The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission Work Session on May 8, 2025, focused on pressing issues related to housing affordability and infrastructure funding. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to address the eviction crisis affecting 17 households on Lexington Road, where rents have surged from $400 to $900. This situation has raised concerns among officials about the impact of rapid development on vulnerable communities.

Commissioner Patrick Davenport emphasized the importance of utilizing available funds to support these households, stating, “It’s embarrassing when you say you have $5,000,000 and you got folks who can’t afford housing.” The discussion underscored the necessity of ensuring that financial resources benefit residents rather than solely developers.

In addition to housing concerns, the commission reviewed the status of a $4,000,000 infrastructure fund designated for improvements along Lexington Railroad. Questions were raised about whether these funds had been fully utilized and how they could be allocated to address critical needs such as drainage and road repairs.

The meeting also touched on the hotel-motel tax revenue, with a request for a detailed breakdown of how these funds are distributed across various community projects. This inquiry aims to enhance transparency and ensure that financial resources are effectively directed to support local needs.

Overall, the session highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing development with community welfare, as officials seek to find solutions that protect residents while fostering economic growth. The commission plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, aiming to develop actionable strategies to address both housing and infrastructure needs in Athens-Clarke County.