Atlanta Beltline, Inc. and Invest Atlanta have announced a historic $242 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, marking the largest budget in the organization’s history.
This budget represents a significant 20 percent increase from last year’s record-breaking $172 million budget, underscoring the ambitious plans ahead for the 22-mile trail project and its associated initiatives.
Beltline CEO and President Clyde Higgs reflected on the organization’s growth, stating, “When I first joined the Beltline, our annual budget was $33 million. Let that sink in; now we’re at almost a quarter billion.”
The ambitious budget is set to facilitate major work on the trail, with plans to have 17 miles of continuous trail open by the next year in preparation for the influx of visitors during the FIFA World Cup.
This expansion will enable individuals to travel from Piedmont Park in Midtown to Shirley Clarke Franklin Park on the Westside.
“We’re in the throes of heavy spending years,” Higgs noted, indicating the significant financial commitment required to realize the project’s goals.
A substantial portion of the budget, specifically 40 percent or approximately $99 million, is allocated for the design and construction of the trail’s expansion and improvements.
This funding is particularly crucial for developing the path into the Northwest corridor, where traditional options such as abandoned rail right of way do not exist.
Beltline leaders assured stakeholders that the balanced budget is structured to support these costly projects.
Ultimately, 75 percent of the funds—around $183.5 million—will be sourced from the Beltline Tax Allocation District, making it the primary financial backbone of the initiative.
Additional financial support will come from the Beltline Special Services District and philanthropic donations.
However, the organization faces potential uncertainties; 11 percent of the budget, roughly $26 million, is contingent on grants, including a Department of Transportation grant pivotal for the Northeast Trail segment.
Beltline leaders expressed hopefulness regarding the execution of this agreement despite recent challenges, including the loss of a $9 million “digital equity” grant aimed at providing Wi-Fi along the Beltline.
The abrupt cutting of this initiative under the Trump administration raised concerns about the stability of other federal funding sources, which may also be at risk of alteration.
Design Director Kevin Burke emphasized that if the Northeast Trail grant is finalized, the project will stay on track for the completion of the 17 miles by the upcoming year.
About 40 percent of the total budget, amounting to roughly $99 million, is designated for design and construction work that specifically addresses the Northwest trail segments’ unique challenges.
In addition to construction, $56.3 million is earmarked for real estate acquisitions essential for expanding the trail, particularly focusing on key parcels along the Northwest Trail.
Moreover, the organization has committed $40.6 million to support affordable housing and commercial space initiatives.
The Beltline aims to preserve or create 5,600 units of affordable housing by the year 2030.
In 2024 alone, the organization delivered 569 units, already reaching 74 percent of its ambitious goal for 2030.
Higgs expressed confidence that the Beltline is likely to surpass its objectives for affordable housing development.
An additional $8.8 million will be allocated for transit initiatives.
In March, plans for rail along the Eastside Trail were curtailed by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens in favor of prioritizing transit options along the Southside Trail, particularly near Murphy Crossing.
“It’s going to take some time and energy to deliver, no doubt, but we intend to shape this effort with our bent towards excellence,” said Beltline Principal Engineer Shaun Green, acknowledging the complexities of the initiative.
Currently, the Beltline is advancing its planning efforts for rail on the Southside trail, while simultaneously exploring “experiments” such as driverless shuttles to connect the Southwest Trail with MARTA and the Atlanta University Center.
The project, managed by the autonomous shuttle company Beep in partnership with Atlanta Beltline, Inc., involves a 12-month pilot program featuring four driverless vehicles aimed at improving connectivity within the Beltline.
The Atlanta Transit Link Authority has recently contributed $2 million to support this innovative initiative.
With a packed calendar of events, economic development plans, and expansion projects, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the Beltline.
Mayor Dickens reflected on the evolution of the Beltline since his election to the Atlanta City Council in 2014, stating, “I wasn’t sure the Beltline was ever going to finish, and look at it now.”
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