Commissioners approve amended MARTA IGA to advance Southlake BRT after debate over condemnation and "major change" language

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners voted to approve Resolution 2026-158, an amended intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) that sets general terms for design and construction of the Southlake Bus Rapid Transit line and authorizes the chair to sign the agreement.

Debate focused on three main edits to the draft: a clearer definition of what constitutes a "major change" to the route (requiring the county to approve substantial realignments), shifting responsibility to the county for determining fair market value in condemnation situations, and changing venue for legal matters to Clayton County rather than Fulton. Commissioner Hambrick said she wanted more time to study the agreement because the BRT would affect District 2 heavily and because constituents had raised concerns; she said she wanted to ensure the county had the proper protections in writing. In counterpoint, another commissioner warned that delaying a decision could jeopardize federal funds. "If we don't make a decision on this project tonight, we can lose ... additional dollars," said one commissioner advocating for the vote.

MARTA representative Greg Holder confirmed that the Southlake line is the county's first BRT installment and that future BRT work (for example along SR 54) would be separate projects. The motion to approve, made on the floor with the amendments discussed in public, passed by voice vote. The resolution also authorized the chief financial officer to amend the county budget as necessary to reflect revenue and expenses associated with the agreement.

Next steps: County staff and MARTA will continue planning under the IGA; commissioners said additional public discussions and review of detailed terms will continue as design and funding progress.