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City of Atlanta’s Atlanta Urban Development Corporation and Atlanta Public Schools Announce Landmark Agreement to Revitalize Surplus School Properties
Mayor’s Office of Communications
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City of Atlanta’s Atlanta Urban Development Corporation and Atlanta Public Schools Announce Landmark Agreement to Revitalize Surplus School Properties
ATLANTA—The Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUDC) and Atlanta Public Schools (APS) announced a groundbreaking Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to transform eight surplus school properties into community assets across the city of Atlanta.
"This collaborative agreement with Atlanta Public Schools represents our city's commitment to turning underutilized spaces into vibrant hubs that will uplift and empower our neighborhoods," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. "By leveraging the expertise of AUDC and the resources of APS, we will breathe new life into these properties and create opportunities that benefit all Atlanta residents."
The agreement outlines a framework for AUDC and APS to work together to redevelop former school sites, starting with APS’s Lakewood Heights and Peeples Street properties. The agreement establishes long-term leases for select sites and paves the way for future projects.
"This landmark partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when public entities come together with a shared vision for community impact," said AUDC President and CEO John Majors. "We are excited to leverage our development expertise to breathe new life into these surplus properties and create spaces that truly meet the needs of local residents."
APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson emphasized the district's commitment to collaboration and the interconnected nature of affordable housing and education. "As stewards of public resources, we have a responsibility to ensure our assets are used in the most impactful way possible," he said. "This agreement with AUDC will allow us to transform underutilized school sites into vibrant community hubs that expand access to affordable housing for our families and students and improve the overall quality of life for Atlanta families. I appreciate the Atlanta Board of Education for recognizing that housing and education are the foundation of a strong society, and we are proud to work with the City to strengthen both for the benefit of our communities.”
The announcement kicks off a robust community engagement process, which will include stakeholder meetings, public forums, and presentations to local organizations. An RFQ Selection Committee with representatives from both AUDC and APS will oversee the selection of planning consultants to guide the redevelopment process.
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About the City of Atlanta
The City of Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the state of Georgia. It is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, home to over 6 million people. The city is led by Mayor Andre Dickens and the Atlanta City Council. For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.
About the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation
The Atlanta Urban Development Corporation is a specialized non-profit entity capable of leading the redevelopment of public land into marketable, mixed income housing that is attractive and attainable to tenants of all income levels. The AUDC is tasked with incentivizing the development of mixed-income communities that include affordable housing units and utilizing a unique toolkit of financing mechanisms to accelerate project developments. The AUDC will actively partner with mission-driven developers and stakeholders to create an inclusive neighborhood where residents can thrive. For more information, please visit https://www.atlurbdevco.com/.
About Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
Atlanta Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Georgia, serving nearly 50,000 students across 87 schools. APS is committed to ensuring every student is prepared for college, career, and life.
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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.