On Tuesday, May 21, Atlanta residents voiced their support for safer streets and better transportation options at the City Council’s public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget. The proposed budget fails to repair a paralyzing cut the administration made last year and doesn’t even keep up with inflation, adding just a 2% increase for the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT).

On Monday, we discussed this critical issue on Closer Look with Rose Scott on WABE. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Urbanize Atlanta have also covered the transportation budget shortfall.

Quick background

In recent years, Atlanta residents have voted in favor of several bond packages and a capital fund to build and improve our city’s transportation infrastructure. But we have yet to see attendant increases in ATLDOT staffing, and now the budget has been effectively slashed. (This year's budget is technically an increase, but in reality, due to inflation, it’s not.) 

More on Atlanta’s transportation budget shortfall and the changes we’re calling for. 

More below on what city council members and residents had to say. But first!

Keep the pressure on

Contact your city council member...

...and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

Mayor Dickens will vote to approve or veto the budget on Wednesday, June 12.

Residents speak out at public hearing on the budget, May 21

Thanks to everyone who came out to the hearing!

City Council members question proposed transportation budget, May 9

Council member and Transportation Committee Chair Byron Amos (District 3):
“I am disappointed with this budget.”

Council member Marci Collier Overstreet (District 11):
“The truth is we are here today in large numbers, more than any other budget session, because this is the most important thing…and what our residents are actually calling us about on a regular basis.”

Council member Alex Wan (District 6):
“I’m not convinced your budget ask is going to really help move the needle.” 

Link to full ATLDOT presentation

Full City Council budget briefing (May 9)

Atlanta budget shortfall in the news

Propel ATL Executive Director Rebecca Serna on Closer Look with Rose Scott, WABE:
“We hear about it from neighbors across the city: Everyone wants safer streets for their kids and for their family members. They want to be able to get around however they choose and not be forced to own a car and to drive.”

Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
“Rebecca Serna, executive director of nonprofit PropelATL, said that the millions approved by voters two years ago to enhance transportation infrastructure around the city is a unique opportunity to speed up projects — but that can’t happen without the manpower to do it.

“‘We do have all this capital money. And there’s so much demand from communities for traffic calming, even really basic things, across the city in every neighborhood,’ she said. ‘There is significant money to build safer streets, but we really need the people in place.’”