When people talk about Atlanta, a phrase gets thrown around a lot: “We full.” It’s shorthand for the rapid growth, the surging traffic, the sprawling development, and the overwhelming sense that our infrastructure isn’t keeping up with the city's needs. But are we really “full”? Or have we simply not planned for a future where everyone—residents, businesses, and visitors—can thrive? Sound familiar? We also tackled “We full” earlier this year when we advocated for a boost to Atlanta’s transportation budget.  This is where the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) comes in. Think of it as the blueprint for how a city like Atlanta evolves. It’s a tool to ensure we don’t just react to change but proactively shape our community in a way that works for everyone, today and tomorrow. Yet, like many plans, the CDP often gets shelved or outdated. As Atlanta’s growth struggles to meet the need of it’s growing population and continues to stretch our infrastructure thin, we must breathe new life into this essential planning process.

Traffic deaths are the leading cause of death of youth in the U.S. This preventable epidemic disproportionately affects people walking and biking, seniors, communities of color, and low-income communities. Over 44,000 people were killed in vehicle crashes in 2022. Millions more suffer life-altering injuries that destroy careers, strain income, and alter family relationships. These staggering numbers represent a dramatic increase over pre-pandemic numbers. Our roads are more dangerous than they’ve been in nearly two decades. The numbers keep rising.

We advocated for a safer Memorial Drive for years. This summer we celebrated work starting on a separated two-way bike/scoot lane. Despite the joy of seeing a highly useful new section of the network get underway, the project has had its challenges. This week we rode the corridor with Jeremy, a new bike commuter who won an e-bike at our Blinkie Awards earlier this year, to see how it’s working–and not working–for him.

Imagine a transit system where buses arrive on time, routes make sense, and everyone—regardless of income or location—can get to work, school, or a doctor’s appointment with ease. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the vision behind MARTA’s NextGen Bus Network Redesign. At Propel ATL, we’ve heard the stories. Riders stranded by late buses. Parents juggling work and childcare around unreliable service. Seniors and people with disabilities navigating inaccessible stops. For years, we’ve been listening, gathering input, and advocating for a bus network that works for everyone. Now, the time has come. After years of study and community feedback, a draft of MARTA’s NextGen Bus Network Redesign is rolling out, marking a potentially transformational moment for public transit in Atlanta.

Thousands of Atlantans rely on buses daily to get to work, school, and essential services. But behind every bus stop and route is a story—stories of missed connections, long waits, and hopes for a more reliable transit system. At Propel ATL, we’re gathering those stories, canvassing bus routes across the city to capture the voices of the people who depend on public transportation the most. Their insights are shaping the future of the bus network in Atlanta, and that’s why our work matters.

Propel ATL is pleased to announce it has received a $96,581.97 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) with federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The grant supports community education efforts to improve bicycle safety and reduce crashes and injuries of bikers and other vulnerable road users.