Voters in Atlanta got to hear candidates for mayor share plans on a crucial issue: affordable housing. The City for All Housing Coalition, a broad-based group of organizations dedicated to ensuring an Atlanta with housing affordable for all, hosted a Mayoral Candidate Forum on September 6, prior to the fall 2017 election. The event was a hit. City for All Housing Coalition expanded their audience by partnering with the TransFormation Alliance, a coalition dedicated to ensuring that everyone benefits from opportunities provided by investment in transit. Ten candidates participated in the forum held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. At the event, voters learned candidates’ priorities on affordable housing issues and solutions.
their solutions to provide more affordable homes.
Prior to the forum, City for All Housing Coalition and the TransFormation Alliance sent a survey to all mayoral and city council candidates to learn about their positions. The two organizations published the candidates’ positions, which were made widely available to voters in the Atlanta area.
Affordable housing is a critical issue in Atlanta. A rebounding housing market, luxury rental development, gentrification, and the reduction of affordable homes all combine to make a difficult situation for low and moderate income people in Atlanta. The forum brought wider attention to the issue and created a space for political action and problem solving.