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Atlanta BeltLine reports major land acquisitions, trail progress and affordable housing gains
Summary
Atlanta BeltLine Inc. told the committee it has amassed land for future affordable housing, is advancing multiple trail segments and expects nearly 18 miles of continuous trail next year, and highlighted economic development work ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Atlanta BeltLine Inc. told the Community Development Human Services Committee that it has acquired substantial land for future affordable housing, is advancing multiple trail construction segments across the city and is preparing small-business supports ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Clyde Higgs, president and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine Inc., said the organization has amassed nearly 90 acres for future affordable housing and identified a nearly 14-acre Pittsburgh Yard site for mixed-use development. He said the BeltLine has completed about 11 miles of the planned 22-mile loop and expects to have "almost 18 miles of continuous trails" by this time next year. Higgs told the committee the Murphy's Crossing site, which the BeltLine acquired from Invest Atlanta, has moved into entitlement and is now worth about $35,000,000 compared with the acquisition cost of less than $5,000,000.
On affordable housing, Higgs said BeltLine-associated projects in the tax allocation district have produced more than 4,100 units of affordable housing and that the program nearly met or exceeded last year's targets. "We're not out of the woods yet," he said, but added that "because we are working in concert" with partners the city has made strong progress.
Higgs described nearly $400 million in assembled funding from a special service district, philanthropic contributions and other sources that BeltLine leaders are using to accelerate trail and park construction and other projects. He highlighted progress on the West Side Trail segments, a forthcoming groundbreaking for Anoda Park (an approximately eight-acre project), and upgrades at the Westside Park pump track. He also said BeltLine is advancing a technically challenging Northwest Trail segment with PATH Foundation support and approaching completion of several streetscape projects.
Councilmembers asked about specific infrastructure items. Councilmember Mary Norwood asked whether the Georgia Department of Transportation remained aligned on a bridge over Peachtree View Road needed to complete the 22-mile loop; Higgs said recent meetings indicated alignment, and he named Commissioner Russell McMurray as a partner on that work.
Higgs closed by announcing arts and culture programming, including the BeltLine Lantern Parade on May 3, and said the beltline is planning supports to help small businesses realize potential benefits from the 2026 World Cup.
The presentation generated applause and questions but no committee action.
