During a housing discussion at the GMA Board of Directors meeting on June 20, 2025, South Fulton Councilmember Dr. Catherine Foster Rowell described how her city is planning for balanced growth. In this follow-up Q&A, Dr. Rowell discusses South Fulton’s strategy for managing density, expanding housing options, and ensuring affordability for current and future residents.
In 2020, South Fulton completed an economic development strategic plan. How did that shape your approach to housing?
Our 2020 Economic Development Strategic Plan identified housing affordability as a top reason people choose to live in South Fulton and called for a closer look at our housing stock. That led to our housing study, which confirmed a strong supply of attainable homes, with a 2022 median value of about $242,000.
The plan also designated nine areas in the city for higher-density, mixed-use development that combine housing with retail and amenities and are located along state roads that can support growth. Pointing to that plan has helped us address some of the “not in my backyard” concerns around density and show that higher-density housing can be part of a well-thought-out, community-driven strategy.
How did the city account for infrastructure needs when designating those higher-density areas?
We were very intentional in identifying where higher-density growth could be supported. We focused on areas where roads could be expanded or where development could tie into existing state routes with enough capacity to handle more traffic. At the same time, we were advancing the 2050 Southern Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan, a regional effort to coordinate growth across our neighboring cities.
That plan outlines key widening projects and calls for collaboration with GDOT on improvements to state routes. We’re also addressing rural infrastructure needs, including broadband access, with partners like GreyStone Connect helping expand high-speed internet to unserved areas.
What kind of zoning challenges does South Fulton face when it comes to diversifying housing options?
Much of South Fulton’s land is zoned for single-family homes, either agricultural or in the R2–R4 range, which limits opportunities for duplexes, townhomes, and other “missing middle” housing types without rezoning. We also face some resistance to higher-density development, as residents want to protect neighborhood character and property values. Even when zoning allows for more density, certain areas lack the roads, sewer, utilities, or public services to support it, which means careful planning and coordination are essential.
How is the city working with developers to ensure these housing types actually get built?
Our new citywide housing assessment is a key tool for guiding developers and helping them understand what types of housing we need. Developers often arrive with preset plans, but we’re shifting that approach toward collaboration to create win-win situations where projects meet community needs and make economic sense. That includes a range of options such as quads, duplexes, senior and assisted living, live-work studios, accessory dwelling units, and condos.
We’re also forming a Community Housing Team with residents, developers, and partners like Atlanta Habitat for Humanity to help advance strategies such as inclusionary zoning and targeted redevelopment. We’re developing a long-term roadmap to ensure this mix of housing types becomes a reality.
How have residents responded to the higher-density strategy?
Reactions have been mixed. Many long-time residents are cautious about change, while younger residents and professionals want more diverse housing and walkable neighborhoods with nearby dining and shopping. There was early opposition, but trust has grown as people see the thoughtfulness behind our recently completed housing assessment, which had extensive community and stakeholder input.
Engaging residents early in the Comprehensive Plan update and reviewing the Future Land Use Map is helping to build transparency and address concerns proactively. Our goal is to balance respect for legacy residents with planning for a connected, vibrant city.
What role does affordability play in the housing study recommendations?
It’s central to our housing strategy. We want housing to be attainable for residents at every income level and stage of life. The study showed that nearly half of renters, about 49%, are cost-burdened, compared to 29% of homeowners with a mortgage. That highlights the need to educate younger residents about homeownership as a path to stability. Our homeownership rate is about 70%, but it has declined slightly over the past decade, so we’re focused on keeping housing accessible for future generations.
South Fulton recently completed a housing study with ARC funding. What are the key takeaways?
The study helped us take a deeper look at the range of housing options in South Fulton and identify where we need to diversify. Right now, about 78% of our homes are single-family detached, 8% are townhomes, and only around 2% fall into the “missing middle” category, like duplexes, triplexes, and quads. That imbalance makes it harder to meet the needs of young families, seniors, and professionals who want different options. The study gives us a roadmap to expand housing choices.
How do you see these strategies positioning South Fulton in the next 10–20 years?
I think these strategies put South Fulton on a path to become a more inclusive, resilient, and well-planned city. By diversifying housing options, we’re making sure residents at all income levels and life stages—young families, seniors, and everyone in between—can live and thrive here. Coordinated growth along key corridors, supported by investments in infrastructure and high-speed internet, will strengthen both our transportation network and digital connections.
Over time, this approach will help South Fulton grow thoughtfully, balance density with livability, and maintain strong homeownership while expanding modern, diverse housing choices. Ultimately, it’s about building a city where people want to put down roots, invest, and take pride in South Fulton.