A Commitment to Service: Buckhead’s First Responder Program

Posted April 11, 2025

Buckhead strengthens community ties through their housing subsidy program for dedicated first responders. In 2018, Livable Buckhead’s study on Housing and Transportation found that there was a lack of cohesion between growing jobs and available housing. With housing and transportation being the largest cost in Atlanta’s households, affordable housing for the average family in Buckhead is becoming harder to find. Livable Buckhead and Buckhead Community Improvement District got together to create and implement a program to address this issue.

In 2019, Buckhead’s First Responder Housing Subsidy Program was implemented. The program is built on the simple but powerful idea: police officers are more connected when they are a part of the neighborhoods they serve. Being able to participate in community events and activities creates a sense of shared experiences strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the citizens. Residents feel a greater sense of ownership when actively involved in problem solving efforts. Laying a strong foundation of trust and legitimacy is crucial for effective policing.

Follow us as we highlight our first responders taking a part in this program and being an integral part of our Buckhead community.

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Teresa Perkins

Teresa Perkins is a climate change and sustainability journalist, who is creating research-based climate change content pertaining to sustainable energy at local, national, and global level for publication and distribution. She partners with non-profit organizations for innovative ideas and sustainability projects and connects global UN Climate Change reports to local initiatives.