How the Economy Could Hurt Atlanta's Beltline

Atlanta's Beltline project is one of the most ambitious transportation plans the city has seen in decades, but the downturn in the economy could wreak havoc on its progress.

1 minute read

September 4, 2009, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


The ring of parks and open space linked with a city rail system was given a timeline of 25 years back when it was approved by the Atlanta City Council in 2005. But then 2008 came along.

"Many would agree that Atlanta, being one of the worst cities in the country in terms of its existing transportation methods, in my opinion, needs change. The unfortunate part of the plan is the number of things that can go wrong in the next 20 years, some of which have already begun.

When the project was underway four years ago, its views on future economic conditions were optimistic. However, things do not always happen as planned. For example, a recession hitting in 2007 was not foreseen. The proposed cost for the BeltLine was set at $2.8 billion, most of which was expected to come from the BeltLine Tax Allocation District (TAD), with the rest from donations. Generally, recessions are not a good time for donating much, if at all, to projects such as the BeltLine."

Thursday, September 3, 2009 in The Signal

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

Amtrak train passing over tall trestle bridge on California coast at Gaviota Beach.

LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality

A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.

March 27 - SFGate

Major League Baseball Stadium

Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola

A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.

March 27 - Los Angeles Times

ROwn of grey and white townhomes with gabled roofs and front porches.

Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing

To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.

March 27 - Sightline

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.