The Georgia Department of Community Affairs mission is to create opportunities to improve the quality of life for Georgia residents by fostering partnerships within state, government, local governments and the private sector; understand community challengers and opportunities; work to develop locally drive solutions; and bring resources to the community. The DCA was created in 1977 to serve as an advocate for local governments. On July 1, 1996, the governor and general assembly merged the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority with the Department of Community Affairs. The department operates a host of state and federal grant programs; serves as the state's lead agency in housing finance and development; promulgates building codes to be adopted by local governments; provides comprehensive planning, technical and research assistance to local governments; and serves as the lead agency for the state's solid waste reduction efforts. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is located in Atlanta.