An Atlanta streetcar approaches from the left with various buildings in the background and a bright blue sky above.

ThreadATL is a non-profit advocacy group that aims to influence policy

We encourage residents to take Jane Jacobs’ advice and “get into the thick of the planning job” in their own communities.

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Delve deeper into the heart of our mission with these focused explorations of ThreadATL's key advocacy areas. Each section below unfolds to reveal the strategies, projects, and community-driven efforts we're undertaking to transform Atlanta into a model of innovative urbanism and inclusive growth.

From shaping policy to empowering neighborhoods, these are the pillars of our work. Click through to discover more about our initiatives and learn how you can be part of this exciting journey towards a vibrant, equitable Atlanta.

  • Explore our efforts to influence urban planning and policy decisions in Atlanta. From promoting pedestrian-friendly streets to advocating for sustainable public transit options, discover how we're working to ensure that urban development benefits all residents. Learn about our latest campaigns and how policy changes can create a more equitable and vibrant city.

  • Uncover the power of community involvement in shaping the future of our city. ThreadATL facilitates workshops, town hall meetings, and participatory planning sessions to encourage active citizen participation. Find out how you can join our efforts to make your voice heard in the planning process and contribute to the development of your neighborhood.

  • Delve into our initiatives aimed at balancing growth with heritage in Atlanta. We advocate for development that respects our city's history, supports affordable housing, and enhances livability. Discover our stance on issues like land hoarding, property abandonment, and the push for diverse housing options and right-sized retail to meet community needs.

  • Learn about our vision for a more connected Atlanta, where transportation options are abundant and accessible. We challenge the traditional reliance on cars, advocating for a comprehensive network of bike lanes, pedestrian paths, and public transit that caters to the diverse needs of our residents. Join the conversation on how we can transform Atlanta's mobility landscape.

  • Discover how ThreadATL is championing the integration of green spaces and environmental sustainability into urban planning. From advocating for the expansion of public parks to promoting green building practices, find out how we're working towards a greener Atlanta. Learn how you can support initiatives that enhance our city's resilience to climate change and improve the quality of life for all inhabitants.

News & Updates

Featured
Hiding in Plain Sight: How the "Phoenix Line" Could Transform Atlanta Transit
Hiding in Plain Sight: How the "Phoenix Line" Could Transform Atlanta Transit

Meet the Phoenix Line: a proposed transit line for Atlanta that converts existing, underutilized freight railroad tracks into a high-capacity passenger transit corridor. Guest post by Nick Durham.

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Turning plans for transit into action on I-20
Turning plans for transit into action on I-20

Years worth of transit studies for this east–west corridor have yet to bring relief to its under-served communities. A new analysis of those ideas, spearheaded by guest author Zachary Starbuck, aims to help turn them into projects that get built.

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MARTA rail has limited reach, but we can improve what we have
MARTA rail has limited reach, but we can improve what we have

The combo of suburban sprawl and a compromised rail plan has worked to limit the reach of MARTA rail for Atlanta’s regional residents, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a brighter future for the rail that exists.

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From our Instagram

It's concerning that MARTA *hopes* to have all fare gates installed by September. The rollout of the new gates has been frustrating, particularly with glass doors breaking & being stuck open. Nonetheless, don't let that detract from the fact that *MARTA needs more funding*. People will use these delays and problems to argue that MARTA is using money unwisely and therefore shouldn't have more funding. Nope. Many problems are likely influenced by the fact that MARTA is the largest U.S. transit system to get zero state funds for operations. On a more positive note, big thanks to Patrick Quinn at @atlantanewsfirst for sharing these updates from the MARTA meeting today, and for covering these kinds of stories.
Ugh...this is beyond ridiculous. Mayor Dickens needs to answer for this. Using money from the Affordable Housing Fund to promote the renewal of Tax Allocation Districts for the NRI is bad enough. The fact that paid advocates didn't identify themselves in public meetings makes it worse. Great work from Atlanta Community Press Collective (support your local journalists!). @atlpresscollective "Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ administration has spent more than $370,000 on marketing and communications consultants for his Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, including at least $100,000 from the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, an account intended to support affordable housing initiatives." "Records indicate that several consultants who were paid with city funds to support the initiative also publicly advocated for it—speaking at meetings, appearing in city videos and posting on social media—without disclosing their financial ties to the city."
We've sent an email to Councilmember Wayne Martin asking for help with making this deadly section of GDOT's Campbellton Road in District 11 safer for all. --- Councilmember Martin, Here's the section of Campbellton Road where a cyclist was killed in a collision with a delivery truck driver this morning. Surely there's enough room for a protected bike path here. This is a GDOT route in the Atlanta city limits, inside your District 11. The road is brazenly styled like a race track for cars despite the presence of MARTA bus stops, pedestrians, destinations, and of course cyclists -- all in need of safer places. Please speak with GDOT about this road design so that we can make it safer for all. https://www.wsbradio.com/news/local/cyclist-struck-killed-southwest-atlanta/KXVBIFHLN5HJLBGNR5CXE6OPYY/ ---

The Vision:

Thoughtful Urbanism, Street by Street.

Explore How We're Crafting a More Livable, Accessible, and Inclusive Atlanta Through Community-Led Planning and Advocacy.

Advocating for Progressive Urban Policies:

ThreadATL actively engages with city officials and community leaders to promote policies that prioritize sustainable urban development, transit solutions tailored to community needs, and equitable housing opportunities.

An Atlanta road filled with people of various ages on bicycles, with tall buildings in the distant background.

Empowering Community Engagement

We believe in the power of resident involvement in shaping the future of their neighborhoods. By encouraging Atlantans to take a proactive role in planning processes, we aim to ensure that development reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of its communities.

Championing Smart Development and Preservation

ThreadATL is dedicated to promoting development that respects Atlanta's rich history while meeting the demands of its growing population. We advocate for mixed-use developments, affordable housing solutions, and the preservation of historic sites.