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CITY OF .ATLANT.A CITY HALL March 6, 1969 ATLANTA. GA. 30303 Tel. 522-4463 Area Code 404 IVAN ALLEN, JR., MAYOR R. EARL LANDERS, Administrative Assistant MRS. ANN M. MOSES, Executive Secretary DAN E. SWEAT, JR., Director of Governmental Liaison Mr. Edwin L. Sterne, Chairman Atlanta Housing Authority . 639 Trust Company of Georgia Building Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Dear Eddie: Thirty-one years ago the Atlanta H o using Authority was established to provide for decent shelter for the less fortunate citizens of Atlanta. Under the Authority leadership, the very first low-rent public housing project in America was built - Techwood Homes. Since that time, AHA has built and operated some 10,550 units. of public housing and has ' almost 1, 587 units under construction for occupancy very soon. At the same time, AHA has been the administrative arm for the City of Atlanta urban redevelopment program. Like the public housing program, the urban renewal program has long been recognized as one of the most outstanding in th e United States. No one can deny this fact! The Atlanta Housin g Authority has been a moving force behind the growth and development of this city. Over the years sinc e the inception of AHA, we have seen staggering changes in the economic, social and political face of Atlanta. AHA , like many other successful forces in the city, has been an agent for much of this change. It has, in fact, undergone much change in itself. Any organization which exists for any length of time builds up policies and procedures which must undergo constant review and revision as the environment in which it operates undergoes revision and evolution. �Mr. Sterne Page Two March 6, 1969 The demands of the Tenants United for Fairness (TUFF) is a manifestation of one of the most profound changes in our society of the last decade. The rising expectations of the poor and forgotten for a bigger voice in the things which affect their lives have united many individuals in hopes that the many voices joined together will be heard. The voices of these people might not always be right, but they must be heard. It is my thought that the best interests of all the city could be served by a general public review of AHA policies and procedures and revision of such policies and procedures where this might be necessary to protect and satisfy the city as a whole. I do not intend to imply that AHA is right or wrong in any way so far as charges of TUFF are concerned. But I do feel that AHA, through its owh initiation, might do everyone a great good by calling for a general review of its operations. This might be done by setting up a blue ribbon committee of AHA commissioners, tenant representatives and leaders from the Chamber of Commerce, Christian Council, League of Women Voters, etc. Professional consultant help might also be brought in to assist such a committee. I realize such a step could be a painful experience. it might be the less painful route in the long run. At the same time, I will appreciate your comments and thoughts. Sincerely yours, Ivan Allen, Jr. Mayor IAJr:fy �