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Atlanta Commits $242 Million for FIFA World Cup Infrastructure

Development of the Atlanta Beltline trail

News Summary

Atlanta has announced a $242 million budget aimed at enhancing its landscape and infrastructure in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The budget includes significant allocations for the Beltline trail development, affordable housing, transit studies, and local business support. With 76% of the budget funded by the Beltline Tax Allocation District, the city aims to complete 18 miles of the trail by the World Cup. Investments also focus on infrastructure improvements to elevate the city’s profile as it gears up to host eight matches during the tournament.

Atlanta has announced a significant financial commitment to enhance its landscape and infrastructure as it prepares to host the FIFA World Cup next summer. The Atlanta Beltline, Inc. has approved a $242 million budget for the fiscal year 2026, with the goal of advancing the development of the city’s 22-mile trail loop.

Of the total budget, approximately $183.5 million—or about 76%—will be funded through the Beltline Tax Allocation District (TAD), which serves as the primary funding mechanism for the project. Within this budget, $99 million is allocated for the design and construction of the Beltline trail, with an ambitious target of completing 18 miles of the trail before the World Cup.

The budget also prioritizes affordable housing, designating $40 million for projects designed to create or preserve affordable housing options in areas along or adjacent to the Beltline. This is part of a broader plan aimed at achieving the goal of preserving or creating 5,600 affordable housing units by the year 2030, with current progress sitting at 74%.

In addition to trail development and housing, about $9 million will be allocated for studies relating to transit options, including the possible addition of trains along the southside trail. Furthermore, an $11.3 million investment aims to support local businesses and expand public Wi-Fi access along the Beltline, enhancing the overall experience for visitors and residents alike.

Investments in real estate are also a focus, with $56.3 million dedicated to acquiring land near the trail to enrich connectivity and create affordable living spaces. To further innovate transit solutions, the budget sets aside $8.8 million for early planning and engineering efforts, which includes a pilot project for an autonomous shuttle system. This pilot will connect key points such as the Atlanta University Center and the MARTA West End Station, supported by a $1.75 million grant.

The Beltline budget also includes $3.2 million for planning and community engagement initiatives, which will encompass arts programming and cultural events, such as the Atlanta Beltline Arts exhibition and the Lantern Parade. President and CEO Clyde Higgs indicated that the completion rate of the trail is expected to increase from 30% to around 85% by the end of FY2026, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing this iconic urban project.

With the FIFA World Cup set to take place over 39 days, Atlanta is poised to host eight matches, providing considerable economic growth opportunities and elevating the city’s profile on an international stage. The momentum leading to the tournament has already seen nearly 130,000 hotel rooms booked in the area.

To underpin the upcoming events, the city has set plans to invest around $120 million in infrastructure improvements, focusing on enhancing streetscapes and lighting. There is a concerted effort to ensure that most of the Beltline’s trails are fully operational by the time the World Cup arrives.

This substantial budget reflects Atlanta’s proactive approach to merging urban development with community needs and global events, aiming to create lasting benefits for the neighborhoods surrounding the Beltline while preparing for the influx of visitors during the world-renowned soccer event.