From trail expansions to community collaborations, 2023 was a notable year for the Atlanta BeltLine and its mission to contribute to the city’s ongoing transformation.
In the realm of trail development, the completion of Northeast Trail – Segment 2 marked a pivotal moment, extending our open mainline trail to a total of 10.6 miles. With a record three groundbreaking ceremonies on the Southside, Westside, and Northeast Trails also taking place this year, we are on track to have 85% of the 22-mile mainline loop completed by the end of 2024.
This year we also continued to actively collaborate with disadvantaged business enterprises across BeltLine projects to help foster economic empowerment within marginalized communities. This effort earned us an award from the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, highlighting our impactful initiatives to create opportunities and promote inclusiveness in the local business landscape.
2023 was a big year on the affordable housing front, as well. We surpassed our annual affordable housing goals, emphasizing our commitment to providing equitable and inclusive housing opportunities to all Atlantans. As part of that commitment, the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership (ABP) expanded its Legacy Resident Retention Program (LRRP) to 216 homeowners. This initiative helps ensure long-time residents can stay in their homes amid neighborhood growth and change by covering property tax increases through 2030.
Strategic land acquisition furthered our goal of affordability, with the purchase of 13.7 acres near Pittsburgh Yards bringing our total land holdings to 86 acres. This commitment ensures a lasting impact on long-term commercial and residential affordability around the trail.
Both Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. And ABP proudly joined the city in celebrating 2023’s “Year of the Youth,” led by Mayor Andre Dickens. Thousands from across the city participated in BeltLine-led activities, including internships and bike giveaways, highlighting our dedication to fostering community engagement among Atlanta’s next generation.
Simultaneously, we embarked on initiatives to prepare for transit along the BeltLine corridor. The launch of the BeltLine Transit Study and the progress of MARTA’s Streetcar East Extension to 30% design marked significant steps towards realizing improved connectivity around the loop and the city as a whole. By convening city leaders and engaging the community in discussions around the benefit of improved transportation networks, we worked towards preparing Atlanta for future growth.
Every accomplishment in 2023 brings us closer to our vision of a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable Atlanta. We invite you to watch the video below for a deeper dive into this year’s highlights. As we reflect on the successes of 2023, we look forward with excitement to the opportunities and growth that await us in 2024!
