Neighborhood Leaders,
I wanted to reach out with a quick update on our schedule. We’ve decided to hold off on a May meeting and push our next gathering to Thursday, June 11. Please mark your calendars—we’re looking forward to seeing you then.
1. Don’t forget to vote! Early voting is currently open at both the Buckhead and Northside libraries. The primary is May 19, so let’s encourage our neighbors to get out there and skip the lines. You can check polling hours and grab a sample ballot on the Fulton County Election site.
2. Homestead Exemption Update Regarding the new homestead exemptions: the county is awarding these automatically if you already have a basic exemption on file. Postcards were mailed out in March to notify eligible residents of their status. If a neighbor didn’t receive one or wants to verify their status, they can check the Fulton County Assessor website.
3. Legislative Summary: 2026 Georgia Session There was a lot of movement under the Gold Dome this year. Here is a summary of some key bills:
- Preserving Local Control (HB 1166): A quick win to share—HB 1166, which would have mandated Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) statewide, did not get out of committee in the Senate. This means local control over our neighborhood zoning remains intact.
- Property Tax Cap (SB 33): This bill passed the legislature and now awaits the Governor’s signature. It is designed to institute a mandatory statewide cap on annual homestead assessment growth, limiting increases to 3% or the rate of inflation. Notably, it removes the ability for local school boards or municipalities to opt out. Because this is a constitutional change, once signed, it will appear as a referendum on the November 3rd ballot for final voter approval.
- Public Safety & Street Racing (HB 1265 & HB 1076): These bills increase the legal penalties for organizing or participating in street racing. Notably, they also elevate fleeing or eluding law enforcement to a felony charge under specific circumstances.
- HOA Guardrails (SB 406): It is important to remember that most of our Buckhead neighborhood organizations are voluntary civic associations rather than mandatory HOAs. For those who do live in mandatory associations (like condos), this bill prevents associations from foreclosing over minor fines or small debts (typically under $2,000).
- Tax Relief (HB 463): This legislation schedules a reduction of the state’s individual income tax rate to 4.99% beginning in 2026 and increases the standard deduction for filers.
- Insurance Reform (HB 1344): This measure strengthens fraud investigations and requires insurers to provide homeowners 60 days to address property issues identified via aerial imagery before a policy can be canceled.
Thanks for everything you do for our community. See you in June!
Best regards,
Emily Boatright
Chair, Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods (UHNA is a member of BCN, our Rep is VP Beau Grant)
404.518.2990
