In the inaugural episode of Real | State, host Lindsey Gray sits down with Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns to explore affordability as a defining issue for Georgia families—from property tax reform and housing supply to rural economic resilience and workforce development. Speaker Burns shares how state leaders are approaching these challenges, what success looks like for communities across Georgia, and why long-term, collaborative policy matters now more than ever.

In This Episode:

What does affordability mean for Georgia families?

Speaker Burns defines affordability in practical terms—housing costs, property taxes, healthcare access, and workforce readiness—and explains why all are interconnected.

How could property tax reform affect homeowners?

The conversation explores proposals focused on homestead protections and how reform could ease pressure on families, seniors, and first-time buyers.

How does regulation impact housing affordability?

Speaker Burns discusses where regulation protects communities—and where it unintentionally raises housing costs by limiting supply or increasing construction expenses.

Why is affordability different in rural Georgia?

Rural affordability is often tied to economic stability and job access, not just housing prices. The episode examines how state policy supports both.

How do lawmakers know if affordability policies are working?

Listening to communities, tracking outcomes, and evaluating long-term indicators like workforce readiness and literacy.

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