GA HB400

Creates a voluntary certification system where local governments (counties with 50,000+ population, cities with 6,500+ population, or jurisdictions with median household income over $115,000) can earn "workforce housing ready community," "workforce housing ready expert," or "workforce and home ownership leader" status by adopting housing-friendly policies

Certified local governments receive priority consideration for state grants and loans from the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Natural Resources (federal recreational trails program), and Georgia Environmental Finance Authority

Local governments certified as "workforce and home ownership leader" are exempt from matching fund requirements for local maintenance and improvement grants from the Department of Transportation

Qualifying policies are organized into four tiers and include measures such as: allowing accessory dwelling units, reducing minimum lot sizes, permitting duplexes and multifamily housing, reducing parking requirements, lowering setback and height restrictions, streamlining building permits, and supporting community land trusts

Certification requires adopting 10 qualifying policies (workforce housing ready community), 15 policies (workforce housing ready expert), or 20 policies (workforce and home ownership leader), with specific minimums from each tier; certifications must be verified every five years and become effective July 1, 2027