The city of Fitzgerald, Georgia (8,800), found itself in need of more affordable housing. But it chose not to build this housing on the outskirts of town because this would require expensive new infrastructure. Instead, the city decided to take advantage of the existing infrastructure in town and turn the many blighted properties in several neighborhoods into needed housing. The city council accomplished this by declaring itself a redevelopment agency. Under state law, the city can now sell abandoned properties to those who are willing to redevelop them. Without the redevelopment agency, the city would be required to sell the properties at auction to the highest bidders, which might include speculative bidders. The redevelopment agency has enabled the city to increase its stock of affordable housing. Cam Jordan Community Development Director City of Fitzgerald 116 North Johnston Street Fitzgerald, GA 31750 229/426-5063 Fax: 229/426-5066 E-mail: Camjordan@mchsi.com