Nate Jester is a lifelong Atlanta resident, currently residing in Southwest Atlanta. Jester is running for the open city council seat in District 11 vacated by Marci Collier Overstreet. During a conversation with The Atlanta Voice, Jester believes revitalization should be done thoughtfully. His primary goal is supporting and preserving the current community. No resident should ever be displaced.
Currently, Jester works with the City of Atlanta to provide affordable homes for rent and affordable home buying options for lower income residents. He started a company, Cascade Centennial, with the aim to build affordable housing. Cascade Centennial also partners with churches and nonprofits in identifying available lands in order to build.
“If I’m elected to council, my priority will be identifying more partnerships, more parcels, and more ways that we can activate underutilized land or activate revitalized buildings that are blighted or are underperforming,” Jester said.
Looking out for legacy residents
Jester also highlighted the housing needs for Atlanta’s seniors.
“We see prices rising, we see rents rising, and our seniors need to be protected,” Jester admits. “They deserve to be able to live with dignity and respect without being priced out by property taxes. There are a lot of people that are in that same position. We have to protect our seniors. Affordable housing will help younger generations. It helps by providing down payment assistance and other resources that will make it easier to buy a home.”
Jester’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Plans
Jester also highlighted the importance of revitalizing blighted areas without gentrification and ensuring Black-owned businesses participate in the city’s growth. He stressed the need for infrastructure improvements and equitable resource allocation in Southwest Atlanta. Jester emphasizes accountability, transparency, and equity in resource allocation, specifically focusing on directing infrastructure and transportation investments to Southwest Atlanta.
“The voters approved sales taxes for improvements for public transit and we need to see these projects be delivered,” Jester says. “I’m committed to accountability. I will hold the city and our agencies accountable for the delivery of these projects. Specifically, for Southwest Atlanta. I will ensure that the voters know how their tax dollars are being spent.”
Similar to the 1996 Atlanta Games, the upcoming World Cup and Super Bowl LXII in 2028 are huge investment opportunities. Jester says he would make sure that Black-owned businesses are not left behind, if elected.
“And I think, from a policy standpoint, that looks like prioritizing them, creating certain requirements,” Jester says about public-private partnerships. “Our businesses have a seat at the table. They will actively participate in building the Atlanta that we want to see.”