The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) – Douglas Team recently held its first meeting with four new members, marking a fresh start and renewed momentum for efforts to address housing needs and opportunities throughout Douglas. The committee is pleased to welcome Christi Yaughn, Amy Jowers, Angela Carr, and Charnita Williams and looks forward to their contributions as GICH begins this fresh chapter in Douglas.
During the meeting, members discussed several goals and priority areas for the committee. These include hosting a Housing Fair to connect residents with housing information and resources; conducting a Rental Housing Study to better understand local rental conditions and needs; exploring opportunities associated with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program; identifying appropriate solutions for short-term rental properties, including Airbnb properties; and addressing dilapidated and substandard housing throughout the community.
The committee discussed ways to encourage new housing development and support the City of Douglas in promoting responsible growth by urging the City to secure and use developer incentives to attract quality residential projects and expand housing options. Members also encouraged the City to pursue CHIP and CDBG grants to help meet local housing needs. Additionally, the committee agreed to support efforts to review and strengthen ordinances that promote residential development and appropriate greenspace, with the goal of encouraging thoughtful land use and creating diverse, sustainable neighborhoods.
“This is an exciting new chapter for our GICH committee,” said Georgia Henderson, Asst. City Manager/Community Development Director. “Our new members bring fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to finding practical solutions for Douglas. By working together with property owners, developers, community organizations, and City leaders, we can identify opportunities that improve housing and help our community continue to grow.”
The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing helps communities develop locally driven housing plans, strengthen partnerships, and identify strategies for addressing local housing challenges. The program encourages collaboration among local government, community leaders, housing professionals, organizations, and other stakeholders.
