SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
State and local leaders gathered Friday in Athens to break ground on what officials are calling a transformative step forward for workforce development in North Alabama — The Grove at South Jefferson, a $40 million affordable housing development designed to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding region.
Secretary of Workforce Greg Reed joined business leaders, housing officials and community partners to celebrate the launch of the 120-unit development, a key component of the Working for Alabama legislative package aimed at strengthening the connection between economic growth and quality of life.
“North Alabama is experiencing rapid growth, bringing new industries, new jobs, and new opportunities to our state,” Reed said. “With that growth comes a greater need to support our workforce, not only through job training and education, but by ensuring workers and their families have access to affordable, quality housing close to where they work.”
The Grove at South Jefferson represents a public-private partnership involving the Hall Group, Regions Bank, the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA), and other financial and development partners. Leaders say the project is the first in a series of planned workforce housing initiatives targeting high-demand areas across the state.
When completed, the development will feature 120 apartments — 72 two-bedroom and 48 three-bedroom units — designed for working families. In addition to family-friendly amenities, residents will have the option to request financial assistance for after-school care for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, helping parents balance work and childcare responsibilities.
Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks praised the collaboration behind the project.
“There are so many great things happening in our city, and we are seeing generational investment in our economy,” Marks said. “Projects like this one represent our commitment to smart, planned growth in Athens.”
The development is expected to generate more than $17 million in economic impact, support approximately 150 jobs and produce an estimated $6.7 million in initial state and local tax revenue.
Financing for the project includes $25.6 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity from Regions Bank, $31.3 million in construction financing and a $13.8 million Fannie Mae permanent loan commitment. AHFA issued $21 million in tax-exempt bonds and awarded more than $3.3 million in federal and state tax credits, resulting in an anticipated total equity infusion of $24.6 million.
AHFA Executive Director Robert Strickland noted that The Grove is Alabama’s first Workforce Housing Tax Credit project to close.
“The Grove at South Jefferson represents a major milestone for our state and for the working families who rely on quality, affordable housing,” Strickland said.
As Alabama continues to recruit new industry and expand its economic footprint — particularly in North Alabama — leaders say addressing housing affordability is essential to sustaining momentum.
Reed emphasized that workforce development extends beyond training programs and job creation.
“The Grove at South Jefferson represents the kind of forward-thinking collaboration we need to sustain this momentum and strengthen communities across Alabama,” Reed said.
With construction now underway, The Grove signals not just new housing units, but a broader strategy — ensuring that as Alabama grows, working families grow with it.
