CLEVELAND (WRWH)—The White County Chamber of Commerce hosted real estate professionals, financial experts, and developers this week for its Georgia Mountains Vision Series, an update on White County housing.
Ward Properties in Cleveland sponsored the event. Highlights included a presentation by Rope Roberts of Rope Roberts Consulting, who revisited the White County Housing Study completed last July.
“This is not just a housing issue—it’s a workforce issue, a quality-of-life issue, and ultimately, an economic development issue,” said Roberts. “White County is showing leadership in recognizing that housing is not one-size-fits-all. The more options a community can offer, the more resilient and successful it becomes,” commented Roberts.
The event also included a presentation by Tom O’Bryant, Economic Development Director for the city of Cleveland. O’Bryant shared updates on housing developments that have been completed or are currently underway in the city.
According to O’Bryant, each offering expanded housing choices for residents. These projects are designed to support a growing and diverse workforce.
In the last two years, White County and its municipalities have taken marked steps to improve access to housing. The city of Cleveland has updated its code of ordinances to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), mixed-use developments, and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), all of which support greater housing flexibility and density while helping reduce the cost of construction.
The city has also prioritized infill development to preserve the natural landscape and ensure growth occurs in a managed, community-focused way. “The city’s efforts to date have been purposeful to foster the right environment for growth,” notes O’Bryant. “City leaders recognized the need for appropriate housing choices and partnered with the Chamber and other local governments to study the issue.
“The Chamber and our partners in Helen and Cleveland remain focused on balancing commercial investment with housing solutions that strengthen our local economy,” said Beth Truelove, President of the White County Chamber of Commerce. “This event affirmed how far we’ve come—and how well organized collaboration is driving real results.”
