The Macon-Bibb County Commission has approved a resolution supporting the County’s application to join the 2027 cohort of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH), a statewide program that helps communities create long-term strategies for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.

If selected, Macon-Bibb will participate in a three-year program led by the University of Georgia’s College of Family and Community Sciences in partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The initiative provides technical assistance, training, and collaboration opportunities to help communities develop sustainable housing plans.

“Not only can membership to the GICH program unlock more potential for affordable housing development in areas of need in Macon-Bibb County, but we believe it can help our almost 600 residents at Bowden-Pendleton Homes in this identified South Macon neighborhood,” said Chief Administrative Officer for In-Fill Housing, Inc. and Development Director of the Macon Housing Authority Kathleen Matthews. “The program can assist with bringing partners together, improving access to valuable state resources, and help with redevelopment efforts.”

The County’s application will focus on South Macon, particularly the Houston Avenue corridor, an area with a rich history that has experienced decades of disinvestment. Through GICH, Macon-Bibb aims to develop strategies that expand access to high-quality, affordable homeownership opportunities while supporting neighborhood stabilization and wealth-building for low-to-moderate-income families.

Participation in the program would also complement ongoing investments and revitalization efforts already underway in South Macon, helping create a coordinated approach to improving housing and strengthening the community.