05-05-2026 Mayor & Commission Regular Session

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission held their regular session on May 5, 2026, addressing a variety of agenda items including zoning and rezoning ordinances, budget amendments, and grant funding allocations. Key procurement-related discussions involved approval of ordinances to amend the FY2026 operating and capital budget to provide grant funding from sources such as HUD, GDOT Aviation Programs, CJCC Accountability Court Grant, and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for projects including affordable housing rehabilitation, the Cooks Trail project, airport terminal apron rehabilitation, and supportive communication systems. The commission approved rezoning requests for multiple parcels to support mixed-density residential developments, including affordable senior housing with income restrictions and conditions for long-term leasing. They also discussed inclusionary zoning and monitoring responsibilities for affordable housing projects. Additionally, the commission approved a public art installation funded through the T-SPLOST 2018 project and considered funding allocations for community development block grants and home investment partnership programs. Public input highlighted the importance of affordable housing and special event funding, with requests to increase budget allocations for local festivals due to their economic impact. Motions were passed to approve the consent agenda, zoning changes, budget amendments, and grant funding appropriations, reflecting a focus on community development, housing, and infrastructure improvements.