Atlanta Beltline Launches Ambassador Program Ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™

The Ambassador Program will initially focus on two key trail segments during Phase 1 (June 2025 – January 2026): the Eastside Trail from 10th & Monroe to DeKalb Avenue, and the Westside Trail to Southwest Trail from Lawton Street to I-75. The program will expand to include the Westside Connector Trail during Phase 2 (January 2026 – September 2026) when Atlanta hosts the FIFA World Cup 26™.

"The Atlanta Beltline has always been about building stronger communities," said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. "Our new Ambassador Program embodies that mission by creating meaningful connections between our organization and the neighborhoods we serve. These ambassadors will be our eyes and ears on the ground, helping us better understand community needs while ensuring the Beltline remains a safe, welcoming space for everyone."

The Ambassador Program reflects the Beltline's continued commitment to preserving and advancing the legacy of this community-driven initiative. In addition to fostering community engagement, the program supports comprehensive asset management efforts, including routine inspections to proactively report safety and security issues to the party responsible for addressing those issues. 

"This program represents a significant investment in the ongoing stewardship of our assets and infrastructure," said Dave Pierce, Vice President of Real Estate and Asset Management at Atlanta Beltline. "By having dedicated ambassadors on our trails, we can be more responsive to maintenance needs, community concerns, and opportunities for improvement. This proactive approach will help us maintain the high standards our community expects while building stronger relationships with trail users and adjacent neighborhoods."

The ambassadors will focus on community engagement, and assets and infrastructure management, complementing the existing Atlanta Police Department Path Force Unit, which has patrolled the Beltline trails and adjacent parks and neighborhoods since 2013.

Block by Block, known nationally for providing services for urban districts, parks and public spaces through ambassador programs, will manage all aspects of the program, including recruiting and training ambassadors, procuring necessary equipment and overseeing contract administration.

"We've found these programs enhance the trail experience in cities and communities across the country," said John Koch, Divisional Vice President of Block by Block. "We look forward to hearing Atlantans feedback and we'll continue to improve the service as we get ramped up to receive tens of thousands of FIFA World Cup tourists and serve Atlantans everyday."

Media images available here.

About Atlanta Beltline, Inc.
Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is the official implementation agency for the Atlanta Beltline. Its vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive and sustainable city life. As one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States, the Atlanta Beltline is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta with our partner organizations and host communities through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing and public spaces for all. For more information on the Atlanta Beltline, please visit www.beltline.org.

SOURCE Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.