The Beltline has approved its largest-ever budget, with $265.8 million funding the city’s emerald necklace as it speeds to a 2030 completion goal. Here’s a breakdown of the FY27 budget. Since 2023, the budget has steadily increased year over year – last year rang in at $242 million.
It represents the Beltline’s final stretch, as it gears up to build out the most complicated section of trail. CEO Clyde Higgs called it a “tremendous year” for the Beltline. Annually, the trail sees 2.5 million visitors.
He said over 60 percent are locals. “The public’s investment creates experiences that make the Beltline so special,” Higgs said. “With the world’s largest linear arboretum, the South’s largest outdoor temporary art exhibit, as well as programs supporting affordable housing, small businesses and more.” Finishing the city’s crown jewel This year’s budget has one key focus: design and construction.
The largest chunk of funds will go to actually finishing the 22-mile trail in time for the 2030 goal — $128 million, or roughly 48 percent — up 30 percent from last year’s budget. “Our team has a great record for managing budgets and timelines, which is why we’re on track to finish the Beltline by 2030,” Atlanta Beltline Inc. Chief Financial Officer Nino Maisuradze said.
“Investments in the next 12 months will focus on construction and land purchases that will complete the mainline trail.” The funds will pay for the largest and most complex Beltline project: Northeast Trail segment 3. It is the only piece of the Beltline without an existing railroad right-of-way. To build it out, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.
has purchased land along the planned trail path. The second-largest chunk will go to real estate, about 17 percent of the entire budget. This will also fund the Beltline’s ongoing acquisition of land for affordable housing.
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