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Waycross–Ware County housing team outlines plan after joining Georgia Initiative for Community Housing
Summary
Kent Taft told the Ware County Commission on March 9 that the Waycross–Ware County team has joined the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing, won a Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit project (Vine Street Village), and is preparing a countywide housing assessment and 2026 LIHTC support letters.
Kent Taft, a member of the Waycross–Ware County Community Housing Initiative, briefed the Ware County Commission on March 9 about the county’s work with the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing and the team’s efforts to expand affordable housing.
Taft said the state program is a three‑year training and technical‑assistance effort that accepts only five communities each year. "Our mission is to strengthen, grow, and positively shape the future of our community by creating affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods," Taft told commissioners, describing a joint city‑and‑county committee of roughly 26 local leaders, nonprofit partners and housing stakeholders.
The presentation laid out immediate benefits the county gains from GI participation: one annual Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) support letter that can boost a developer’s scoring, the ability to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds annually rather than every other year, and extra scoring points for Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) applications. Taft said participation requires attendance at two annual retreats and completion of three years of training and technical assistance.
Taft cited local housing metrics to frame the need: a median household income of about $44,000, median individual income about $27,000, average rent roughly $900 a month, and an average residential sales price around $175,000. He said the initiative is already connected to a 53‑unit project, Vine Street Village, funded through a LIHTC award the Department of Community Affairs granted to the city in the program’s first year.
Commissioners asked timing and design questions. Taft said Vine Street Village was approved by DCA late in the prior year and the developer plans to break ground later in 2026. He also described private‑sector projects in the area that were encouraged to adjust exterior materials to fit historic neighborhood character.
Taft described next steps: the committee is working with the Waycross–Ware County Development Authority (Jason Rubenbower) to commission a new housing assessment — the first in more than 25 years — and is reviewing applications for 2026 LIHTC support letters. He said the team will continue community outreach and attend the required spring retreat in Tifton.
Commissioners thanked Taft and committee members for the work and directed staff to continue supporting the initiative as the team completes the housing assessment and finalizes any county funding or training requests.
The commission then moved on to agenda items.
