Google donates $100,000 to Legacy Resident Retention Program
The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership (ABP) is pleased to announce that its Legacy Resident Retention Program is helping more than 200 households with increased property taxes, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to supporting the community and preserving Atlanta’s rich cultural heritage. In support of increasing the assistance to neighbors in southern and western Atlanta, Google is donating $100,000 to the program.
“We’re excited to support a program as impactful and life changing as the BeltLine’s Legacy Resident Retention Program,” said Lilyn Hester, Google’s head of external affairs for the Southeast. “Our cities are strongest when they’re welcoming and inclusive to all, whether that be through increasing access to technology or ensuring legacy residents are able to stay in their homes and enjoy the beatification that comes alongside projects like the Atlanta BeltLine.”
Launched at the end of 2020, the Legacy Resident Retention Program was created to address the needs of vulnerable communities facing rising housing expenses and gentrification pressures. The participating homeowners’ property tax increases will be covered by the program through the end of 2030. For current participants, the program will pay $3,324,461 to Fulton County ensuring they are able to stay in their homes and build generational wealth.
“We are deeply grateful for Google’s contribution and commitment to the residents of Atlanta BeltLine communities,” said Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Rob Brawner. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are honored that Google is joining the supporters devoted to ensure even more residents live, work, and thrive in their homes and neighborhoods.
Residents in some Atlanta neighborhoods have seen home prices rise 15.2% in 2022, according to the Georgia Association of Realtors. ABP is an advocate for future legislative policies that can also play a key role in addressing the social, economic, and community-related challenges associated with homeowner displacement due to rising property taxes.
