Hey John,
Access to affordable housing is the foundation to create healthy, safe, and productive communities. Estimates show DeKalb will grow to more than one million residents by 2050 - where will they all live? How will we prevent displacement, overdevelopment, and inflated housing prices?
This is a complex problem, one we can't solve with catchphrases and one-size-fits-all policies. We need a toolbox of solutions. In the DeKalb housing strategy I released earlier this year, I highlight tiny homes as one potential solution.
In fact, as Mayor of Clarkston, I worked to legalize tiny home neighborhoods and accessory dwelling units (sometimes called "granny pods" because of their popularity with seniors looking to downsize but still be close to family).
We updated our land use policy to allow for both, and less than a year later Clarkston became the first city in Georgia to approve a tiny home neighborhood, right in our town center. Curbed Atlanta covered the project last May. - [link removed]
Micro living isn't for everyone, but they are a great option for many and they are an important way to diversify the housing options available in our county.
This is just one solution I outline in my Housing Strategy for All DeKalb, and one I invite you to learn more about and get a first-hand look at next Saturday at 12 PM through a virtual micro home tour hosted by the MicroLife Institute, a local nonprofit working to educate and advocate about the benefits of micro-living. Use the coupon code $5off to grab a ticket. [link removed]
And if you haven't already, read my housing policy proposal for DeKalb. By working together and bringing policy change to DeKalb, we can create amazing communities where we all can find secure, affordable homes in neighborhoods we choose. - [link removed]
P.S. The number one question I get about Clarkston's tiny home neighborhood is, how can I buy one? The answer is simple - just head to the website and join the interest list. [link removed]
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VIRTUAL- Atlanta Micro Home Tours
Date: July 18th, 10am-12pm
Presented by MicroLife Institute, a pioneer in education and advocacy for micro-living for metro Atlanta and surrounding rural areas. The event focuses on how the built microenvironment and how micro-housing can benefit individuals and communities in Georgia.
All proceeds benefit MicroLife Institute, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit.
We are thrilled to continue our small house and ADU conversation with more virtual events and more micro-homes! This July 18, we will have a great conversation on tips to finding an architect and an introduction to modular housing. We will tour virtually four new homes all under 800 ft.² and end with our Endnote Speaker: Dr. Rodney Harrell.
We hope you can join us!
Our tour will feature:
Tips to finding an Architect - Are you thinking about hiring an Architect for a backyard project or having a small house built? MicroLife Institute will give you some tips and advice on finding architects that specialize in small spaces.
Introduction to Modular Housing- Did you know that modular housing allows a house to be built offsite and delivered to your address fully finished? Hear a subject matter expert, Cecil Phillips, explain the details of modular.
4 NEW micro-homes in the Atlanta area- The homes range from 350 sq ft to 850 square feet and are perfect examples of Accessory Dwelling Units, small houses, and true tiny living.
Endnote Speaker; Dr. Rodney Harrell, Ph.D.- is AARP's Vice President for Family, Home & Community and leading AARP Public Policy Institute's team of issues experts related to Livable Communities, Family Caregiving and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)
