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tlanta Housing's top real estate executive, Alan Ferguson, will step down at the end of July after a year on the job. Ferguson joined Atlanta Housing in June 2024 as chief housing and real estate officer, bringing experience from leading Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and working for Invest Atlanta.

    Ferguson declined to comment on why he is leaving, but stated that it was his decision to explore new opportunities. Maya Hodari will serve as interim real estate chief starting August 1.

    As AH's real estate czar, Ferguson negotiated deals with lenders and private developers for affordable housing projects, including the Bowen Homes project and Herndon Square apartment complex. His "pioneering" approach at The Proctor, a Westside mixed-income development, attracted private support from Goldman Sachs and other investors without relying on Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

    Ferguson's departure comes at a challenging time for public housing authorities, as Congress considers slashing HUD funding in favor of block grants. Atlanta Housing's board approved a conservative budget last month that is $80.6 million slimmer than the previous year. More than 90% of AH's funding comes from HUD.

    One of Ferguson's final acts was to instruct Section 8 landlords under its purview to pause planned rent increases, as reported by Axios Atlanta this week. His colleagues praised his ability to marry public mission with private capital for community benefit, and he will be missed at the housing authority.