Develop Clayton outlines housing programs, offers partnerships to Forest Park

Mandela Jones, CEO of Develop Clayton (formerly the Clayton County Housing Authority), told the URA board that the organization provides a mix of emergency assistance, repair grants and development tools aimed at increasing homeownership and the 'missing middle' housing stock in Clayton County.

Jones said Develop Clayton offers one month’s rent, mortgage and utility assistance to qualified county residents and an up-to-$10,000 grant to help homeowners fix essential items — from roofing to ADA modifications. “We provide one month's rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to all qualified Clayton County residents,” Jones said.

He emphasized that Develop Clayton is self-funded, can provide bond inducement and public–private partnerships, and is focusing on housing for households at roughly 90%–140% of area median income to attract workforce talent. Jones also described a countywide housing task force he leads, which he said helped secure $200,000 for a comprehensive county housing plan.

Board members asked about land‑banking and partnership options for infill lots and redevelopment; Jones said he purchases both land‑bank and market properties and offered to follow up with staff to discuss specific parcels in Forest Park.

Next steps: Jones offered contact information and staff follow‑up to explore partnership or land‑banking opportunities and to refer residents to assistance programs via the Develop Clayton/Clayton County Housing Authority website (moving branding to Develop Clayton).