Atlanta Beltline, Inc. has announced a substantial budget of nearly $242 million for fiscal year 2026, setting the stage for critical advancements on its 22-mile trail loop as the city gears up to host the FIFA World Cup.
The budget was passed unanimously by the boards of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. and Invest Atlanta, representing a significant investment aimed at completing trail construction, expanding affordable housing options, and bolstering transit and community initiatives.
Approximately $183.5 million, which accounts for about 76% of the budget, will be sourced from the Beltline Tax Allocation District (TAD) – the main funding source for the project. The remainder of the budget will be supported by the Special Service District (SSD), philanthropic contributions, and government grants to ensure comprehensive development.
Clyde Higgs, president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc., emphasized the significance of this budget, stating, “The Atlanta Beltline is entering an exciting moment where we are five years away from completing the 22-mile rail-to-trail loop.”
He further noted, “This year’s budget is both a reflection of our momentum and a roadmap to deliver lasting impact for communities along the Beltline corridor.”
Since 2019, the progress in trail completion has surged from 30% to an anticipated 85% by the end of FY2026, illustrating the initiative’s rapid development and commitment to high standards in quality and financial responsibility.
A deeper look at the Atlanta Beltline’s FY2026 budget reveals that the largest allocation, totaling $98.8 million, is dedicated to mainline trail design and construction, with a goal to deliver nearly 18 miles of continuous paved trail ahead of the World Cup. The overall target is to complete all 22 miles by 2030.
Affordable housing and commercial space development will receive $40.6 million, supporting critical initiatives such as property acquisition and down payment assistance programs. The Beltline has now achieved 74% of its ambitious target to create or preserve 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030.
In addition, $56.3 million has been allocated for real estate investments, focusing on land acquisition near the trail, particularly in the Northwest corridor, to enhance both connectivity and affordability in the area.
Economic development initiatives will see an investment of $11.3 million, aimed at supporting small businesses and Beltline Marketplace vendors. This funding will also facilitate a digital inclusion program, providing free public Wi-Fi and technology access in preparation for the World Cup. Originally intended to be funded through a $9 million federal grant, this project has shifted to rely on TAD instead.
A new category in the budget, labeled “transit,” will benefit from $8.8 million, which will support important early planning and engineering work. This includes a 12-month autonomous shuttle pilot project that will create a link between the Atlanta University Center, MARTA West End Station, and the Southwest Trail at Lee + White, backed by a $1.75 million grant from the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority.
An additional $3.2 million has been allocated for planning, community engagement, and arts programming, aimed at advancing subarea master plans and funding events such as the Atlanta Beltline Arts exhibition and the Lantern Parade.
“With the World Cup drawing global attention to Atlanta, this budget marks a pivotal step in delivering a world-class, inclusive redevelopment project,” Higgs said, emphasizing the focus on inclusive progress across various sectors.
Key figures from the Beltline FY2026 budget include a total budget of $242 million, with TAD funding amounting to $183.5 million (75.8%). The trail completion target stands at 18 miles of mainline trail expected by early 2026, and the initiative has reached 74% of its affordable housing goal.
image source from：fox5atlanta
