Housing challenges show up differently in every community. Rising costs can put pressure on long-time residents. Rapid growth can outpace infrastructure and housing supply. In some cases, communities struggle to compete for state or federal funding because they lack objective data to demonstrate need.
Our housing assessments help you move past guesswork. We combine rigorous, data-backed research with public engagement to understand how housing conditions affect real people and local decision-making. The result is a clear picture of housing needs, market gaps, and opportunities.
By the end of the process, you have a clear and actionable housing strategy. You can plan proactively for growth, pursue funding with confidence, and support housing options that preserve community character and serve residents across income levels. Our goal is to give you clarity you can act on, not just data to absorb.
Communities come to us when:
- Housing costs begin rising faster than incomes
- Growth pressures outpace existing housing supply
- Grant applications require objective housing data
- Leaders want facts to guide difficult housing conversations
Core Service Components
Housing Needs Technical Reports
A streamlined, high-level snapshot of a community’s current housing conditions. This service provides a fast, credible baseline to support near-term decisions and applications.
Best for:
- DCA Rural Workforce Housing applications
- Internal planning and benchmarking
- Supplementing existing local studies
Housing Needs Assessments
A comprehensive, community-wide analysis that combines technical research with stakeholder input. This service adds a human dimension to the data, resulting in shared understanding and support around housing priorities.
Best for:
- Grant applications and funding justification
- Policy development
- Long-term growth and housing planning
Residential Redevelopment Strategies (Small Area Plans)
A focused, place-based service that translates housing data into site-specific recommendations. Small Area Plans zoom in on a district, corridor, or neighborhood to guide redevelopment and housing investment. They help communities move from analysis to site-specific action.
Best for:
- Downtown residential revitalization
- Infill development
- Transit-oriented development
Certified Economic Development Ready Communities (CEDR-C™)
Communities facing rapid growth may benefit from a broader readiness framework. CEDR-C™ evaluates how housing, infrastructure, and land use work together to support large-scale development.
If you find that housing challenges are part of a broader growth readiness question, learn more about the CEDR-C™ pathway.
The CEDR Difference
Housing decisions often involve strong opinions and competing priorities. Our process is designed to create shared understanding, reduce friction, and build confidence so communities can move forward together.
1. Alignment
We begin by listening. Understanding local conditions and priorities ensures the housing assessment responds to real challenges.
2. Analysis
We apply rigorous data analysis to evaluate housing supply, demand, affordability, and market performance.
3. Engagement
We incorporate local insight to test findings refine, recommendations, and build shared understanding.
4. Action
We deliver clear strategies and tools that support implementation, funding, and decision-making.
Real Impact in Georgia Communities
Your Housing Assessments Team
Betsy McGriff
Housing Assessment Senior Project Manager
Grace Barrett, AICP
Housing Assessment Project Manager
Claire Breeden
Housing Assessment Project Manager
