Buckhead Turns to Employers to Address Workforce Housing Shortage

Buckhead, Georgia is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the country, but it is also facing a severe workforce housing shortage. The high cost of living in Buckhead is making it difficult for people who work in the neighborhood to find affordable housing.

To address this problem, Buckhead is turning to employers. The Buckhead Business Improvement District (BID) has launched a new program to help employers provide affordable housing to their employees.

The program, called Buckhead Workforce Housing, provides employers with a variety of resources to help them find and develop affordable housing for their employees. The BID can help employers identify potential housing sites, negotiate with developers, and secure financing.

The program is still in its early stages, but it has already attracted the interest of a number of major employers in Buckhead. These employers include Microsoft, Google, and Coca-Cola.

There are a number of benefits to employers who participate in the Buckhead Workforce Housing program. First, it can help them to attract and retain employees. When employees can find affordable housing near their work, they are more likely to stay with their jobs.

Second, the program can help employers to save money on transportation costs. When employees live near their work, they are less likely to commute long distances. This can save employers money on fuel and parking costs.

Third, the program can help employers to improve their corporate image. When employers are seen as being supportive of their employees, it can make them more attractive to potential customers and investors.

The Buckhead Workforce Housing program is a good example of how employers and communities can work together to address the workforce housing shortage. By providing affordable housing to their employees, employers can help to ensure that their businesses have the workforce they need to succeed.

Here are some additional thoughts on how employers can help to address the workforce housing shortage:

• Provide financial assistance to employees. Employers can provide financial assistance to employees to help them with the cost of housing. This assistance could come in the form of a down payment assistance program, a rental assistance program, or a mortgage subsidy program.
• Partner with other employers. Employers can partner with other employers in their community to develop and manage affordable housing for their employees. This can help to reduce the cost of developing and managing affordable housing.
• Advocate for affordable housing policies. Employers can advocate for affordable housing policies at the local, state, and federal levels. This could include advocating for zoning changes, tax breaks for developers of affordable housing, and increased funding for affordable housing programs.

By taking these steps, employers can play a vital role in addressing the workforce housing shortage.