A new report from Philadelphia-based consultancy Econsult Solutions Inc. showcases the economic impact of Atlanta’s Beltline – and the numbers are staggering. According to the analysis, last year alone the Beltline generated $23 billion in economic output for Atlanta, with $31 million in tax revenue for the city and over $100 million to the state. Some 2.5 million people visit the path each year, it has created nearly 100,000 jobs, and it has attracted over $14 billion in private investments. And it’s not even complete – the south side trail is scheduled to open this summer, but the full 22-mile loop won’t be finished for several more years. So those eye-popping numbers are still RISING…
Atlanta, Fulton Co. square off in tax fight
The City of Atlanta has long used tax allocation districts (TADs) as an economic development tool, leveraging property tax increases to pay for local infrastructure projects. But the Fulton County Commission has slammed on the brakes, voting 4-1 to reject a proposed 30-year extension of Atlanta’s TADs. That sets up a major budgetary clash, as the Fulton TADs would be expected to generate over a billion dollars over that period. Now the county will vote on TADs on a case by case basis, with stricter oversight and enforcement, leaving Atlanta’s money faucet DRIFTING…
