Theresa Austin-Gibbons

The session focused on providing updates for the Northwest Trail Segments 1 and 5. The presentation included a general overview of the Atlanta Beltline's vision, which encompasses transit programs, significant housing and economic development goals, green space creation, environmental cleanup, and public art initiatives. Specific discussions detailed Segment 1 construction, which involves working with the CSX rail corridor, utilizing a suspension bridge to cross Peachtree Creek, and minimizing footprint through elevated structures. Updates for Segment 5 detailed its route through Blandtown, involving higher-impact roadway work, corridor work, and the planned connection to Northwest Trail Segment 4. Construction timelines and zone-specific progress for both segments were reviewed, including soil remediation, grading, paving, and installation of lighting and cameras.

The community meeting provided updates on three key areas: Chappell Road Redevelopment, Westside Trail Segment 4 construction, and Westside Park improvements. Updates for Westside Trail Segment 4 covered progress across several sub-sections, noting that infrastructure work is largely complete, with remaining tasks including the installation of handrails and final landscaping/planting scheduled for November. For Westside Park, the discussion focused on the 30% design status for the mountain bike and pump track area, which includes a new bioswell installation to address flooding, new asphalt for pedestrian and fitness trails, and the design of bike trails geared towards beginner and intermediate users. The 425 Chapel Road property redevelopment update aimed to develop a plan reflecting community input gathered from previous meetings.

The meeting covered operational updates and community initiatives. Discussions included providing technical assistance information for meeting difficulties and soliciting feedback via a quarterly briefing survey. Key updates involved the Atlanta Beltline Community Engagement Cohort and the review of the feasibility of a new docked bike share system by the Atlanta Department of Transportation. Project updates detailed construction progress on various trail segments, including the opening of Northwest Trail segment five and expected completion timelines for Northeast Trail segment three, Northwest Trail segment 3B, Segments four and five, Northwest Trail segment one, Northwest Trail segment 4A, and the Southside Trail segments two and three, which aims to complete the 22-mile loop. Housing policy emphasized the mandate to create or preserve 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030, noting 4,425 units have been created or preserved within the TAD, with additional units delivered outside the TAD. Specific development projects highlighted included 579 Garson Drive and 350 Chapel Road, both receiving LIHTC funding, and ongoing procurements for 425 Chapel Road and 356 University Avenue. Updates on Oakland City's Murphy Crossing development and the Oakland Exchange redevelopment project were also provided. Economic development focused on supporting local businesses through the Beltline Business Ventures Artist Edition program, the industry agnostic accelerator's sixth cohort, a business breakfast focusing on World Cup readiness, the Local Developer Incentive Fund, and a small business pitch competition awarding $150,000 in grants. Additionally, progress on the digital access and smart corridor strategy leveraging fiber infrastructure to address the digital divide was reviewed.

The session served as a quarterly briefing to provide updates on current activities and projects at the Atlanta Beltline. Key discussions included an overview of the organization's vision for equitable and inclusive city life, updates on trail construction, noting that approximately 85% of the Beltline Trail is anticipated to be under construction or completed within the next 12 to 18 months. The briefing also covered efforts in affordable housing, including a partnership for affordable units near the Westside Trail, and introduced new team members. Updates on the trail network detailed progress on the Northeast Trail, Southside Trail segments (including deconstruction of old abutments and planning for a pedestrian bridge over I20), the Westside Trail (noting the first concrete pour), and the Northwest Trail (highlighting a planned suspension bridge over Peachtree Creek). Furthermore, progress on streetscape improvements on Ponce and projects along Ralph David Abernathy were reviewed. A significant portion of the discussion focused on Beltline Transit, emphasizing its role in future regional growth and providing year-round access regardless of weather or mode of travel.

This report details the 2025 end-of-year results, highlighting achievements in capital investment, community development, small business support, and housing initiatives. It covers substantial financial investments, projects in disinvested neighborhoods, job creation through business development, and success in affordable housing and homeownership programs, while also noting high client satisfaction and employee engagement.