Atlanta Beltline Moves Forward with New Budget as Project Accelerates, Meets Affordable Housing and Economic Development GoalsAtlanta Beltline Moves Forward with New Budget as Project Accelerates, Meets Affordable Housing and Economic Development Goals

 Atlanta Beltline, Inc. and Invest Atlanta boards of directors have approved the FY27 budget of $265.8 million for the Beltline as the project progresses toward its 2030 goal. The Beltline continues creating a more connected, equitable, and vibrant city as one of the nation’s largest, most comprehensive urban redevelopment projects, which is now approaching completion.

The 22-mile loop plus 11 miles of connector trails are on track to be completed by 2030, and this funding continues to accelerate construction and to meet affordable housing, economic development, parks, and arts goals. The Beltline will connect more than 45 Atlanta communities long separated by highways and railroads.

“This has been a tremendous year for the Beltline and our city,” said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “Our research shows more than 60 percent of the more than 2.5 million trail visits annually are from local residents, which is why we call it ‘the People’s Project.’ The public’s investment creates experiences that make the Beltline so special with the world’s largest linear arboretum, the Southeast’s largest outdoor temporary art exhibit, as well as programs supporting affordable housing, small businesses, and more.” 

The budget has grown in part due to the maturity and success of one funding source – the Beltline Tax Allocation District (TAD). The FY27 budget draws from a diverse mix of funding sources, including the Beltline TAD, Atlanta’s Special Service District (SSD), philanthropic support, plus local, state and federal grants. The Beltline TAD remains the primary funding mechanism, accounting for approximately $192.5 million—roughly 72.4% of the total budget.

“Our team has a great record for managing budgets and timelines, which is why we’re on track to finish the Beltline by 2030,” said Atlanta Beltline, Inc.’s Chief Financial Officer Nino Maisuradze. “Investments in the next 12 months will focus on construction and land purchases that will complete the mainline trail.”

In addition, since its inception, the Beltline has invested $941 million through a combination of local TAD funding, federal and state grants, and philanthropic support in trails, affordable housing, and economic development programs. That investment has generated a 15-to-1 return on investment, attracting $14.2 billion in private development.

The Beltline continues its philanthropic fundraising efforts through the Atlanta Beltline Partnership, the nonprofit fundraising partner of the Atlanta Beltline, to help realize the project's full vision by expanding trails and parks, increasing affordable housing, advancing equitable economic development, and supporting arts and culture programming.

Top Budget Investments in FY 2027

The following are the top budget investments in the FY 2027 Beltline budget:

Mainline Trail Delivery, Design & Construction – $128.6 million

Design and construction remain the top funding category, underscoring the Beltline’s push to meet the 2030 deadline to finish all 22 miles of mainline trail plus 11 miles of connector trails. Progress in the next year includes work on one of the Beltline’s largest and most complex projects, the Northeast Trail - Segment 3 + Connector Trails.

Real Estate – $45.4 million

The Beltline remains focused on acquiring the land needed to complete the mainline trail, specifically the northern corridor, while advancing its land acquisition strategy. Recent acquisitions support a mix of commercial, residential, and retail uses with long-term affordability.

Affordable Housing & Commercial Space – $41.0 million

The Beltline is guided by the mission to create equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development that supports Atlanta residents and small businesses. To date, the Beltline has reached 81% of its goal of creating or preserving 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030, demonstrating continued progress towards affordability. By the end of FY27, it is expected to exceed 95%.

Economic Development – $13.0 million

The Beltline’s economic development programs support small businesses and entrepreneurs with incubator programs and affordable retail containers that put entrepreneurs on the path to capture spending from the more than 2.5 million annual trail visit each year. Examples include the Beltline Business Solutions Office, Beltline Business Ventures, Atlanta Beltline Marketplace, facade grants to improve business frontage, and workforce development.

Transit – $6.7 million

Transit investments support the Beltline's vision of a fully connected corridor. In June, the Beltline launched ATL Spoke, Atlanta's first autonomous public transit pilot, connecting the MARTA West End Station with the Southwest Trail at Lee + White. FY27 funding also supports MARTA elevator improvements at the Bankhead MARTA Station, the Murphy Crossing Infill Station and transit studies that will shape a playbook for future transit investments.

Planning, Engagement & Art – $2.6 million 

In FY27, $2.6 million will fund planning, community engagement and the arts, supporting public and committee meetings, outreach efforts, and the development and refinement of Subarea Master Plans. These funds also power the Southeast's largest outdoor temporary public art exhibition, with commissioned installations and special events spanning the trail, adjacent neighborhoods and parks, including the beloved annual Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade.

Beltline by the Numbers – FY27

• Total Budget: $265.8 million

• TAD Contribution: $192.5 million (72.4%)

• Affordable Housing Goal: To date, 81% of the goal has been reached to create or preserve 5,600 units by 2030

• Trail Completion: To date, 16.7 miles of continuous mainline trail have been completed

Media images are available here.