homebuyers receive funds to help reduce down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing a home.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo qualify for the incentives, prospective homebuyers first attend a Homebuyer Q \u0026amp; A Session and an approved 8-hour homebuyer education course before qualifying for a mortgage with an Invest Atlanta Participating Lender. Homebuyer education ensures homebuyers gain the necessary insight to make informed decisions about homeownership.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Westside Trail Open House Walking Tour combined the excitement of touring homes with learning, and ultimately led to purchase offers for two homes featured on the tour.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Homebuying/ Homeownership\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":51,"title":"Loan to Finance Rehabilitation of Apartments For Senior and Disabled Citizens","promo_title":"Loan Finances Rehabilitation of Apartments For Senior and Disabled Citizens","published_date":"2016-06-16","featured_image":{"id":260,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"loan-to-finance-rehabilitation-of-apartments-for-senior-and-disabled-citizens-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":56030,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:41:50.357-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T10:41:50.492-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:42:59.763-05:00","filename_hash":"loan-to-finance-rehabilitation-of-apartments-for-senior-and-disabled-citizens-featured_azn3EwX.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"loan-to-finance-rehabilitation-of-apartments-for-senior-and-disabled-citizens","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"LcZq8w","created_at":"2017-12-21T10:42:59.196-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:42:59.196-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta closed on a $9.5-million tax-exempt loan to renovate the Ralph David Abernathy Towers Apartments in the West End.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has closed on a $9.5-million tax-exempt loan to acquire and renovate the 100-unit Ralph David Abernathy Towers Apartments in the Historic West End.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe property, which houses people who are 62 years of age and older as well as physically disabled persons, will receive new energy-efficient appliances, kitchen cabinets, fixtures, countertops and flooring. Other building refurbishments will include new high-performance energy-efficient sliding windows and doors, upgraded elevators, roof and boiler replacements, and energy cost-saving solar panels.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRenovated community rooms also will be part of the renewal project, along with a new courtyard picnic area, indoor/outdoor exercise and activity spaces, and new community gardens. An onsite resident activities coordinator also will be coming on board to help residents make maximum use of the facilities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDecember 2017 is the project completion date for the renovations.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMore good news for the residents of Abernathy Towers comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); everyone living at Abernathy Towers will continue to pay no more than 30 percent of their income for rent and utilities because HUD has extended the property\u0026rsquo;s housing-assisted payments contract.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eApplying this type of lending instrument to improve affordable housing is nothing new to Invest Atlanta, since it was the first finance authority in Georgia to use tax-exempt loans.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":78,"title":"IA Employees Join in Earth Day Cleanup on Westside","promo_title":"IA Employees Join in Earth Day Cleanup on Westside","published_date":"2016-05-19","featured_image":{"id":288,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"ia-employees-join-in-earth-day-cleanup-on-westside-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":381750,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:28:45.911-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T13:28:46.071-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:12:25.223-05:00","filename_hash":"ia-employees-join-in-earth-day-cleanup-on-westside-featured_JjMQQ86.jpg","width":1000,"height":750},"filename":"ia-employees-join-in-earth-day-cleanup-on-westside","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"XHnF7g","created_at":"2017-12-21T13:29:48.170-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:12:24.584-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Employees of Invest Atlanta joined NPU-L community leaders and residents in an Earth Day cleanup of those neighborhoods last month.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmployees of Invest Atlanta, which has contributed $3 million to assemble land and remove blight in the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) neighborhoods, joined NPU-L community leaders and residents in an Earth Day cleanup of those neighborhoods last month. Among other things, IA workers donned protective double gloves in order to safely pick up items that included discarded needles left behind by drug users.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta made a major contribution to the Westside area\u0026rsquo;s growth and improvement back in 2012, when it pledged $15 million to promote community-based catalytic development projects that furthered the expressed goals and objectives of the Westside TAD Neighborhoods Strategic Implementation Plan. The Plan\u0026rsquo;s first phase, to stabilize the community, is all about making the Westside clean and safe.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Westside TAD, one of the oldest TADs in Atlanta, was formed in 1992. Six years later, the English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods were brought into the Westside TAD fold to foster more equitable development throughout Downtown and Westside Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":98,"title":"CE Class Covers Intown Housing Market Incentives","promo_title":"CE Class Covers Intown Housing Market Incentives","published_date":"2016-04-21","featured_image":{"id":321,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"ce-class-covers-intown-housing-market-incentives-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":59569,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:27:26.600-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:27:26.736-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:28:11.262-05:00","filename_hash":"ce-class-covers-intown-housing-market-incentives-featured_6aNEko4.jpg","width":427,"height":320},"filename":"ce-class-covers-intown-housing-market-incentives","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"b5m1Ow","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:28:10.752-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:28:10.752-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Homeownership Team participated in a special real estate continuing education course hosted by Council Member Mary Norwood.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRecently, the Invest Atlanta Homeownership Team participated in a special real estate continuing education course hosted by Council Member Mary Norwood.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe course, held in February at the Yaarab Shrine in Midtown, offered valuable information pertinent to assisting homebuyers achieve affordable, intown homeownership.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMore than 300 real estate agents were enlightened by presenters from Invest Atlanta, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. Department of Natural Resources and real estate law firm, Weissman, Nowark, Curry \u0026amp; Wilco. In additional to gaining expert insight regarding down payment assistance programs, historic preservation laws and title search tips, attending agents also earned continuing education credits front the Georgia Real Estate Commission.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the course, Council Member Norwood led attendees on a bus tour of twelve historic neighborhoods located near the Westside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine, highlighting unique architecture, community history and compatible homebuyer incentives along the route.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Homebuying/ Homeownership\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":146,"title":"A New HQ for Families First","promo_title":"A New HQ for Families First","published_date":"2016-03-11","featured_image":{"id":377,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"a-new-hq-for-families-first-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":174562,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T16:06:33.291-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T16:06:33.470-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T16:06:49.529-05:00","filename_hash":"a-new-hq-for-families-first-featured_r6PpMPm.jpg","width":1000,"height":750},"filename":"a-new-hq-for-families-first","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"qnm4Dw","created_at":"2017-12-21T16:06:49.063-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T16:06:49.063-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. provided Families First with an $8.5 million New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) allocation.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAtlanta Emerging Markets, Inc., an affiliate of Invest Atlanta, provided Families First with an $8.5 million New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) investment from SunTrust to acquire and convert a former Atlanta Public Schools building on Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside into its headquarters and main services complex.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFamilies First\u0026rsquo;s mission is providing safe homes for at-risk children, housing and self-sufficiency-support services for families, and parental growth and skill-building counseling services. The 38,000-sq. ft. renovation project, near the Ashby Street MARTA station in Washington Park, will help to relocate Families First programs to a more client-accessible location in upgraded facilities and substantially expand the non-profit agency\u0026rsquo;s programming. The new headquarters, in what used to be E.R. Carter Elementary School, will enable Families First to annually serve 52,000 clients \u0026ndash; 91 percent of whom are expected to be low-income.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"}]}