Mayor Andre Dickens has introduced a sweeping new plan called the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, pledging about $5.1 billion in investments for communities across south and west Atlanta. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
Why This Plan?
The mayor’s office says the initiative is a response to long-standing disinvestment in neighborhoods that haven’t received adequate infrastructure, economic support, or services. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta Dickens summarized it this way: “When a child thrives in Atlanta — Atlanta thrives.” WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
The effort targets areas including BeltLine, Perry Bolton, Hollowell / MLK, Eastside, Westside, Stadium, Campbellton, and Metropolitan. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
Funding Mechanism & Focus Areas
To finance this vision, the city plans to use Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) — essentially capturing future property tax gains in these neighborhoods and redirecting them toward public projects. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
Here’s how the $5.1B would be distributed:
| Area | Proposed Investment |
|---|---|
| Transit & Mobility | $1.9 billion WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta |
| Trails & Green Space | $1.5 billion WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta |
| Affordable Housing | $1.3 billion WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta |
| Health, Rec, Grocery | $170 million WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta |
| Small Business / Commercial | $88 million WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta |
| Public Infrastructure | $81 million WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta |
These combined “building blocks,” according to Dickens, aim to create neighborhoods where people live with dignity, move freely, engage with their environment, and grow. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
What the City Highlights & Past Wins
City officials point to recent progress, such as a 44% drop in homicides, $30 million invested in youth services and nonprofit support, and the creation of over 11,000 affordable housing units as foundations to build upon. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
The plan is designed to complement those gains—by reinforcing services, infrastructure, economic opportunity, and community well-being in neighborhoods that have historically lagged behind.
Questions & What to Watch
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Equity & displacement: Will rising property values push out longtime residents? The use of TADs makes it critical to balance investment with protections.
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Implementation timeline: This is a very large, multiyear plan, so how and when projects begin will be key.
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Support & partnerships: Success depends on cooperation with Fulton County, Atlanta Public Schools, local businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups.
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Measurement & accountability: The city will need strong tracking and transparency to show that investments are delivered fairly and on schedule.
(Photo by Derek White/Getty Images)
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