[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6199698,"mediaKeyId","3824341-2efe4503f26fa308313fa0fd510e498f","parentId",3824341,"title","Committee adopts Trails ATL plan to expand citywide trail network; staff to pursue zoning and funding integration","audioSeconds",742,"startMs",7253000,"endMs",7995000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3824341-2efe4503f26fa308313fa0fd510e498f&start=7253&end=7995","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3824341-2efe4503f26fa308313fa0fd510e498f/thumbnail_7253000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6199698/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Committee-adopts-Trails-ATL-plan-to-expand-citywide-trail-network-staff-to-pursue-zoning-and-funding-integration","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199698-7dcdbf028eb50f2f77694ed185931a75/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169257&Signature=OhIgjZsm2dNL21JEMSvsrZP0QBWLw0~ouc9dBuBmCO5BNgdTs7i3q7KPnCLgBDYeyU0c7QWj79WTb4AOD3utdbD5xcl-EmuJ-l8BZ6kUrbVmBLUjyZ5831~2wD0gqeSl057oQ6ySGdEWg3zRQpinFH3HnwWpgOkbclM7RpMxna5gW2V7~KYHsIlnYHbael3cVZfkxsK~qsDGDOto6blgSZaInK55to5DTOofag-sH~v5nIC2gLNRFtWN9dwLwyLlboEB1dkfI9CXxoFWbkfXwXnlxyGe-00shTco6vFKQdpXGPupUV0XjUo~2UPjqFvKkQuJ3HGL5c1TPk0KjeqB7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-10T20:12:54Z","article","The Community Development and Human Services Committee voted unanimously to adopt the Trails ATL master plan and incorporate it by reference into the city's comprehensive development plan.

The Trails ATL plan identifies alignments and design guidelines for a citywide network of accessible trails intended to link parks, transit, schools and commercial areas. The plan prioritizes protected greenways over on‑street shared routes, identifies a three‑phase buildout over 30 years and targets a 10‑year first phase that would add 34 miles to the existing roughly 80 miles of trail in Atlanta.

Why it matters: The plan seeks to expand off‑road and protected trail connections that staff and survey respondents said would increase active transportation and recreational access. Department of Parks and Recreation staff and PATH Foundation consultants said public engagement included four rounds of outreach, 123 public meetings, 26 focus groups and 2,743 survey responses. In the final NPU round, 24 of 25 NPUs voted in favor of trails.

Plan highlights and next steps: The Trails ATL map identifies greenway alignments within public land and easements, along with side‑path and connector options. Staff emphasized that the plan identifies alignments but not final designs; each alignment will require detailed community engagement, right‑of‑way analysis and funding plans. Department staff said the next implementation steps are to (1) incorporate trail requirements into the zoning code where appropriate, (2) include the alignments in the comprehensive transportation plan, and (3) pursue funding strategies for construction and long‑term maintenance.

Public concerns raised during the hearing focused on maintenance, security and displacement. Committee members asked about security measures and cameras; PATH and Parks staff said the Atlanta Police Department’s BeltLine Path Force provides an existing model, and that cameras and lighting would be evaluated on a trail‑by‑trail basis because costs and community preferences vary. Staff also noted the need to coordinate with park rangers, lighting designers and environmental work to avoid harming wildlife.

Adoption: The committee voted 6‑0 to adopt Trails ATL into the City of Atlanta Comprehensive Development Plan with staff direction to proceed with zoning and transportation plan integration and to develop funding and maintenance strategies.

What happens next: Staff will begin project‑level outreach, design and funding work on phase‑1 alignments and return to council with detailed implementation priorities, funding requests and specific draft zoning or code language where applicable.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","#Atlanta City Council Community Development/Human Services Committee meeting June 10, 2025 #atlpol","oneSentenceSummary","The committee voted unanimously to adopt the Trails ATL master plan and incorporate it by reference into the city's comprehensive development plan, advancing a long‑range blueprint for protected greenways and shared‑use trails across Atlanta.","taxTitle","Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",2959,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6199704,"Council committee approves substitute tree protection ordinance, raises recompense and funds senior assistance program",7461,301000,7762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3824341-2efe4503f26fa308313fa0fd510e498f&start=301&end=7762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3824341-2efe4503f26fa308313fa0fd510e498f/thumbnail_301000.jpg","/articles/6199704/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-committee-approves-substitute-tree-protection-ordinance-raises-recompense-and-funds-senior-assistance-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199704-ddfcaab1be099d706d0bc80466318297/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169257&Signature=NFVQ6hjQ0YACYq6MlXle73BOZKQphr60VHLtW-jtttqivX-Wx8ldax0yUNoTywGU0adacb4844BeFuQolxXcwjJbyziD-e6EGhNRBWvw7x9oacQhZt6CoP2E~SNn50nm5kFxO8T6ea0-IGjQKFlIpvsW8I-Nr8YEj7-RVQixQVMVAZgfauKi1uSq5ODP0LkwST9Z2MUV7s3JEeOYXRJTkiOQOSdd0doA6gDhjSg8WJeNCr4HLkkh5fitEGIgGKX-3f6cAL6B~d7XoA3HuAE4PIvIUyyz3BFJT~XNW6e5mSQAnfbYiFhiQiJJjz93~mQH3XnZbKTrDuK~G1HSEJwXJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Development and Human Services Committee approved a substituted tree protection ordinance during its June meeting after extensive public comment from developers, tree advocates and neighborhood groups.

The substitute ordinance updates multiple enforcement and funding provisions in Atlanta's tree code and was adopted by committee vote (4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 abstention). The committee substituted and advanced the ordinance for further processing while staff test its interaction with the forthcoming zoning code.

Why it matters: Atlanta's tree canopy and the rules that govern tree removal have been the subject of years-long debate. The substitute touches on fees, enforcement and programs intended to reduce the cost burden on some homeowners while expanding enforcement and staffing; opponents argue it does not yet deliver the stronger preservation standards they seek.

The committee vote advanced a modified version of the measure described in the May draft. Key, enacted changes in the substitute include raising the recompense (the city fee levied when trees cannot be preserved) to $140 per inch; expanding a senior assistance program for hazardous tree removal and pruning to $400,000; and authorizing new arborist positions (three senior arborists and six field arborists) with a funding split described as 50% from the Tree Trust Fund and 50% from the general fund. The substitute also authorizes a tree‑company registry and funds for a secretary and project manager for the Tree Conservation Commission. City staff said positions would be authorized but not filled until needed.

Committee members and many public speakers made three recurring points: (1) tree advocates pressed for a stronger \"tree preservation standard\" and restoration of elements from earlier drafts they say would curb clear‑cutting; (2) developers and builders asked for predictable recompense caps and affordable‑housing waivers to prevent the fee structure from impairing projects; and (3) several speakers urged careful testing to ensure the new tree ordinance does not conflict with the forthcoming zoning code.

Among public comments, groups and individuals urged different remedies. West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and House Atlanta asked the committee to preserve trees while protecting affordable housing goals and to restore affordability waivers. Trees Atlanta and other advocates pressed for higher protections and the return of a preservation standard from an earlier May draft; several developers and trade groups argued the ordinance as drafted added cost and uncertainty and requested a cap on recompense and optional, not mandatory, early arborist meetings.

City planning and the bill sponsor said the substitute is intended as a workable set of immediate changes that can be implemented now and tested alongside the new zoning ordinance. Staff told the committee they will run applications through both the current rules and the proposed zoning provisions to find misalignments before bringing further amendments. Staff also noted weekend code‑enforcement patrols and provided a tip line for suspected illegal cutting: (404) 330‑6178.

Action and next steps: The committee approved the substitute (recorded tally: 4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 abstention) and advanced it for further city processes. Staff will test the ordinance’s interaction with the new zoning code and return with additional amendments as needed. Several council members signaled they will seek oversight reports and continued negotiations with stakeholders.

Public response and outstanding issues: Speakers for both preservation and development interests described the substitute as incomplete. Advocates said the draft lacks the stronger preservation standard from the May 1 draft; industry representatives said predictable recompense caps and waivers for affordable projects remain necessary. Committee members asked staff to continue stakeholder engagement, and one member said he would pursue follow‑up legislation to monitor implementation.

The committee action does not immediately change all permitting practice; staff said some provisions will require implementation steps and further rule testing before full effect. The committee advanced the ordinance consistent with the motion and substitute recorded in the meeting.

","The Community Development and Human Services Committee approved a substituted tree protection ordinance during its June meeting after extensive public comment from developers, tree advocates and neighborhood groups.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6199702,"Atlanta Continuum of Care reports small rise in point‑in‑time count, details 'Downtown Rising' rehousing push",1205,2395000,3600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3824341-2efe4503f26fa308313fa0fd510e498f&start=2395&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3824341-2efe4503f26fa308313fa0fd510e498f/thumbnail_2395000.jpg","/articles/6199702/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Atlanta-Continuum-of-Care-reports-small-rise-in-pointintime-count-details-Downtown-Rising-rehousing-push","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199702-0c4fd34a076c58adbb3abe7cb19c03c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169257&Signature=TULs-sBG0FtZQMJxo5d2TssuDe-7i0c94CEA18IMzOyi087xUU-Q41VQNo7DFZxvYJ48~Faq3yxCazmdfxqmcdQ7g4tbKqwjyyQ9SRg-bU1fO6giy0NoOEhdeF6jtzIk7ljEdkxA8GLkv9XWHXovZe7Xy--EDOpO15sBQOdS8yxHvOXgpIr3uGsN8s6Ej9Fer8wn1Pf9OtDVOn3hDT0lWVrZUfMX28PnPQAOcaTY8mWwPNtZLYQUtsWhckxDfp8H1nrWe8D~Lc8~Dj-S-kApYpz4b~7VULi7Z-os3llVcRem9upyqIEsC0i8FuwoZ6PhnUi36aPui5UQqsxVHHhYcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Partners for Home, the lead administrative agency for the Atlanta Continuum of Care, presented the quarterly homelessness update to the Community Development and Human Services Committee and outlined a multi‑pronged effort to reduce unsheltered homelessness.

The agency reported a 1% increase in the January 27, 2025 point‑in‑time (PIT) count compared with the prior count but said other indicators show stabilization and a 9% decrease in the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness. The agency also reported that more than 15,000 households have been rehoused through continuum efforts since the program began, and that over 96% of people placed into program housing remain housed.

Partners for Home CEO Catherine Vasquel told the committee the city currently has nearly 400 units completed specifically for people experiencing homelessness, several hundred additional units under development due to deliver by the first quarter of 2026, and an immediate pipeline of permanent supportive and rapid rehousing units. She described a community campaign, Atlanta Rising, designed to raise sizable private and public investment to scale prevention, case management and housing placements; staff described the campaign size as approximately $212 million to fund gaps in prevention and to increase rehousing capacity.

Vasquel also briefed the committee on the recent closure of the large Pryor Street encampment. Outreach partners had provided advance notice and intensive engagement; staff recorded 74 referrals to permanent housing, 42 people who moved into housing, and 27 placed in shelter. Several people declined offers; staff said outreach continues for those individuals.

The Continuum outlined a new, targeted downtown pilot called Downtown Rising, designed to concentrate outreach, add dedicated outreach teams, and ensure sufficient housing resources before closing encampment areas. Partners named Gateway, Hope Atlanta, Mercy Care, Urban Alchemy, MEND Culture and Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition as outreach partners. The stated goal is to rehouse 400 individuals sleeping downtown by year end and to end unsheltered homelessness in the downtown target area by this time next year.

The Continuum also described Project Heal, a partnership with the city's five major hospital systems—Grady, Piedmont, Wellstar, Northside and Emory—intended to align discharge planning, reduce hospital length of stay and invest health system resources in housing‑stabilization services.

Vasquel described a prevention pilot, in partnership with national researchers, to begin January (planning grant received) testing interventions that have shown statistically significant reductions in inflow to homelessness in other jurisdictions.

Committee members asked about outcomes and operational planning. Staff said they track declines (people who decline shelter or housing); while national consultants cited declination rates under 10% in other cities, staff said decline rates vary by encampment and offering. Members also asked about workforce and employment supports for rehoused individuals; Partners for Home said they work with Georgia Works, First Step Staffing, Center for Employment Opportunities, Urban League and shelter‑based employment programs and will continue to deepen those connections.

What comes next: Partners for Home will continue to report on rehousing pipeline deliveries, prevention pilot results and Downtown Rising outcomes. Committee members commended the pipeline additions and asked for continued coordination between housing, shelter and health partners.

","Partners for Home, the Atlanta Continuum of Care lead, told the committee the community saw a 1% increase in the January 2025 point‑in‑time count but a 9% decline in chronic homelessness and outlined a campaign to scale housing and services, including a goal to rehouse 400 unsheltered individuals downtown by year end.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee adopts Trails ATL plan to expand citywide trail network; staff to pursue zoning and funding integration

Council committee approves substitute tree protection ordinance, raises recompense and funds senior assistance program

Atlanta Continuum of Care reports small rise in point‑in‑time count, details 'Downtown Rising' rehousing push