The City of Albany has been awarded $1,129,036 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Fiscal Year 2026 Economic Development Initiative – Community Project Funding program to support the Albany Medical District Housing Plan – Phase 1. The HUD award was made through the FY 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act and was supported by U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock and U.S. Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.

“This project represents a new beginning for a neighborhood that has been historically forgotten. I’m proud to work closely with the City of Albany to increase affordable housing and make this community a better place for all Georgians,” Senator Reverend Warnock said. “I will continue to advocate for South Georgia in Washington to ensure cities across the state can thrive.”

The proposed workforce housing development is planned for approximately 504 West 2nd Avenue in Albany, adjacent to the existing Light House housing lodge for patients at the Phoebe Cancer Center.

The master-planned development is expected to include 28 homes: 18 detached single-family homes with two-, three-, and four-bedroom options and 10 townhomes, including two live-work units with ground-floor office or commercial space.

The development is intended to provide housing affordable to households earning below 80% of the area median income, as well as households earning between 80% and 120% of the area median income. The project also supports workforce housing needs and downtown revitalization.

“Nationally, housing prices and building costs have made home ownership more elusive for working families. In recent years, both the federal and state government have committed resources to reducing construction cost, so that more Americans can afford to purchase their own homes. The Medical District will provide much-needed housing for residents, including employees of Phoebe Putney. Construction of single-family homes and townhouses on vacant lots near the hospital will have a halo effect on surrounding properties, revitalizing this neighborhood and stimulating further investment. The City of Albany is grateful to Senator Reverend Warnock and Congressman Bishop for their assistance in securing this funding, and their continued service to the people of Georgia,”

Mayor Bo Dorough said.

Federal funding will support the required environmental review process, as well as allowable architectural and engineering design services for site infrastructure and final housing designs.

Following HUD authorization to use grant funds, the project will advance to site preparation and infrastructure improvements, including grading, paving, utility installation, and stormwater management. The initial phase is expected to include the construction of up to six (6) single-family homes.

The City is working with Greenhaven Development on conceptual design and financial analysis for the project. The homes are planned to incorporate energy-efficiency and sustainability features intended to help reduce household energy, water, and food costs.