LISTEN: Atlanta City Council’s Community Development Committee is considering extending Atlanta’s Tax Allocation Districts for 30 years. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports on why this is a priority.

a man in a blue suit and red tie, Atlanta Chief of Staff Courtney English

Atlanta Chief of Staff Courtney English speaks at City Hall about a proposed TAD extension on Oct. 14, 2025.

Credit: Amanda Andrews / GPB News

Atlanta City Council’s Community Development Committee will take more time to consider a proposal to extend Atlanta’s Tax Allocation Districts for 30 years. A Tuesday night meeting drew hours of discussion from supporters and people with concerns.

Extending the TADs are a priority for Mayor Andre Dickens to accomplish his recently announced Neighborhood Reinvestment Plan. The project will invest in affordable housing, public safety, greenspaces, health and wellness particularly in neighborhoods that haven’t received city funding historically.

Atlanta Chief of Staff Courtney English said development can’t be left up to market forces.

“If we let the market do it, 100% guarantee that folks in these neighborhoods will be displaced, or they will we will continue that vicious cycle of disinvestment that has a negative impact on folks citywide,” he said. “Or we can make a different choice. We can leverage tools like TADs and work alongside communities to accomplish community goals.”

The bonds work by allowing the city to take a loan against the future property value of housing in the district. The TAD areas include the Beltline, Perry-Bolton, Hollowell/MLK, Eastside, Westside, Stadium, Campbellton and Metropolitan. All of them are set to expire within the next five to 13 years. 

Projects like the Beltline and Atlantic Station were partly funded using TAD money. English said the city's drafting a new list of projects based on community input.

“Almost $1.4 billion for affordable housing projects, both single and multifamily,” English said. “$170 million that can support health centers, recreation, and continued grocery stores. $88 million reserved for small business.”

The city has identified $5.1 billion worth of projects out of the $8 billion expected to be raised by 2055.

Critics raised questions about how the city will persuade Fulton County and the Atlanta School Board to sign on to the extension and who will oversee the spending.

Neighborhood Planning Unit J Chair Anissa Ferrell voiced her concerns about the TADs during public comment.

“While the TAD has always been the most powerful redevelopment tool in our city history, making investment opportunities available, creating jobs and improving infrastructure,” she said. “It is time that we reevaluate how these districts are redesigned, govern and measures to ensure the remaining equitable and effective for all Atlantans.”

City Council Community Development and Human Services committee will meet again on Oct. 28.

Tags: Georgia  Taxes  Atlanta  redevelopment