ATL DOT proposes innovative curb management strategies to enhance urban transportation

On July 9, 2025, the Atlanta City Council's Transportation Committee convened to discuss the future of on-street parking and curb management in the city. The meeting highlighted the pressing need for innovative strategies to address the evolving demands of urban transportation, particularly as the city grapples with increased traffic and diverse mobility options.

A key focus of the session was the integration of autonomous vehicles and micro-mobility solutions, such as scooters and bicycles, into Atlanta's transportation framework. The discussions underscored the necessity for a comprehensive approach to curb management that accommodates various modes of transport while ensuring pedestrian safety. Committee members expressed concerns about the current interactions between different transportation modes, particularly on sidewalks, which can create unsafe conditions for pedestrians.

The meeting also explored various curb management strategies, categorized into four levels of implementation difficulty. The initial strategies, such as time limits and use segregation for loading and unloading, were deemed relatively straightforward. However, more complex solutions, including performance-based pricing and smart loading zones, were highlighted as essential for effectively managing parking demand.

Performance-based pricing, which adjusts parking rates based on demand, was presented as a promising approach. Examples from cities like San Francisco demonstrated that such pricing not only improved parking availability but also increased local sales tax revenue and reduced the time drivers spent searching for parking. The committee noted that successful implementation of these strategies would require robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.

Additionally, the concept of parking benefit districts was discussed, where a portion of parking revenue is reinvested into local communities to enhance public amenities. This approach aims to create tangible benefits for residents and businesses, fostering community support for parking management initiatives.

As the meeting concluded, committee members emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making and community engagement in developing the Request for Proposals (RFP) for curb management. The discussions reflected a collective commitment to transforming Atlanta's transportation landscape, making it safer and more efficient for all users. The next steps will involve further collaboration with stakeholders and the exploration of best practices from peer cities to ensure that Atlanta remains at the forefront of urban mobility solutions.