Develop Fulton approves Chattahoochee Hills C-PACER program

Develop Fulton has unanimously approved an intergovernmental assessment agreement with Chattahoochee Hills that opens a new financing route for commercial property upgrades tied to energy efficiency, water conservation and resiliency. The program could support up to $38 million in taxable revenue bonds for privately funded improvements across qualifying property types.

Why it matters: - The new C-PACER program gives Chattahoochee Hills property owners a way to finance qualifying upgrades with private capital instead of upfront cash. - The structure is designed to support energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and resiliency improvements without using taxpayer repayment. - Develop Fulton says the program can help attract private investment while encouraging long-term property improvements.

What happened: - The Develop Fulton Board of Directors unanimously approved an intergovernmental assessment agreement with the City of Chattahoochee Hills. - The agreement establishes the Chattahoochee Hills Commercial Property Assessed Conservation, Energy and Resiliency Program, or C-PACER. - The board action followed Develop Fulton’s master C-PACER resolution adopted on July 28, 2026. - The Chattahoochee Hills City Council authorized the local program on Aug. 4, 2026.

The details: - The program allows qualifying commercial, industrial, agricultural and multifamily property owners to repay private financing through a voluntary special assessment on the participating property. - Develop Fulton’s master program authorizes taxable revenue bonds of up to $38 million in aggregate principal amount, subject to future adjustment by the authority. - Individual projects must be reviewed and approved separately under state law, the program guidebook and financing requirements. - Eligible improvements include permanently installed energy-efficient building systems, renewable energy infrastructure, water conservation measures and resiliency upgrades. - Financing may be used for new construction, renovation or refinancing of qualifying improvements. - Property owners must enter into individual assessment agreements and satisfy program requirements, including written consent from existing mortgage or lien holders when required. - Midwest PACE Services LLC will serve as program administrator and review financing applications for compliance with state law and program rules.

Between the lines: - The agreement expands Fulton County’s use of C-PACER as a local economic development tool. - The model shifts upfront project costs away from property owners while tying repayment to the asset that benefits from the upgrades. - That structure can make larger efficiency and resiliency projects more feasible for owners who might not otherwise pursue them. - Board Chairman Kwanza Hall said the program creates another tool to help communities attract responsible private investment. - Executive Director Sarah-Elizabeth Langford said the agreement reflects intergovernmental collaboration to support practical economic development solutions.

What's next: - Property owners in Chattahoochee Hills can begin pursuing eligible projects once applications are reviewed and approved. - Financing cannot move forward until required approvals are completed. - The authority may adjust the $38 million bond authorization in the future.

The bottom line: - Chattahoochee Hills now has a formal C-PACER financing path that could unlock millions for building upgrades, with repayment tied to the property rather than taxpayers.