Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

The Atlanta Beltline extends far beyond its 22-mile loop; it stands as a transformative initiative, showcasing our shared determination to forge a more unified and inclusive city where prosperity is accessible to all.

Righting Historic Wrongs, Building a Brighter Future

Our Land Acknowledgement

The Atlanta Beltline is breaking down barriers and connecting people, communities, and cultures that have been intentionally segregated for generations. We recognize the injustices that have shaped our city’s past, and we’re committed to righting those wrongs. By fostering economic opportunity, creating affordable housing, and advocating for equitable transit solutions, the Beltline is paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible Atlanta.

As we move forward, we acknowledge the Muscogee Creek and Cherokee Peoples, the original stewards of the land on which Atlanta stands.

Our North Star

The Atlanta Beltline’s equity and inclusion vision is that: All legacy residents, new residents, and business owners – regardless of age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, ability, income, or political ideology – benefit and prosper from the economic growth and activity associated with the Atlanta Beltline.

All of our work hinges on this vision of equity.

Concrete Steps Toward Equity & Inclusion

The Atlanta Beltline is not just talking about change; we're actively working to make it happen. Our Equitable Development Plan outlines concrete actions to ensure the Beltline's growth benefits everyone:

Creating a More Livable Atlanta

By thoughtfully developing Beltline amenities, we're building a city that's geographically balanced, accessible, and enjoyable for all residents.

Economic Opportunity for All

We're fostering an environment where businesses thrive, jobs are created, and economic prosperity is shared.

Protecting Our Communities

We're committed to preventing displacement and ensuring that existing residents can remain in their homes and benefit from the Beltline's growth.

Amplifying Community Voices

We actively seek input from residents, valuing their insights and ensuring that the Beltline reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of our communities.

Preserving Our Heritage

The Beltline celebrates the unique character and cultural richness of each neighborhood, honoring its history while embracing the future.

Building Strong Foundations

We leverage existing assets within communities, creating a stronger, more connected, and resilient Atlanta.

Measuring Our Progress

We measure our progress toward our equity and inclusion vision in several areas – housing affordability, economic development, transit access, inclusion, and quality of life – to demonstrate the Atlanta Beltline’s progress and results over time. All data is disaggregated by age, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual identity where appropriate.

Dig into the Data

Using Numbers to Tell the Tale

What We Measure

Affordable Housing

Number/percent of affordable housing units created and/or preserved in the Beltline Tax Allocation District
Number/percent of affordable housing units created and/or preserved in the Beltline Planning Area
Number of legacy residents receiving property tax abatements in equity priority areas

Economic Inclusion

Number of small and minority owned business enterprises supported through the Beltline Marketplace Initiative
Number of small and minority owned business enterprises supported through the Beltline Business Solutions Office
Number and square footage of affordable commercial spaces directly on the Atlanta Beltline
Number of small and minority-owned business enterprises participating in Beltline Business Ventures
Number of locally-owned and minority owned business enterprises participating in Beltline Façade Improvement Program
Number of residents supported through the Beltline Workforce Development Program
Number of artists participating in the Beltline Business Ventures: Artist Edition
Number and dollar amount of small and minority owned business enterprises receiving Beltline contracts and subcontracts

Trail & Transit Access

Number of residents with access to the Atlanta Beltline
Number of miles of trail completed
Number of miles of transit completed
Number of trail and transit access points
Number of households that own vehicles

Inclusion

Number of community meetings held
Number of residents who participate in community meetings
Meeting participant demographics
Number of meeting participants who report utilizing the Beltline
Number of meeting participants who report increased understanding of Beltline mission, vision, and goals

Quality of Life

Number/percent of park acreage in neighborhoods adjacent to the Beltline on south and west side
Number/percent of acreage of brownfield remediation/environmental clean-up in neighborhoods adjacent to the Beltline, especially those on south and west side
Number of households with internet access
Number and percent of people of color who live within a half mile of a park
Number and percent of low income households within a half mile of a park
Dollar amount/percent of resources invested in public art which preserves and enhances history and historic culture of communities of color in neighborhoods adjacent to the Beltline

Beltline Explained: Equity & Inclusion

Learn more about how equity and inclusion permeate all aspects of the Atlanta Beltline project.