Governor Kemp announces $5 million in rural workforce housing grants for three communities

Macon, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp unveiled the latest round of grant recipients for Georgia’s Rural Workforce Housing Initiative, allocating over $5 million to support infrastructure development and create 140 housing units in Hawkinsville, Hinesville, and Waynesboro. Each recipient showcased effective collaboration with real estate developers to meet housing demands.

“We are not resting on our laurels when it comes to supporting communities experiencing historic economic growth in building the infrastructure they need,” said Governor Kemp. “I want to congratulate these communities on their success and say we look forward to these grants helping further advance the prosperity of the hardworking Georgians of Hawkinsville, Hinesville, and Waynesboro.”

Launched in Kemp’s 2023 State of the State Address, the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative aims to address workforce housing shortages in growing communities. The Georgia General Assembly initially approved $35.7 million for the initiative in the Amended Fiscal Year 2023 budget, followed by $50 million in the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget and an additional $6 million for Fiscal Year 2025.

“Housing our expanding workforce is critical to Georgia’s continued economic growth and prosperity,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “We remain committed to helping these communities implement intentional and strategic workforce housing solutions.”