Attached Agencies

The Georgia Housing & Finance Authority (GHFA) was statutorily created to provide financing and financial assistance for the provision and preservation of safe, decent, energy efficient, and affordable housing, and an adequate system of finance for housing and housing related concerns within Georgia. GHFA's various programs are administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). These programs are designed to provide low and moderate income earners safe and affordable rental housing and to acquire and maintain housing for homeownership, as well as to help abate homelessness in the state. GHFA's homeownership programs are funded with proceeds derived from the issuance of mortgage revenue bonds as well as from federal and state monies. Financial information related to the GHFA bond issuances can be viewed at the web site of GHFA's disclosure agent, Digital Assurance Certification (DAC), at http://www.dacbond.com/

 

GHFA Affordable Housing, Inc. is a non-profit corporation created by the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority. The Department of Community Affairs' Board serves as the corporation's board of directors. The corporation provides affordable housing and a system of affordable housing financing for low and moderate income or special housing needs people, including the elderly and the mentally and physically disabled.

 

GHFA Economic Development, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation created by the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority. The Department of Community Affairs' Board serves as the corporation's board of directors. The corporation facilitates economic development and job creation through the provision of affordable financing to qualified businesses.

 

The following agencies are attached for administrative purposes to the Department of Community Affairs:

 

• The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) is attached to the Department of Community Affairs for administrative purposes only (O.C.G.A. ¤50-23-3(d)). The Commissioner of DCA serves on the Authority's board of directors. The Authority provides grants and low-interest loans for environmental infrastructure facilities owned by Georgia cities, counties, and local authorities. GEFA also operates a grant and loan program for solid waste and recycling facilities and houses the Governor's Office of Energy Resources.

 

• The Georgia Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) & Governor’s Development Council are attached to the Department of Community Affairs for administrative purposes only (O.C.G.A. ¤50-32-4(h) and O.C.G.A ¤45-12-205). GRTA leads Georgia’s effort to set clear expectations and specific goals for the performance of the state’s transportation network. In conjunction with GRTA, the Governor’s Development Council provides assistance to the Governor, as needed, on state economic development and planning coordination activities.

 

• The Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism is attached to the Department of Community Affairs for administrative purposes. The Commission oversees and provides funding assistance for the implementation of the "Americorps" program in Georgia.

 

• The Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Commission, created January 1, 1989, is administratively attached to the Department of Community Affairs. The Department provides administrative assistance to the Commission, is the recipient of the trust fund's annual budget, and receives all appropriations to the trust fund pursuant to the General Appropriations Act.

 

• The Georgia County Leadership Academy is attached to the Department of Community Affairs for administrative purposes (O.C.G.A. ¤36-20-6(b)). The Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs serves on the Academy's Board of Directors. The Academy provides training to newly elected members of a county governing authority on matters pertaining to the administration and operation of county government.

 

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