The Atlanta Beltline—20 Years Later

The scope of the Atlanta Beltline's effect on the city has astounded most observers, including the person who came up with the idea first.

1 minute read

December 26, 2019, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Linear Parks

The Beltline, pictured in 2012. | Paris on Ponce & Le Maison Rouge / Flickr

It's been 20 years since Ryan Gravel turned in the master's thesis that would present the idea for the Atlanta Beltline for the first time.

"The project — or more correctly, a series of projects — has astounded even its biggest supporters, bringing more than $5 billion in investment so far. And there is no sign of slowing down," according to an article by Bill Torpy.

The main purpose of the article is for Torpy to check in with Gravel, referred to in the article as "The Beltline Guy," on the 20th anniversary of the thesis that first proposed the idea. For instance, Torpy asks Gravel what people want to know when they discover who he is. Gravel's reply: "They always end up talking about gentrification."

The article details the history of the project (extending back beyond the thesis, by the way) and the movement that built behind the idea

Monday, December 9, 2019 in Atlanta Journal-Constitution

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 4, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

Sun rising over downtown Los Angeles with tall palm trees visible in foreground. Image is bright orange-red indicating extreme heat.

LA County Creating Action Plan to Tackle Extreme Heat

Los Angeles County is creating a Heat Action Plan to help communities stay safe during extreme heat, with steps like adding more shade, improving buildings, and supporting the neighborhoods most at risk.

1 hour ago - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Small silver car driving over wide soeed cushion on asphalt road.

Maryland Plans Quick-Build Complete Streets Projects

The state will use low-cost interventions to improve road safety in five Maryland counties.

2 hours ago - Fox Baltimore

Nighttime view of downtown Los Angeles through arches of new 6th Street Viaduct.

Downtown Los Angeles Gears Up for Growth

A new report highlights Downtown L.A.’s ongoing revival through major housing projects, adaptive reuse, hospitality growth, and preparations for global events in the years ahead.

3 hours ago - Los Angeles Downtown News

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.