This project aims to advance innovative housing solutions in Atlanta, particularly focusing on multifamily homeownership and down payment assistance programs. By institutionalizing these initiatives, the city will empower underserved communities, foster equitable access to housing, and enhance the overall livability of the city, ensuring sustainable long-term impact.

Fellowship Dates: April 28, 2025 – April 24, 2026

Salary: Executive Fellows are FUSE employees and receive an annual base salary of $80,000. Fellows can also access various health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. Compensation for this year of public service is not intended to represent market-rate compensation for the experienced professionals in our program.

ABOUT THE FUSE EXECUTIVE FELLOWSHIP

FUSE is a national nonprofit working to expand social and economic opportunities, particularly for communities that have been limited by a history of systemic and institutionalized racism. FUSE partners with local governments and communities to more effectively address pressing challenges by placing experienced professionals within city and county agencies. These FUSE Executive Fellows lead strategic projects designed to advance racial equity and accelerate systems change. Since 2012, FUSE has led over 250 projects in 40 governments across 20 states, impacting the lives of 25 million people.

When designing each fellowship project, FUSE works closely with government partners and local stakeholders to define a scope of work that will achieve substantive progress toward regional priorities. FUSE then conducts an individualized search for each project to ensure that the selected candidate has at least 15 years of professional experience, the required competencies for the role, and deep connections to the communities being served. They are data-driven and results-oriented and able to effectively manage complex projects by developing actionable roadmaps and monitoring progress to completion.

Executive Fellows are hired as FUSE employees and embedded in government agencies for at least one year of full-time work. Throughout their fellowships, they receive training, coaching, and professional support from FUSE to help achieve their project goals. FUSE Executive Fellows bring diverse perspectives and new approaches to their projects. They build strong relationships with diverse arrays of stakeholders, foster alignment within.

PROJECT CONTEXT

Atlanta faces significant housing challenges that disproportionately impact underserved communities, particularly low-income households and communities of color. Rising housing costs and limited access to financial resources have made homeownership increasingly difficult for many residents. For instance, Black families in Atlanta experience systemic barriers, such as discriminatory lending practices and a lack of targeted assistance programs, resulting in a 50% lower homeownership rate compared to white families. These disparities highlight the urgent need for tailored housing solutions that address the unique needs of these communities.

In response to these challenges, the Office of Housing and Community Development has initiated several innovative programs. A new down payment assistance initiative aims to provide financial support specifically for first-time homebuyers from marginalized communities. Additionally, the city is collaborating with local organizations to create educational workshops focused on financial literacy and homeownership readiness, which are critical for empowering residents to navigate the housing market. Ongoing discussions with housing developers are also underway to increase the availability of affordable and accessible multifamily housing units for low-income residents.

FUSE’s involvement presents an exciting opportunity to accelerate Atlanta’s housing initiatives and institutionalize effective solutions. The fellowship will bring strategic planning capabilities and implementation support, essential for translating innovative concepts into actionable programs. By turning to best practices and fostering cross-sector collaborations, the fellow will help embed these initiatives within the city's operational framework, ensuring that new ideas are effectively translated into sustainable policies.

PROJECT SUMMARY

In the initial months of the project, the FUSE Fellow will embark on a comprehensive listening tour, engaging with key stakeholders, including community organizations, financial institutions, and residents affected by housing policies. This tour will allow the FUSE Fellow to gather invaluable insights into the current housing landscape, identify barriers to affordability, and understand the nuances of the community's needs. For instance, residents have expressed concerns about rising rental prices and the diminishing availability of affordable units, particularly in historically underserved neighborhoods. Engaging these communities directly will enable the FUSE Fellow to hear firsthand the challenges they face, including the complexities of zoning laws that may inhibit new development in these areas. Additionally, the FUSE Fellow will conduct research on best practices from other cities that have successfully implemented innovative housing solutions, such as the Community Land Trust model seen in Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood. By synthesizing this information, FUSE will develop clear project goals and deliverables that align with the city's housing objectives, which will be reviewed and approved by city officials to ensure a cohesive approach.

Throughout the remainder of the project year, The FUSE Fellow will focus on creating actionable strategies to address the identified housing challenges. This will involve developing an operations roadmap that outlines specific initiatives to improve housing access, such as innovative mortgage products and down payment assistance programs aimed at first-time homebuyers. The research has shown that a significant number of potential homeowners in Atlanta are deterred by the high costs associated with home buying, particularly among Black and Latino families who often face systemic barriers. The FUSE Fellow will work closely with the city’s housing department, community stakeholders, and financial institutions to implement these strategies effectively. The approach will include workshops that educate residents on available financial resources, while also involving city staff in the development of supportive policies. FUSE's experience in building cross-sector partnerships will be critical, fostering collaboration among the various players in the housing market to create a comprehensive support system for residents. Regular updates and workshops will keep partners engaged and informed throughout the process, allowing for a responsive strategy that adapts to community feedback and evolving challenges.

By the project's conclusion, The FUSE Fellow will produce several key deliverables that will drive sustainable change in Atlanta's housing policy landscape. These deliverables will include a strategic plan for housing innovation that outlines specific initiatives and timelines for implementation. The FUSE Fellow will also generate detailed reports on best practices and case studies from other cities, providing a roadmap for Atlanta's future housing policy decisions. Furthermore, the creation of a framework for implementing new initiatives will ensure that all stakeholders have clear guidelines and expectations moving forward. The FUSE Fellow will work to establish intergovernmental partnerships and cross-sector coalitions that can support ongoing housing efforts, effectively bringing together the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to collaborate on solutions.

To ensure the sustainability of these initiatives, FUSE will develop a plan for long-term engagement with stakeholders. This plan will include regular check-ins, evaluation metrics, and a feedback loop that allows for continuous assessment of the initiatives’ impact. Additionally, The FUSE Fellow will create mechanisms for continual evaluation and adjustment of housing programs, ensuring that they remain responsive to community needs and evolving market conditions. By fostering a culture of collaboration and transparency, FUSE aims to leave behind a legacy of sustainable housing solutions that will positively impact the community for years to come.

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

By the conclusion of the project, FUSE will produce several key deliverables:

  • A comprehensive operational roadmap outlining the institutionalization process for housing initiatives, including specific actions and responsible parties.
  • A strategic plan for implementing multifamily homeownership programs, incorporating insights from community engagement and research.
  • A framework for the down payment assistance program, detailing pilot initiatives, operational procedures, and metrics for success.
  • A set of policy recommendations aimed at improving housing access and affordability, grounded in research and community feedback.
  • Established cross-sector partnerships and working groups that will continue to advance housing innovations beyond the project timeline.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

  • Executive Sponsor – Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to the Mayor
  • Project Supervisor – Megan Sparks, Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Strategic Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Synthesizes complex information into clear and concise recommendations and action-oriented implementation plans.
  • Develops and effectively implements both strategic and operational project management plans.
  • Generates innovative, data-driven, and result-oriented solutions to complex challenges.
  • Respond quickly to changing ideas, responsibilities, expectations, trends, strategies, and other processes.
  • Communicates effectively verbally and in writing and excels in active listening and conversing.
  • Fosters collaboration across multiple constituencies to support more effective decision-making.
  • Establishes and maintains strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, both inside and outside of government, particularly community-based relationships.
  • Embraces differing viewpoints and implements strategies to find common ground.
  • Demonstrates confidence and professional diplomacy while effectively interacting with individuals at all levels of various organizations.

FUSE is an equal-opportunity employer with core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position.