‘The stakes have never been higher’: Atlanta Housing holds first state of housing address

The first-ever State of Atlanta Housing address began with a video that featured a woman giving her testimony on how Atlanta Housing helped keep her and her three grandchildren in their home.

“I just can’t explain what I feel because you have to be in my shoes to see how I got here,” the unnamed woman said.

Atlanta Housing President & CEO Terri M. Lee called housing in Atlanta a “group project” and said she was surprised by how many people around the city don’t know exactly what the department does.

“Stable housing creates opportunity,” Lee said. “When Atlanta moves, the world watches. We are reimagining what affordable housing can be.” 

Lee announced that phase two of the multimillion-dollar Bowen Homes residential project has been secured. The first phase, which began in March 2025, will include 151 units of affordable housing, which will cost $63 million,  according to Lee. 

The full-scale rebuild of the former Bowen Homes projects, which was demolished in 2009, is expected to have 20,000 units of housing. 

“Today, we are breaking new ground,” Lee said.

Lee also listed other residential projects scheduled for 2025 and beyond, including The Proctor, which is currently under construction and will be located on the city’s Westside.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens credited Atlanta Housing Lee with the city growing closer to his plan of providing 20,000 units by the year 2030.

“Terri, your first year at the helm has been transformative,” Dickens said. “We are more than halfway there, and Atlanta Housing is a major part of that.”

Dickens, who took part in a media event for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA 2026 World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, is on his way to Washington, D.C. for the annual meeting of African American Mayors.

Lee also spoke about creating 500 units of housing for unhoused families by the end of 2025. 

“We are building futures,” Lee said.

Before she left the stage, Lee shared a story of meeting a pair of local college students and having one of them tell her that she was the first CEO he had ever met. Lee, fighting back tears, said it reminded her of growing up in Louisiana.

She said that moment was why it’s important to be present in the community.

Pastor Paul Thibodeaux, the lead pastor at Impact Church, gave the opening invocation. Atlanta Housing Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Stewart, and Atlanta Housing CEO Dwayne C. Vaughn also spoke during the event.