It’s thanks to the advocacy efforts of so many concerned Atlantans that we’ve been able to see policy wins like the prevention of drastic cuts to ATLDOT’s budget, installation of downtown bike lanes, and creation of a Fatal Crash Investigation Commission.

Despite facing a $13M budget cut, Councilmember Dustin Hillis introduced an ordinance to increase ATLDOT's budget by $12M, with $1M allocated to each district, focusing on resurfacing and safety improvements, including ADA repairs and crosswalk enhancements.

Let’s celebrate the success of the Central Ave pilot bike lane being installed sooner than expected!

Learn about the Fatal Crash Investigation Commission, approved June 20, 2023, and updates on zoning efforts for pedestrian safety!

The City’s FY 2024 general operating budget included a $13 million cut to the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) budget, despite our efforts to prevent it; but there is some good news. 

After hearing from Propel ATL and constituents, Councilmember Dustin Hillis introduced an ordinance to increase ATLDOT's operating budget by $12 million (with $1 Million to be spent in each council district). $3 million was transferred from the city’s reserves and $9 million in interest income from Atlanta’s 2015 General Obligation Public Improvement Infrastructure Series bond. 

The ordinance calls for funds to be used for resurfacing and safety improvements and states “all resurfacings shall include safety improvements where feasible, such as ADA repairs, sidewalk repairs/upgrades, sidewalk infill, crosswalk enhancements, and lane width reductions.” (We’ll cover the City’s recent settlement of a lawsuit based on the Americans with Disabilities Act after we receive the full settlement document.) Projects are to be selected by September 30, 2023.  

Thank you for supporting the creation of the Fatal Crash Investigation Commission approved on June 20, 2023. The commission is required to meet within 90 days of creation and we hope to have a seat at the table.

You may have read about advocacy efforts behind the downtown bike lanes and still been surprised to see sections of bike lanes on streets like Memorial Drive! The Central Ave pilot was a success from our POV, as bike lane protections being installed sooner than expected. 

As ATLDOT shared on social media July 19th, “the Downtown Resurfacing project continues! Crews have been installing permanent striping, K-71 bollards and wheel stops along the Central Avenue SW bike lane, delivering a more substantial delineation between cyclists and motorists.” 

The Zoning Review Board recommended approval of 2 out of 3 zoning updates proposed with the goal of improving pedestrian safety. 

Next, the ordinances go to the City Council Zoning Committee for consideration August 14th.