An investigative collaboration between the Georgia News Lab and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has produced a scathing critique of Atlanta Beltline Inc., the organization shepherding one of the nation's most ambitious public works projects.
Willoughby Mariano, Lindsey Conway, and Anastaciah Ondieki share the findings of an investigation by the Georgia News Lab and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution into the gap between intentions and reality on affordable housing connected to the Atlanta Beltline.
"Along with the ribbon of parks, trails and transit, Atlanta Beltline Inc. was supposed to create at least 5,600 affordable houses and apartments — a goal so important that City Council put it into law," according to the article. "But halfway to the Beltline’s scheduled completion, it has only funded 785 affordable homes, more than 200 of which remain under construction."
"At that rate, the Beltline, one of the nation’s most ambitious urban redevelopment projects, won’t meet its 2030 goal and rising housing costs may drive away more middle class residents," adds the article.
According to the investigation, some of the disappointing results with regard affordable housing are the fault of Atlanta Beltline Inc., the entity overseeing the planning and execution of the Atlanta BeltLine vision. To summarize, with more detail included in the source article:
Beltline Inc. kept units that it funded affordable for only a short time; decreased spending on affordable housing as the city entered its current housing crisis; and even passed up on millions of dollars of potential funds. The untapped funds were enough to more than double the project’s affordable housing budget, the investigation found.
FULL STORY: How the Atlanta Beltline broke its promise on affordable housing
Affordable Housing Funding Reaches New Heights for Beltline Neighborhoods
The city of Atlanta has allocated $11.9 million of its $45 million budget for the Beltline for affordable housing.
The Atlanta BeltLine Wants to Prevent Displacement of Longtime Residents. Is it Too Late?
A program to pay property-tax increases of nearby homeowners is welcome, but "about ten years too late," one advocate says.
Working to Include Equity Along the Atlanta BeltLine
The tax allocation district set up to capture development value created by the Atlanta BeltLine has fallen short of its intended goals for creating and preserving affordable housing.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.
Alberta’s Orphan Well Cleanup Plan Sparks Debate Over Use of Public Funds
Alberta’s upcoming plan to address nearly 80,000 abandoned oil wells has sparked controversy over the potential use of public funds, despite government claims that taxpayers won’t be footing the bill.
Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal for First Time
Solar and wind power generated close to a third of U.S. electricity supplies in 2024.
Pilot Project Offers E-Bike Rebates in New York State
The program will start in the Village of Ossining with plans to expand in the greater Hudson River region.
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.
Florida Atlantic University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland