Atlanta News

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This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Many in Georgia are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene last […]

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Have you ever dreamed of being a Supreme Court justice for the state of Georgia? Thankfully for you, submissions are now in session. The Supreme Court of Georgia announced on […]

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In a rare public address to the MARTA Board of Directors on March 13, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens laid out a number of recent issues between the city and transit agency — including a recent claim that MARTA owes $865,630 in taxpayer-funded More MARTA project costs instead of the $70 million found in a 2024 city […]

The post MARTA and Mayor hash out claim that MARTA owes $865k, not $70 million appeared first on SaportaReport.

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This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced it was firing nearly 50% of its workforce. In addition to the 1,300 people who were fired Tuesday, more than 600 others […]

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A line of storms will move into North and Central Georgia — including metro Atlanta — on Saturday and Sunday with hail, damaging winds and tornadoes possible, according to the […]

City: Downtown streetcar will extend to Eastside Trail—but not in it Josh Green Fri, 03/14/2025 - 12:21 Following Thursday’s bombshell revelation that city and Beltline leadership have no intention of building light-rail transit on the popular Eastside Trail in coming years, the same officials stressed that streetcar expansions could very much be in Atlanta’s future—and to high-density places not previously included in plans.  

Those extended streetcar routes could reach the Beltline corridor near Krog Street Market as previously planned—but streetcars would stop there, and not slink up the Eastside Trail, per city officials. 

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens in a Thursday meeting with MARTA’s Board of Directors relayed for the first time unequivocally that city leaders were shifting focus away from the Eastside Trail after years of planning for an estimated $230-million light-rail system there. MARTA’s plans for a five-stop route to Ponce City Market—unveiled two and ½ years ago—outraged some naysayers but lent hope for many Atlantans that city leaders might finally embrace new rail in walkable, densely populated places. 

Dickens told MARTA leadership a southside Beltline transit system in conjunction with MARTA would better serve the city, and that project leaders will focus on improving the current Atlanta Streetcar and branching it into Southwest Atlanta’s Beltline corridor via a connection at Murphy Crossing.  

On Thursday evening, Dickens' office issued a media release calling that strategy—and others—a “transformative plan for equitable access to transit” that would help “to build a local economy that works for all Atlantans.” The city has consistently been ranked as the country’s worst for income equality over the past decade, including again this month, city officials pointed out. 

So what could equity look like, in terms of light-rail expansion?

The stop nearest to the Beltline corridor in Old Fourth Ward, as shown in 2022 visuals. Kimley-Horn/MARTA 2040; via Vimeo

According to the mayor’s office, plans call for public engagement in coming months as city and Beltline leaders move forward in different (or revised) directions. In the words of city officials, a beefed-up downtown streetcar system would look like this: 

• “Finally connecting downtown to the Beltline via the Streetcar East Extension... at grade at Irwin Street NE in Phase I of streetcar/light rail construction; 

• Advancing the Streetcar West Extension to connect downtown to [Atlanta University Center] and/or Georgia Tech in Phase II;

• Utilizing dedicated [right-of-way] on the Southside Trail to connect Southwest and Southeast Atlanta with world-class streetcar/light-rail service—accelerating the construction of [four previously] announced infill stations” for MARTA’s heavy-rail lines. 

Last night we asked city officials for clarity on a couple of points—for example, would the Streetcar East Extension be a looping route, or would streetcars essentially reach the Beltline via Irwin Street and turn back on the same rail line?—but have yet to hear back. 

We’ve also inquired about ballpark construction timelines for any of the streetcar extension initiatives outlined by the city late Thursday. 

Where the Atlanta Streetcar would branch off its current loop along Edgewood Avenue, per plans revealed in 2022. Kimley-Horn/MARTA 2040; via Vimeo

Broader goals for the revised approach to light-right expansion would be to reduce poverty, boost graduation rates, increase MARTA ridership, and improve access to affordable housing for a larger swath of Atlanta’s population, per the city.  

Below are statements provided by key players in the light-rail expansion plans, lightly edited for length: 

Mayor Dickens:

“A thriving transit system is more than just buses and trains—it is about creating walkable, connected communities where people can live, work, and play near high-quality transit. MARTA has a substantial amount of high-value real estate holdings that can be leveraged to accomplish this… We need to ensure that our stations serve as hubs of economic activity, housing, and retail that benefit all Atlantans—particularly in historically underserved neighborhoods.”

Jennifer Ide, MARTA Board chair:

“I was excited to hear the mayor's plan to create equitable transit solutions throughout the city. By building transit-oriented communities, we can connect our neighbors across the city and secure MARTA's future as a world-class transit agency.”

Courtney English, the mayor’s chief policy officer and senior advisor:

“Just last week, Atlanta was once again ranked dead last for income equality. Sustained inequity is bad for people, bad for business, and jeopardizes the future health of the city. By bringing rail to Atlanta's Southside Trail, we connect transit-dependent riders to the necessary amenities they need to live choice-filled lives.”

Clyde Higgs, Atlanta Beltline president and CEO:

“Without frequent, accessible, and affordable transit, [underserved] communities face significant barriers to economic mobility and daily necessities… Investing in transit on the Southside section of the Beltline also helps address broader regional challenges, including traffic congestion, air quality, and workforce accessibility.  A more connected Atlanta strengthens the entire city, creating a more inclusive and resilient transportation network that benefits all Atlantans.” 

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The stop nearest to the Beltline corridor in Old Fourth Ward, as shown in 2022 visuals. Kimley-Horn/MARTA 2040; via Vimeo

Where the Atlanta Streetcar would branch off its current loop along Edgewood Avenue, per plans revealed in 2022. Kimley-Horn/MARTA 2040; via Vimeo

The 2022 route shown with Portman Holdings' mixed-use development The Junction on Krog over the Beltline.Kimley-Horn/MARTA 2040; via Vimeo

Closer look at the legend outlining proposed extension components, as revealed by MARTA in 2022. MARTA 2040

Current plans for the in-street portion of the Atlanta Streetcar extension (with alternate bike lane plans in dotted green and track alignment in yellow). MARTA 2040

Subtitle Westward extension could also link to Georgia Tech, Atlanta University Center, per project leaders

Neighborhood Old Fourth Ward

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From WABE Politics News:

Leading the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services presents a “monumental opportunity” to make the country healthier, Dr. Mehmet Oz told senators Friday at his confirmation hearing. President Donald Trump’s […]

Arts Atlanta:

Back for a third year, Out on Film’s spring mini-fest offers a lineup of five films, including comedy, drama and documentary, screening March 17 to March 19.  “As we embark into Out on Film’s 38th year during these contentious times, I remain resolved in our commitment to bring exciting, moving and diverse LGBTQIA+ stories to...

From the Atlanta Tribune:

The Atlanta Hawks and Georgia Power recently teamed up to provide career training and insight for U.S. military veterans. S.M.I.L.E. (Southern Hospitality, Make a Moment, Individuals Matter, Listen and Learn, and Empowerment) was a five-hour training session where veterans were offered career skills, job interview tips, and salary negotiations. The Hawks and Georgia Power collaboration […]

The post Atlanta Hawks, Georgia Power Provide Career Training For Veterans At S.M.I.L.E. Event appeared first on Atlanta Tribune.

From the Atlanta Tribune:

BDR Black is more than just a clothing line—it’s a movement centered around breaking fashion norms, providing versatile and stylish pieces, and supporting a community of individuals who embrace persistence and resilience. With a focus on quality and a clear vision, the brand continues to thrive, reshaping how we approach everyday fashion and paving the […]

The post Brian Robinson of BDR Black Talks Atlanta’s Fashion Movement appeared first on Atlanta Tribune.

From the Atlanta Tribune:

March 15 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm All the Way Live All the Way Live II Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA, United States PreviousEvents Today

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From WABE Local News:

Are you a lucky winner of a gift card? Maybe you have a surprise IRS refund waiting, or you need to click a link to verify your bank account. You […]

From WABE Arts and Culture News:

A memorial service was planned for Friday near Atlanta for Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, who was killed in a car crash south of Montgomery, Alabama. The cargo van she […]

From WABE Politics News:

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock went live on social media this week where the Georgia Democrat spent roughly 35 minutes answering questions from voters. On this week’s episode of “Plugged In,” […]

From the Atlanta Daily World:

  March 15 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm All the Way Live All the Way Live II Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA, United States PreviousEvents Today

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From the Atlanta Daily World:

Photo: Getty Images An Elon Musk-run facility is releasing dangerous air pollution in South Memphis, putting the lives of families in predominately Black neighborhoods at risk, per the Southern Environment Law Center. According to Black Enterprise, residents have started a petition to remove Musk’s xAI facility from Memphis, alleging environmental racism. “This facility is going … Continued

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From the Atlanta Daily World:

Photo: Getty Images North America A Democratic lawmaker made sure to say Breonna Taylor’s name on the fifth anniversary of her death. On Thursday (March 13), Kentucky Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D) honored Taylor on the House Floor in Washington D.C., five years after she was killed by Lousville officers during a botched, no-knock raid of … Continued

The post ‘Say Her Name’: Breonna Taylor Honored On House Floor 5 Years After Killing appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From the Saporta Report:

When he’s not playing spy, George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) likes to spend his free time fishing.  A little ways through “Black Bag,” Steven Soderbergh’s sleek, sexy spy thriller, George takes fellow British intelligence agent James Stokes (Regé-Jean Page) on one of his afternoon fishing trips. James may have information that George needs, so here “fishing” is really […]

The post ‘Black Bag’ is a sleek, sexy take on marital espionage appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Atlanta Daily World:

The Trump administration has stalled at least $60 million in funding intended largely for affordable housing developments nationwide, throwing hundreds of projects into a precarious limbo, according to information and documents obtained by The Associated Press The move is part of a flurry of funding freezes, staffing cuts and contract cancellations by the Trump administration … Continued

The post Trump Administration Throws Hundreds of Affordable Housing Projects Into Limbo After Contract Cuts appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, has reacquired the textured hair care brand from L’Oréal USA in a deal for an undisclosed amount. Stay in the know. Sign up for our newsletter! Get your daily dose of community news, info, events, exclusive deals and more Price is partnering with an unnamed independent beauty entrepreneur who, according to L’Oréal USA, has a proven track record of … Continued

The post Carol’s Daughter Founder Lisa Price Reclaims her Legacy appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Over 450 Expected to Join the Council for Quality Growth Next Wednesday, March 19 The Council for Quality Growth, in partnership with Clayton County Government, will host the 2025 State of Clayton County Address on March 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the Georgia International Convention Center. The lunch program, presented by the Georgia International Convention Center and Geosam … Continued

The post Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry to Deliver First State of Clayton County Address appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From WABE Local News:

Four years ago this Sunday, on March 16, 2021, a shooter killed eight people at a massage parlor and two spas in Atlanta. Six of the victims were Asian women. […]

From WABE Local News:

Jessica Johnson says that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. However, she understands how the number of steps can be […]

BREAKING: Atlanta mayor yanks support for eastside Beltline streetcar Josh Green Thu, 03/13/2025 - 15:22 In a surprising turn of events, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens today indicated the city is shifting priorities from building out a light-rail system on the most popular Beltline section to instead focus on transit in other parts of town. 

Dickens told MARTA’s Board of Directors during a transit meeting today that a southside Beltline transit system in conjunction with MARTA would better serve the city than downtown’s current streetcar branching to the Eastside Trail, and then on to Ponce City Market, according to WSB-TV. 

Another focus would be improving the current streetcar system and extending it into Southwest Atlanta, with a connection at the Beltline’s planned Murphy Crossing development. 

Courtney English, chief policy officer and senior advisor to the mayor, told the AJC the city remains committed to building rail in the Beltline corridor but not with the eastside strategy that’s been planned—and hotly debated—for several years. 

MARTA officials had estimated the streetcar extension project along the Eastside Trail to Ponce City Market would cost roughly $230 million. The transit agency’s forecasts called for breaking ground late this year and beginning fare service sometime in 2028. 

Transit-rich future for the Beltline's Southside Trail? Atlanta BeltLine Inc.

Early reactions

Walter Brown, president of Better Atlanta Transit, which has lobbied against rail-based transit in the Eastside Trail corridor, provided the following statement in the wake of Dickens’ comments to MARTA officials: 

“Congratulations to Mayor Dickens for making the wise and courageous decision to defund the expensive, unnecessary, and inequitable Streetcar Extension East. It’s clear that the $3 billion Beltline rail loop would do nothing to address Atlanta’s actual transit needs and that it would detract from the enormous success of the Beltline. 

The Streetcar Extension would have gobbled up hundreds of millions of precious More MARTA dollars for a rail stub serving primarily wealthy eastside neighborhoods. That money will be better spent on transit TO the Beltline, such as the mayor’s proposed infill stations, and on transit that serves ridership demand in less well-healed neighborhoods, such as the Hollowell Parkway-North Avenue Bus-Rapid Transit line. 

We urge Atlanta Beltline Inc. to use this opportunity to leverage the Beltline’s success as an Emerald Necklace of trails and parks that has already connected neighborhoods and spurred economic growth. The Beltline trail is a wildly successful micromobility corridor. ABI must do more to nurture this asset. One place to start would be to examine the possibility of building a separate path for pedestrians along the most crowded stretches of the trail.”

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Regarding the matter of Beltline transit and the mayor’s opinion, Matthew Rao, Beltline Rail Now chair, provided Urbanize Atlanta with the following transcript of his statement to MARTA’s board: 

“Today you heard from Mayor Dickens and Courtney English about the administration’s changed priorities for building rail on the Beltline, nearly a year after pausing this project in final design with a $13-million contract approved unanimously by this board. 

We heard a brilliant presentation by English characterizing one of the principal pillars upon which Beltline rail as a cornerstone of the Beltline project is based—and that is equity. But that presentation for all its luster leaves much to the imagination and ignores certain realities. 

English drew a line from Northwest to Southeast and suggested that statistics show that the income divide is along that line. He is right to do so. The entire Beltline project and its transit component are based on equity. And while income inequality is represented by that line, so is the prosperity divide. The opportunity that exists on one side of that line does not exist on the other today, and delaying connection to the Eastside Trail with a thought of one day connecting the southwest side will not help move the equity needle, not in the short term nor in the long-term. The Peachtree Center MARTA station that exists now can get you to the Beltline at Ponce City Market in 15 to 20 minutes, if we adopt reasonable fixes to the downtown streetcar. We have the density and precursors for ridership success there. 

The fact is, you stand ready to deliver a project in revenue service in three years that crosses that equity divide. That’s a fact. You will be blamed for a failure to show progress if you delay —not the mayor. He will be long gone when those projects happen. What are you going to do now? 

We have met with your staff and are confident that they want to deliver a world-class project and that they can, if given the chance. Our impression is that MARTA is eager. It is City Hall that wants to take your eyes off the ball and then let you take the fall. 

To start over yet again would waste your progress and millions of dollars. And we would not get rail transit in three years but more like seven to 10. That not only represents a delay, but also a fabulous waste of money—and a delay in the point when people can access the thousands of jobs, the recreational, and health and shopping opportunities that already exist, and are only growing more rapidly in that corridor. 

It also puts pressure on developers to continue to increase the problem English identified, which is the city of cars choking on traffic based on large amounts of parking in every development to make them economically viable. 

The antidote was always planned—and that is Beltline rail. 

And by starting later somewhere else and one day, hopefully coming back around to where we already are, we will not deliver on that promise. And it will have been too late. We urge you to continue with [a streetcar extension eastward] on the Beltline and to move forward and enact the program that English proposed for Southside rail in due time when it is ready and it can be paid for. 

You have collected nearly $700 million in taxes and spent nearly eight years doing it. It’s time to show progress today and not someday, halfway into the 40-year program. With your leadership, collaboration and cooperation with this and future mayors, there must be away forward from where we are now that does not mean sidelining Beltline rail yet again.”

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Subtitle City feels southside is more logical option for transit alternative

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