in the wake of the pandemic. Yet, it continues to attract new residents and businesses, making it a notable contender in the ever-evolving metro Atlanta region. As Mayor Leslie McPherson explains, the effects of the pandemic have left a lasting mark on the city’s business landscape.“We’ve suffered to a degree with inflation and are still dealing with the hangover from Covid,” she notes candidly. Like so many nationwide, local businesses have felt the strain. The mayor acknowledges that while Villa Rica is recovering, other cities have bounced back more swiftly. The city has seen a slower rebound, but it’s not without its successes. Despite these economic hurdles, residential construction is one area of marked growth in Villa Rica. Mayor McPherson describes the surge in housing development, ranging from single-family homes to townhouses and apartments.“We’ve added hundreds of additional residences,” she says, pointing out that this growth is in response to the nationwide housing shortage. The city has seen a boom in both homeownership and rental properties, particularly townhomes—something Villa Rica had previously lacked. However, the mayor is clear that this rapid expansion has its limits. The city has temporarily paused multifamily housing projects with a sixmonth moratorium to assess their impact on local infrastructure. “The density of multifamily housing means you’re putting a lot more people into a small area,” she explains, indicating the strain on resources like roads, water, and sewer systems. While Villa Rica produces a significant amount of its water, it also relies on neighboring counties for additional supply. Managing this balance is critical, and Mayor McPherson emphasizes the need for a sustainable approach to growth. A STRATEGIC LOCATION AND LIFESTYLE APPEAL Villa Rica’s geographical position between two major southern cities—Atlanta and Birmingham—plays a significant role in shaping the city’s appeal. This prime location offers residents easy access to urban amenities while allowing them to live in a quieter, 179 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 VILLA RICA, GA
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