Updated · The Atlanta Journal Constitution · Jul 20
Kindred Futures, Policy Rooted Labs Release 4-Pillar Toolkit to Save Atlanta's Black Businesses
Updated
Updated · The Atlanta Journal Constitution · Jul 20
Kindred Futures, Policy Rooted Labs Release 4-Pillar Toolkit to Save Atlanta's Black Businesses
1 articles · Updated · The Atlanta Journal Constitution · Jul 20
Summary
Atlanta groups Kindred Futures and Policy Rooted Labs published a playbook aimed at keeping Black-owned businesses in place as rent spikes and redevelopment pressure hit historically Black commercial corridors.
Four pillars anchor the toolkit: regulatory reforms, capital tools, spatial strategies and ecosystem support, including commercial inclusionary zoning, right-of-first-refusal protections, rent stabilization funds and community acquisition vehicles.
A 22% rent increase that forced BUZZ Coffee and Winehouse to close despite strong business illustrates the pressure, which the report says is spreading across corridors such as Sweet Auburn, Cascade Heights and the West End.
Only a fraction of Black residents own local commercial property, the groups argue, leaving neighborhoods vulnerable to displacement as rising storefront rents replace small businesses with larger chains and weaken jobs, services and community identity.