The Letton

GROWTH! AFFORDABILITY! REALITY!

Atlanta’s growth narrative is no longer a secret—but with expansion comes pressure, and with pressure comes political theater.

As chatter heats up around the mayor’s office and local elections loom, it’s been hard to separate real policy from the noise. Politicians, pundits, and attention-seeking influencers are lining up to offer quick fixes to complex housing challenges—many of which we've seen play out in other major cities with…less than stellar results.

Calls for rent control, freezes, and artificial affordability schemes may sound appealing on paper, but let’s be honest: we’ve seen how these policies work in practice. Just look to New York or San Francisco—two cities with the most aggressive rent regulations in the country and, not coincidentally, some of the least affordable housing in the world. The formula is simple: restrict supply and discourage development, and you end up with higher prices and lower availability for everyone.

Atlanta has taken a different path—and we’d be wise to stay the course. Over the past decade, we’ve added new housing stock across the metro, particularly in areas like Brookhaven, the Westside, and along key MARTA corridors. That construction has helped temper rent increases and created more options for both buyers and renters alike. We don’t need experiments; we need smart leadership and thoughtful planning.

This isn’t about luxury versus affordability. It’s about sustainability—for families looking to buy their first home in Druid Hills or Kirkwood, for professionals relocating to Buckhead or Ansley Park, and for investors betting long on Atlanta’s trajectory. Strong cities are built on balanced housing policy, economic opportunity, and infrastructure that actually supports the pace of growth.

With November approaching, the headlines will only get louder. But as Atlantans, we’ve always valued practical progress over political posturing. Let’s continue to grow with intention—without falling for the quick fixes that have failed so many others.