Commissioners narrowly defeat proposal to guarantee 2% of FY26 budget for housing stability

Fulton County commissioners debated and then rejected a resolution that would have guaranteed at least 2% of the fiscal year 2026 budget for housing stability, homelessness prevention and related wraparound services.

Commissioners Ivory and Barrett sponsored the measure, which Ivory said would establish a funding floor — not a budget increase — and estimated the 2% allocation would amount to about $20,000,000 in FY26. Ivory argued a set baseline would let the county commit to agreements with municipal partners without later saying funds were unavailable.

Commissioner Ellis led a substitute motion to deny the resolution, arguing that the county already funds housing through multiple departments and that the proposal was inconsistent with tax policy he has opposed. After discussion and a second, the clerk announced, "And the motion passes for yeas 3 nays." The clerk's announcement is recorded in the meeting transcript as the official vote statement for that action.

Supporters, including Commissioner Barrett, said the change would create certainty and alignment for long-term supportive housing and related services. Opponents said the county already directs substantial funding to housing and questioned whether the 2% floor was necessary.

The meeting record does not show further action to send a revised measure back to the commission during this session. The county manager and external affairs staff continue to brief the board on state funding trends that could affect local housing resources.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote; no additional procedural steps on this resolution were recorded in the provided transcript.