The Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation released its 2024 State of Housing Report highlighting opportunities for Georgia’s leaders to implement strategic policies that encourage housing development and address the current workforce housing shortage.  

Georgia CEOs report that a lack of housing availability is the second most important issue impacting the state’s ability to attract, develop, and retain a competitive workforce. Over the last five years, Georgia has witnessed record-breaking economic development with over 2,000 new or expanded site locations and 268,000 jobs added to the economy. Ensuring the state has a diverse housing stock will be vital in maintaining and growing our competitive advantage, our talent base, and Georgia's reputation as a talent hub.  

“In the same five years we’ve experienced unprecedented economic growth in every corner of the state, housing inventory has decreased by over 60% making the dream of homeownership unattainable for nearly four million Georgians,” said Daniela Perry, vice president of the Georgia Chamber Foundation. “Homeownership is a proven method for elevating families into greater economic mobility, and we look forward to continuing our work with our state’s elected officials to increase access to this critical wealth generation tool.”  

The Georgia Chamber recommends enacting state-level legislation that encourages local governments and employers to streamline housing development guidelines, incentivizes local governments to allow the construction of housing stock of all sizes, and expands programs that assist first-time homebuyers and increase financial stability.  

To learn more about Georgia’s housing crisis and the Chamber’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the Peach State’s businesses, citizens, and communities, visit gachamber.com/state-of-housing.