Atlanta Beltline Celebrates 20 Years of Transformation: 20 Milestones That Reshaped Atlanta

Two decades of tax-payer-backed investment delivers nearly $10 billion in economic impact, affordable housing, small business growth, trail building and community connection

ATLANTA, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlanta Beltline, one of the country's most ambitious and transformative infrastructure projects, marks its 20th anniversary this year.

What began as a grassroots idea and a bold public investment is now one of the most widely acclaimed redevelopment initiatives in the country, demonstrating the power of taxpayer dollars to transform communities, strengthen local economies, and improve quality of life for Atlantans.

From new trails and green spaces to affordable housing, small business support, and public art, the Beltline has become a symbol of what's possible when vision, community partnership, and public resources come together for the common good.

"Twenty years ago, civic leaders, grassroots advocates, nonprofit organizations and Mayor Shirley Franklin envisioned something extraordinary for Atlanta," said Clyde Higgs, Atlanta Beltline, Inc. President & CEO. "Because of sustained public investment and unwavering community partnership, we can now point to measurable results that prove the Beltline is one of the most successful, transformative projects in Atlanta's history."

20 Milestones for 20 Years

TRAIL INFRASTRUCTURE & CONNECTIVITY

1. Trail Miles Completed: 12.8 miles of the total mainline loop have been delivered with 10.3 miles of connector trails.

2. Dark Fiber Network: Nearly 16 miles of dark fiber installed, ensuring high-speed connectivity for surrounding neighborhoods

3. Concrete Foundation: 12.8 miles of concrete poured on the mainline trail, creating durable infrastructure that will serve future generations

HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT

4. Housing Creation: 4,266 housing units developed within the Beltline's Tax Allocation District, ensuring Atlantans of all incomes benefit

5. Strategic Land Acquisition: 87 acres strategically acquired for affordable housing preservation and community-serving development

6. Sustainable Financing: $750M raised through the TAD, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability

7. Preventing Displacement: 270+ households enrolled in the Legacy Resident Retention Program, helping long-time residents stay in their homes

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPACT 

8. $10 Billion Impact: Nearly $10 billion in economic development catalyzed across the corridor

9. Entrepreneurship: 14 local small businesses thrive in affordable container storefronts via the Beltline Marketplace

10. Business Support: Over 50 businesses assisted through the Beltline's Business Solutions office

11. Start-Up Incubation: 64 businesses successfully launched and scaled through the Beltline Ventures program

12. Neighborhood Revitalization: 5 facade improvement projects enhanced community business districts

13. Business Networking: Nearly 800 individuals attending business events to connect entrepreneurs with funding, resources, and customers

ARTS & CULTURE 

14. Arts Programming: Nearly 800 arts events and installations, making the Beltline Atlanta's largest outdoor cultural destination

15. Community Tradition: 15 Lantern Parades held, drawing thousands in celebration of local creativity and identity

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 

16. Inclusive Planning: Dozens of quarterly briefings and hundreds of public meetings, ensuring community voices guide Beltline decisions

17. Public Health: Approximately 80 free fitness classes offered each month, improving health equity across the corridor

18. Community Runs: Nearly 30,000 racers engaged in Beltline running events, uniting health and community pride

SUPPORT & PARTNERSHIP 

19. Philanthropic Support: $240+ million donated by 4,442 donors demonstrating strong public-private partnership

20. Public Use: 2.5 million visits annually, making the Beltline one of Atlanta's most visited public amenities

Looking Ahead: Investing in the Next 20 Years
The next chapter of the Beltline focuses on completing the full 22-mile loop by 2030, expanding affordable housing, delivering equitable economic opportunities, and advancing transit solutions.
"These milestones represent more than statistics," Higgs added. "They represent lives changed, families stabilized, businesses launched, and neighborhoods reconnected. The Beltline has proven that smart, equitable public investment pays dividends for everyone, and we are just getting started."

Media assets are available here.

About Atlanta Beltline, Inc.
The Atlanta Beltline is the 22-mile rail-to-trail project that is transforming Atlanta's neighborhoods, one mile at a time. The Beltline's vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. With an additional 11 miles of connector trails, the Atlanta Beltline is one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States. In partnership with local communities and organizations, the Beltline is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing, vibrant public spaces, and community-focused programs that promote health and wellness, resident retention, volunteerism, and advocacy along the corridor. Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is the official implementation agency for the Atlanta Beltline and collaborates with Atlanta Beltline Partnership, the foundation that raises private and philanthropic funds and delivers community programs that are fully supported by donor contributions. For more information, please visit www.beltline.org or follow on social media at @atlantabeltline.

SOURCE Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.