Ryan Evans

The meeting included an overview of the Historic Preservation Division, updates from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, and the presentation of several National Register nominations, including the First National Bank Building in Atlanta, the F. W. Woolworth Company Store in Savannah, South-View Cemetery in Atlanta, the Percy H. and Harriet P. Stone House in Savannah, and the Modern Downtown Atlanta Multiple Property Documentation Form. Additionally, the agenda featured recognition for outgoing members, the election of officers for 2026-2027, and scheduling for the subsequent board meeting.

The session served as a Rural Zone 101 orientation for new rural zone communities, including Alma, Barnesville, Blairesville, Albertton, Folkston, Grantville, and Somerville. Key discussion topics involved understanding the Rural Zone designation, the roles of the team leader and team, and an in-depth review of the three Rural Zone income tax credits: the job tax credit, the investment tax credit, and the rehabilitation tax credit. The presentation detailed the thresholds, credit amounts (e.g., $2,000 per FTE for the job tax credit, limited to 20 net new jobs over five years), and eligibility criteria, including acceptable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Statistical examples from previously designated cities showed substantial drops in average downtown vacancy rates, from 26% to 12.9%, and provided case studies on successful revitalization projects like the Eagle Saloon Suites and The Gathering Box. The agenda also covered promoting the rural zone and annual reporting requirements.

The strategic goals of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for FY20-FY24 focus on enabling all Georgians to live and work in thriving communities. Key areas of focus include strengthening rural Georgia through local partnerships, leveraging public-private partnerships to deliver affordable housing, enhancing DCA effectiveness through improved technology and process efficiency, strengthening GHFA balance sheet to support housing finance and homeownership, and attracting, developing, and retaining talent to address evolving community needs.

The meeting included a welcome address and the review of amendment presentations. There was a lunch break, followed by further amendment presentations. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The meeting included introductions of task force members, DCA staff, and guests, followed by amendment presentations and reviews. Specific amendments, including Amendment #7, 8, and 9, were presented. The meeting adjourned with a motion made by Ryan Taylor and seconded by Daniel Baiamonte.