Atlanta, Georgia – Laying out a plan that will directly affect homeowners and people all throughout Atlanta, the City is advancing its property tax strategy for the next fiscal year. As the city prepares its $3 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, officials are requesting the public to weigh in on their strategy to lower the total millage rate, deliver targeted tax relief, and address future financial stability.
Atlanta’s new strategy focuses on a slight change to the millage rate of the city, the tool used to determine local property taxes. The proposed rate would move from 11.40 mills down to 11.37 mills. Although the adjustment might appear small on paper, it comes with a package of actions meant to lower the city’s debt and enable the tax system operate more directly in benefit of residents.
A major component of the plan is moving some of the bond levy savings into the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) section of the millage rate. This technical change could lead to lower out-of-pocket expenses for qualifying individuals since it means that the property tax exemptions Atlanta residents depend on will cover a larger portion of their total tax burden. City officials claim this action not only provides real relief for homeowners but also improves Atlanta’s long-term credit standing by lowering general obligation debt.
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City leaders claim that this property tax approach is only one component of a bigger strategy to fund the future of the city. The yearly budget contains notable money for public safety, affordable housing, and much-needed local infrastructure improvements in addition to the millage rate change. Atlanta wants to build a more robust financial foundation by realigning its attitude to debt and tax policy, hence enabling community initiatives to be supported as well.
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Any of three public hearings planned at City Hall allows residents who wish to know more or have their thoughts heard to participate. Before any final decisions are made, the hearings give Atlanta residents an opportunity to examine the proposal in depth, ask questions, and express their opinions.
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On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., the first hearing will take place. The second session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, at 12:00 p.m.; the third and last hearing will follow at 6:00 p.m. The second floor of 55 Trinity Ave SW in the Marvin S. Arrington, Sr. Council Chamber will host all meetings.
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The city is making the complete plan and supporting materials available for consideration upon request by email for anybody unable to attend in person. Emphasizing that community involvement is essential for developing a fair and efficient property tax policy for the year ahead, city authorities are supporting as much public participation as they can.
