city of Mableton had the single largest median home value increase in Georgia last year—nearly 20%.” This rapid rise in home values is both a blessing and a challenge. On the one hand, it signals that Mableton, which was once undervalued, is finally getting the attention it deserves. However, this demand presents challenges for affordability, particularly in the face of broader regional housing shortages. Mayor Owens highlights that the city is seeing disproportionate growth in multifamily housing compared to its size. “We’re only about 10% of Cobb County’s population, but we’re seeing 35% of the multifamily housing growth,” he explains. This is encouraging, but the mayor is mindful of the need to balance this growth with affordability and sustainability. “We’re in the process of establishing the Mableton zoning code and a planning commission to address these issues,”the mayor says.The city is also exploring tools like land banks and land trusts to ensure that affordable housing initiatives maintain long-term affordability.“We want to make sure the housing we Business banking to get you to the next level. www.piedmont.bank ©Piedmont Bank 2024 Visit your local branch today: 4901 Floyd Road Mableton, GA 30126 (678) 223-7200 districts as possible tools to drive investment. He also mentions the Urban Redevelopment Agency, chaired by the mayor himself.“It focuses on purchasing and redeveloping properties with the goal of eliminating blight and acting as a catalyst for economic growth,” he says, pointing to ongoing efforts to acquire two properties in what will be downtown Mableton. These actions and other development projects demonstrate the city’s hands-on approach to creating a business-friendly environment. ADDRESSING THE HOUSING CRISIS IN MABLETON Mableton, like many cities across the U.S., faces significant housing challenges. However, Mayor Owens notes that the city has seen a tremendous surge in housing growth, which has put pressure on the market across all income levels. “We have a housing shortage at every level,” he explains, from affordable housing for lower-income residents to homes in the $500,000 to $700,000 range flying off the market. Despite the influx of new housing, the demand continues to outpace supply. He says, “The 172 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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