City Council members of San Jose are buzzing with insights from their recent study trip to Atlanta, focusing on the transformative power of mixed-use developments anchored by sports venues. The trip highlighted Atlanta's successful Battery project, which has become a model for urban revitalization and economic growth.

Mayor Sam Liccardo emphasized the importance of Atlanta's approach, where the Battery, adjacent to Truist Park, has evolved into a vibrant hub featuring 600 homes, hotels, and millions of square feet of retail and office space. This development has attracted 9 million visitors annually, with only a fraction attending baseball games, showcasing the potential for diverse entertainment and social experiences. "This is a telling example of how to create a lively urban environment," Liccardo noted, pointing to the need for San Jose to foster similar developments around the SAP Center.

Council members echoed these sentiments, with Councilmember Mulcahy praising the public-private partnership that made the Battery's success possible. He shared impressive statistics, including a staggering increase in taxable property value from $5 million to $736 million since the Battery's inception. The project has also generated significant tax revenue, allowing for early bond repayment.

Councilmember Turtillos highlighted the potential for entertainment districts to spur additional private development, noting that the Battery's success has led to thousands of new housing units in the surrounding area. He also drew parallels to San Jose's own opportunities, particularly around the SAP Center and the Guadalupe River Park, suggesting that investing in these areas could unlock further vibrancy and economic growth.

The trip also included visits to historic building reuse projects and the BeltLine, a 22-mile trail that connects various neighborhoods to downtown Atlanta. Councilmember McCone remarked on the importance of public investment in these developments, stressing that while they require significant funding, the long-term benefits can be substantial.

As San Jose looks to the future, the lessons learned from Atlanta's mixed-use developments could play a crucial role in shaping the city's urban landscape, enhancing its appeal and economic vitality. The council members are eager to explore how these insights can be applied locally, ensuring that San Jose remains a vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.