Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Atlanta

Atlanta Beltline, Still in Its Infancy, Already Boosting Business

It's working. The Atlanta Beltline, still in its most formative stages, is already boosting business and promoting development, according to this report from a local news station.

The Beltline -- which will eventually consist of a rail and trail loop encircling Atlanta -- recently marked the completion of a new park/trail segment on the city's northeast side. That investment alone, even without the rail portion, has spurred hiring and walkable infill development nearby.

The full Beltline transit plan suffered a setback last year when voters in the Atlanta region rejected a transportation tax hike that would have provided $600 million in funding. But the project continues to move forward, currently focused on trail and park development, using revenues from a special tax district around its perimeter.

Project spokesperson Jenny Odom reports that about four parks have been built, reclaimed from industrial and rail land, on the northeast and southwest sides of the city. That includes 5.5 miles of paved walking and biking paths and 6.5 miles of unpaved "interim" paths.

The Beltline remains one of the most visionary transportation projects in the country, with the potential to change the way people think about development and mobility in the Atlanta region.

Hat tip: @T4America.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Sustainable Transportation Research Is Snagged In Trump’s Anti-‘DEI’ Dragnet

President Trump's war on efforts to boost diversity, equity and inclusion is taking important mobility justice research down with it.

February 10, 2025

Monday’s Headlines Get Greener With Age

Are electric vehicles really cleaner than gas-powered ones? According to one study, the answer is yes – but only once an EV is driven at least 25,000 miles.

February 10, 2025

Tributes Pour in for Parking Reformer, Urbanist Mentor Donald Shoup

Shoup had a long and storied career in the academy, but he was also a mentor to generations of urban planners.

February 9, 2025

Streetsblog Cal Mourns Parking Reformer Donald Shoup

Rest in peace, Professor Shoup. Your legacy will live for generations.

February 8, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Drink From the Firehose

A key DOT nominee's role in Project 2025, more dubious executive orders, climate change accelerates and more headlines.

February 7, 2025
See all posts