Athens Mayoral Candidates Clash Over Housing Solutions

Feb 11, 2026, 2:24 AM

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In a recent debate held at Cine, four candidates for the upcoming Athens mayoral election engaged in a heated discussion focused on housing and affordability solutions. The candidates—Mara Zúñiga, Tim Denson, Dexter Fisher, and LaKeisha Gantt—addressed pressing issues such as the city’s low rental vacancy rate, homelessness, and the impact of growth on the community, moderated by Russell Edwards and Drew Abney from the AthChat podcast.

One of the key issues discussed was housing, particularly the alarming 3.2% rental vacancy rate reported by Edwards, a figure sourced from the Atlanta Regional Commission. A low vacancy rate typically indicates high demand, leading to increased rental costs, which has been a growing concern for many residents.

Zúñiga, drawing from her background in affordable housing initiatives, advocated for partnerships with local nonprofits to create more affordable housing communities rather than just a few units in new developments. She emphasized the importance of preparing individuals for homeownership, citing her experience in helping people understand the housing process.

Denson proposed implementing an inclusionary housing policy aimed at lifting barriers to affordable housing construction and increasing density in Athens. He highlighted that while the city’s population grew by 7% from 2010-2020, housing only increased by 2%, indicating a significant shortfall. He suggested that creating accessory dwelling units could help alleviate the crisis by maximizing existing properties.

In contrast, Fisher expressed skepticism about increasing density, arguing that Athens, being the smallest geographical county in Georgia, lacks the space for more housing. He suggested working closely with developers and potentially providing tax credits for projects aimed at young renters.

Gantt revealed that 58% of renters in Athens pay more than 30% of their income on housing, advocating for the University of Georgia to contribute to the local housing fund. She argued that student housing developments should be approached carefully to avoid issues of gentrification and displacement of current residents, aligning her views with those of Zúñiga and Fisher.

The candidates also tackled the topic of homelessness, with Denson challenging local organizations to reduce chronic homelessness in Athens by 50% over the next decade. He highlighted the effectiveness of Permanent Supportive Housing in assisting those facing long-term homelessness. Gantt emphasized the need for expanded mental health services to address the root causes of homelessness, while Zúñiga called for a collaborative approach involving state representatives to tackle the issue comprehensively.

The debate also touched on the impact of growth on infrastructure. Denson noted the ACC Planning Department's estimate of an additional 30,000 residents by 2045, prompting discussions on how to manage growth effectively without harming current residents. Fisher underscored the need to address infrastructure challenges before pursuing new housing developments, suggesting a temporary pause on construction until these issues are resolved.

Overall, the candidates presented a range of solutions and strategies to tackle Athens' housing crisis, demonstrating both agreement and disagreement on how best to serve the community's needs as the city continues to grow. As the election approaches, the discussions from this debate will likely shape voters' perceptions of each candidate's capability to address these pressing issues effectively.

With the Athens mayoral race heating up, candidates will need to balance their proposals with the realities of growth and community needs, ensuring that all residents feel represented in their plans for the city’s future.

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