Propel ATL Advocates for an Over 2% Increase in Atlanta’s Transportation Budget

When the crowds filled the streets in Atlanta on Sunday, May 19, 2024, for the Atlanta Streets Alive event, a hidden story was unfurling. The city’s specimen of vehicular transportation and management, the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT), is embroiled in a controversy regarding the recent proposed budget. A local organization, Propel ATL, has sparked a conversation to address the state of the city’s transportation management finances.

Propel ATL Raises the Issue

Propel ATL, an active voice in Atlanta’s transportation community, is calling on city leaders to significantly increase the proposed budget of ATLDOT. The proposal currently entails a nominal 2% increase in the Department’s budget. However, Propel ATL, as voiced by their executive director, Rebecca Serna, maintains that this is insufficient given the inflation rate. The meager increase not only does little to contribute to Atlanta’s development, but it also fails to rectify the funding cuts from the previous year.

Comparing with other Major Cities

As Serna put it, such sparse funding is glaringly at odds with the financial provisions other major cities have allocated for their respective transportation departments. Propel ATL argues that to make Atlanta’s infrastructure more robust and on par with other major cities, it is necessary for local city leaders to consider a budget increase greater than 2%.

Plans for Additional Funding

Rebecca Serna also shared the organization’s aspirations for the additional funding during the Monday’s edition of “Closer Look.” Their vision includes enhancing public transport, improving and expanding biking routes, and pedestrian infrastructure. This would, in turn, foster safety and encourage a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation.

Communities’ Response

While city leaders continue to mull over Propel ATL’s proposal, a few remarkable events related to transportation and community engagement took place in Atlanta. An Atlanta-based guaranteed income program has expanded to offer more assistance to Black women, indicating the city’s progressive strides at inclusion. Additionally, the Atlanta airport MARTA station reopened its doors after a significant $55 million renovation. Back in Woodstock, the Dixie Speedway welcomed back ardent fans and fast cars, indicating a slow return to normalcy and a resilient spirit in the community.

Looking Forward

With the spotlight turned to the funding issue, it remains to be seen how city leaders will respond. It also opens avenues for discussions surrounding transportation and infrastructure needs in a post-pandemic world where social distancing and safe travel are key. Undoubtedly, the outcome of these conversations will have a profound impact on Atlanta’s future growth and development.

Join the Movement

Residents of Atlanta looking to support the call for an increased transportation budget have several ways to contribute. Becoming a sustaining member, joining Cornerstone society, or joining Passport for PBS onDemand are just a few possibilities to invest in the city’s transportation future.