The DeKalb County FAB Committee meeting on June 10, 2025, focused on significant funding discussions related to affordable housing and the impact of federal funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A key topic was the allocation of $5 million for affordable housing assistance, which will be accessible once 75% of previous funds are spent. The committee highlighted a prior commitment of $2 million to the Willow Branch Apartments revitalization project, which has successfully received an award. This leaves $3 million available for future affordable housing developments aimed at creating permanent housing solutions.
Commissioners expressed the need for a comprehensive report detailing the impact of over $140 million in federal funds spent over the past five years. They emphasized the importance of documenting the outcomes of these expenditures, including various projects that benefited the community during the pandemic, such as mobile medical units and food distribution efforts. The committee agreed that a visual summary, possibly including pie charts and highlighted projects, would be beneficial for public awareness.
The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts of DeKalb County leaders in navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19 and ensuring that funds were allocated effectively to support local communities. The committee plans to work with communications staff to create an engaging report that reflects the significant contributions made during this critical period.