Atlanta Beltline sets $242 million budget for 2026
Atlanta Beltline, Inc. approved a nearly $242 million budget for fiscal year 2026, with plans to push forward toward mainline trail completion and affordable housing housing goals by 2030.
According to a press release from ABI, the primary sources of funding for the trail are the Beltline Tax Allocation District (TAD), the Special Service District (SSD), philanthropic support, and local, state, and federal grants.
The Beltline TAD remains the primary funding mechanism, accounting for approximately $183.5 million — roughly 75% of the total budget.
The budget was approved by the ABI and Invest Atlanta board of directors.
The following are the top budget investments in the FY 2026 budget.
Mainline Trail Delivery, Design & Construction – $98.8 million
The Beltline continues its momentum to deliver nearly 18 miles of continuous paved trail ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 26. The deadline to finish all 22 miles of the Beltline and 11 miles of connector trails remains 2030.
Affordable Housing & Commercial Space – $40.6 million
Affordable housing and commercial space remain a Beltline priority, according to the press release. Funding includes approximately $17 million for buying property, predevelopment costs, due diligence, and down payment assistance programs with Invest Atlanta. The Beltline has reached 74% of its goal of creating or preserving 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030.
Real Estate – $56.3 million
Real estate investments focus on acquiring key trail-adjacent properties, including major parcels along the Northwest Trail – essential to achieving trail connectivity as well as supporting housing and commercial affordability.
Economic Development – $11.3 million
Funding will expand support for small businesses and the Beltline Marketplace program, along with the digital inclusion initiative to provide free public Wi-Fi and technology access in anticipation of the World Cup. Originally proposed under a $9 million federal grant, this effort will now be funded through TAD allocations.
Transit – $8.8 million
While actual transit on the Beltline remains “an evolving area of planning and discussion,” according to the press release, $8.8 million is being earmarked to support early-stage investments. Some of the allocated funding will go to consultant services to advance a new transit service plan, preliminary engineering and a 12-month pilot project for an autonomous shuttle connecting Atlanta University Center, MARTA West End Station and the Southwest Trail at Lee + White. The Beltline will also be evaluating potential alignments connecting the Southside Beltline to Downtown Atlanta.
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