Macon-Bibb Seeks State Program to Expand Affordable Housing in South Macon

MACON, Ga. The Macon-Bibb County Commission has approved a resolution supporting the county’s application to join the 2027 Georgia Initiative for Community Housing, a statewide program aimed at helping communities develop long-term affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization strategies.

If selected, Macon-Bibb County will participate in the three-year program, which is led by the University of Georgia’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences in partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The initiative provides participating communities with technical assistance, training and planning resources to develop sustainable housing solutions.

County officials said the application will focus on South Macon, particularly the Houston Avenue corridor, an area that has experienced decades of disinvestment despite its historic significance.

“Not only can membership to the GICH program unlock more potential for affordable housing development in areas of need in Macon-Bibb County, but we believe it can help our almost 600 residents at Bowden-Pendleton Homes in this identified South Macon neighborhood,” said Kathleen Matthews, chief administrative officer for In-Fill Housing Inc. and development director of the Macon Housing Authority. “The program can assist with bringing partners together, improving access to valuable state resources, and help with redevelopment efforts.”

According to county officials, participation in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing would help develop strategies to increase access to quality, affordable homeownership opportunities while supporting neighborhood stabilization and wealth-building for low-to-moderate-income families.

Officials said the program would also complement ongoing public and private investments already underway in South Macon by creating a coordinated approach to housing development and community revitalization.

The county’s application will now be considered for inclusion in the 2027 cohort of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing.