The Beltline is expanding the Westside Trail with new sections, including the Kudzu Trail, while also redeveloping abandoned rail corridors, with completion expected between 2025 and 2027.
The Atlanta Beltline is actively expanding its Westside Trail, with four sections under construction, including the largest near Westside Park. The new portion, known as the Kudzu Trail, will stretch from Lena Street and Washington Park to the completed Westside Trail Segment 3 and the Westside Beltline Connector. Construction has already made significant progress, with bridges built, trail sections poured, and landscaping preparations underway, with the first portion set to be finished by spring 2025 and other sections completed by 2027.
In addition to the Kudzu Trail, the Beltline is working on the Westside Trail - Segment 6, which connects the trail at Lawton Street SW to Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. Though the project is currently limited to a sidewalk connection and a rail corridor diversion, it will eventually feature a full trail connection on the rail corridor. Design efforts for this segment will continue through 2026, with construction expected to wrap up by 2027, followed by landscaping. The Beltline's progress is part of a larger plan to revitalize and redevelop the city's abandoned rail corridors into functional public spaces.
FULL STORY: Atlanta Beltline adding new sections to Westside Trail, plans to develop abandoned rail corridor
Transit, or Schools?
Atlanta school leaders consider renegotiating a Tax Allocation District (TAD) agreement that was set up to help fund projects such as the Beltline, a 22-mile loop of transit, trails, parks and development around the city.
Trees Beautify Segment of Atlanta’s BeltLine
A local nonprofit planted 500 trees along a previously unimpressive segment of the bike and walking trail, creating an ‘instant forest’ effect.
How To Prevent ‘Green Gentrification’: Lessons from the BeltLine
For one author, the key is focusing on affordable housing from the start.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie