BLUE RIDGE, Ga. — Officials in Fannin County are taking steps to address a growing shortage of affordable housing that leaders say could impact the local workforce and economy.

The Fannin County Development Authority (FCDA) has formed a housing committee made up of six local business and civic leaders: Billy Whitaker, Anita Hardy, William Mone, John Thomas, Cory Callihan, and Bryan Avery.

These members’ objective is to explore and identify potential solutions. The group held its first meeting on March 11 and is expected to meet regularly moving forward.

“We can attract new business to our community,” said FCDA Director Erick Youngberg, “but without providing more affordable housing, we are going to have long-term issues with our workforce.”

Growth in the Blue Ridge area has driven up home prices and limited inventory, making it harder for workers to live locally. Officials say that could eventually affect businesses that depend on a stable workforce.

The housing shortage mirrors trends across Georgia, where rising demand, short-term rentals, and development costs have tightened supply.

Local leaders say the committee is an important first step toward identifying solutions to ensure the county can support both its residents and continued growth.