Bridging Atlanta’s Digital Divide: How the Beltline and Google Are Powering Inclusive Connectivity

By Kelvin Collins, Vice President of Economic Development

The Atlanta Beltline has always been more than a trail.  It is a catalyst for economic mobility, community connectivity, and inclusive growth. As the Vice President of Economic Development, I have witnessed firsthand how strategic partnerships can transform urban landscapes. Among these collaborations, our work with Google stands out as a groundbreaking initiative to address one of Atlanta’s most persistent challenges: the digital divide in legacy communities on the city’s south and west sides. This partnership exemplifies how technology, when deployed with intentionality, can become a powerful tool for transformation. 

The Digital Divide: A Barrier to Opportunity 
 In Atlanta, over 12,000 K-12 students reportedly do not have internet access at home. Furthermore, approximately 25–33% of residents in Beltline-adjacent communities lack access to reliable broadband, exacerbating inequalities in education, healthcare, and economic mobility. For legacy neighborhoods—historically underserved due to systemic disinvestment—this digital gap reinforces cycles of poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic magnified these disparities, as remote work, virtual learning, and telehealth became necessities rather than luxuries. Recognizing this urgency, the Beltline launched its Digital Access and Innovation Initiative, leveraging infrastructure to bridge this divide. 

Google’s Investment in the Atlanta Beltline: A Powerful Step Toward Closing the Digital Divide in Legacy Communities  

In recent years, the Atlanta Beltline has emerged not only as a transformative urban redevelopment project but also as a critical tool for promoting equity, innovation, and opportunity across Atlanta’s diverse communities. Thanks to a growing partnership with Google, the Beltline is now helping to close the digital divide in some of the city’s most underserved legacy neighborhoods.  

At the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and social responsibility, Google’s ongoing investment in the Beltline is bringing vital digital access, economic support, and housing stability to communities that have long been overlooked in Atlanta’s rapid growth.  

Public Wi-Fi and the Push for Digital Equity  

A major component of the Beltline’s equity strategy is the expansion of digital access— soon high-speed broadband and public Wi-Fi will be commonplace along the Beltline trail especially underserved communities.  Google’s support with Wi-Fi benches will help accelerate this initiative, making public Wi-Fi along the Beltline corridor a reality ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup games.  

This access is more than just convenience. For many residents, it means a gateway to essential services: health care, job applications, civic engagement, public safety alerts, and remote learning. By providing free Wi-Fi to residents, visitors, and local businesses, the Beltline is actively leveling the digital playing field, empowering communities historically left on the wrong side of the connectivity gap.  

Building the “Smart City Corridor”  

The Beltline is also becoming a model for smart city development—equipped with cutting-edge digital infrastructure, including fiber optic cable installation. This backbone is key to supporting remote work, virtual education, and telehealth services.  

Recently, the Piedmont Mobile Health Unit, supported by Google, has expanded healthcare access for residents near the Pittsburgh Yards area. The unit is available every Second Saturday, providing essential medical services to the community. On those same days, the Atlanta Beltline Indie Market Experience brings together local artisans, crafters, and makers—creating vibrant opportunities for small businesses to connect, showcase their work, and thrive within the community. 

Google has played an essential role in advancing this infrastructure. As a corporate partner, Google has helped ensure the Beltline’s technology upgrades are inclusive, with wireless solutions that enable access for residents and offer leasable capacity to attract further economic investment in the area.  

This forward-thinking approach not only promotes connectivity but stimulates long-term economic growth by making Beltline communities more attractive to businesses and startups.