Georgia lawmakers address blight with Better Georgia Without Blight Act

The Georgia Legislature's State Planning and Community Affairs meeting on March 20, 2025, focused on the pressing issue of urban blight through the introduction of the Better Georgia Without Blight Act. This legislation aims to address the significant impact of blighted properties on communities across the state.

During the meeting, officials discussed the legal definition of blight, which includes properties that are uninhabitable, unsafe, or abandoned, and lack adequate provisions for ventilation, light, and sanitation. According to the Office of Community Justice, there are over 582,000 properties in Georgia that meet this definition, representing approximately 15% of all properties in the state.

The financial implications of blight were highlighted, with specific examples from various cities. Macon-Bibb County reported a loss of $3.5 million in revenue due to the rehabilitation of blighted properties. Atlanta faced a loss of $5.7 million in property taxes and service costs, while Augusta-Richmond County incurred over $900,000 in losses related to just 60 blighted properties. Collectively, these cities have experienced significant financial burdens, totaling over $4.5 million in costs associated with managing blight.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for legislative action to combat blight and its detrimental effects on local economies and community well-being. The Better Georgia Without Blight Act aims to provide a framework for addressing these challenges and improving the quality of life for residents across the state.