Georgia Regional Pro-Housing Policy Forum

December 2, 2025

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Georgia’s housing shortage is squeezing families, stalling growth, and straining communities from Atlanta to Savannah. The Georgia Pro-Housing Policy Forum convenes leaders from government, business, finance, and advocacy to cut through political gridlock, harness bipartisan federal momentum, and deliver bold, practical solutions that match homes to the needs of Georgia’s people, unlocking housing abundance and economic vitality statewide.

Featured speakers:

Mayor Jason Holt

City of Fitzgerald, Georgia

Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown

President and CEO, Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Inc.

Mike Kingsella

Founder and CEO, Up for Growth and Up for Growth Action

Egbert Perry

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Integral Group

Chatiqua Ellison

Deputy Chief Housing Officer, Office of Mayor Andre Dickens

Courtney English

Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor Andre Dickens

Dr. Mike Wilkerson

Director of Economic Research, Econorthwest

Leah MacArthur

Chief of Staff, Up for Growth

Sherrell Byrd

Executive Director, SOWEGA Rising

Tommy Lowmon

Senior Vice President, Woda Cooper Companies

Lee Hill

Partner, Baker Donelson

John Majors

CEO, Atlanta Urban Development

Harriett Tregoning

Director, NUMO Alliance, World Resources Institute

Marucs Wiedower

Vice President of External Affairs, Hillpointe

Michael Saadine

Senior Advisor, National Housing Crisis Task Force

Agenda

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025

2:00pm

Doors Open

2:30pm

Opening Remarks

Egbert Perry

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Integral Group

Courtney English

Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor, Office of Mayor Andre Dickens

Chatiqua Ellison

Deputy Chief Housing Officer, City of Atlanta

2:45pm

A Bolder Abundance Agenda: Solving Georgia's Housing Crisis

This session will use local data to highlight why solving Georgia’s housing shortage demands smarter solutions than just zoning reform and building more. The discussion will connect Georgia’s challenges to Up for Growth Action’s federal agenda, combining an interview-style conversation with key slides and visuals.

Dr. Michael Wilkerson

Director of Economic Research, Econorthwest; Policy Fellow, Up for Growth

Leah MacArthur

Chief of Staff, Up for Growth

3:10pm

Rural Housing: Building Where It's Hardest

The rural housing shortage is driven by low appraisals, high construction costs, limited financing, and aging infrastructure. This session explores how federal and state tools can partner with local leadership to turn rural housing policy into production.

Lee Hill

Partner, Baker Donelson

Sherrell Byrd

Executive Director, SOWEGA Rising

Tommy Lowmon

Senior Vice President, Woda Cooper Companies

Mayor Jason Holt

City of Fitzgerald, Georgia

3:50pm

Break

Take a short break and engage with our live polling. QR codes will be available on tables for you to scan, share your thoughts, and help shape the conversation.

4:05pm

Metro Momentum: Solving Urban & Suburban Housing Shortages

Metro Atlanta and fast-growing suburban regions are struggling with supply, permitting, and financing bottlenecks. This panel brings together public, private, and civic leaders to bridge local innovation and federal opportunity.

Michael Saadine

Senior Advisor, National Housing Crisis Task Force

Harriett Tregoning

Director, NUMO Alliance, World Resources Institute

Marcus Wiedower

Vice President of External Affairs, Hillpointe

John Majors

CEO, Atlanta Urban Development

4:45pm

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Close out the day with a strong call to action, encouraging continued advocacy and coalition engagement. Mike will outline clear next steps for how participants can stay involved and help drive lasting change.

Mike Kingsella

CEO, Up for Growth

Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown, Ph.D., Th.D

President and CEO, Georgia Advancing Communities Together, Inc.

5:00-6:00pm

Reception and Networking

Join us for drinks, light refreshments, and networking with our special guests and speakers.

Brought to you by:

Changemakers

Attendee list

Venue

home The Gathering Spot

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384 Northyards Blvd NW Building 100, Suite 190 Atlanta, GA 30313

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