Atlanta’s success has always been tied to the strength of its communities, from the neighborhoods that fuel its culture to the workers who drive its economy. At Norfolk Southern, we’re proud that thousands of our employees call this city home. That’s why we invest millions of dollars each year in local organizations and initiatives to build a stronger civic foundation and expand opportunities for every community.
Giving With Purpose
Our community impact strategy centers on four focus areas—safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities—ensuring every investment delivers meaningful value where our employees and customers live and work.
In 2024 alone, NS contributed approximately $18.3 million to charitable organizations across our 22-state network, including nearly $7 million in the Atlanta area, empowering first responders, training future workers, and strengthening families. empowering first responders, training future workers, and strengthening families.
This approach is intentional. By aligning our giving with long-term civic priorities, we aim to address systemic challenges—not just for today, but for generations to come.
Creating Pathways to Opportunity
Atlanta has long been a hub of innovation, resilience, and opportunity. As with many growing urban centers, it faces challenges that require thoughtful, collaborative solutions. From expanding access to job training to addressing generational poverty, workforce development serves as a vital bridge between economic growth and equitable progress. That’s why NS prioritizes investments that build pipelines to opportunity—turning individual success stories into lasting community transformation.
One powerful example of this commitment is our partnership with City of Refuge, a transformative nonprofit serving Atlanta’s Westside. With a mission to guide individuals out of crisis through housing, healthcare, education, and job training, City of Refuge is changing lives—and NS is proud to help accelerate that impact.
Most recently, we partnered with City of Refuge to open a welding training center that equips locals with the technical skills needed for well-paying, sustainable careers in the skilled trades. In addition to a $350,000 grant to build the facility, experts from our Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough have provided guidance to design the space and continue to support the curriculum and certification process so participants graduate with industry-recognized welding credentials. By sharing the same resources we use to strengthen skilled trades within our own workforce, we’re helping extend those opportunities into the broader Atlanta community—delivering empowerment and long-term stability for participants and their families.
“Atlanta is experiencing remarkable growth, fueling construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects happening across the city and the broader metro region,” said Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge. “With that, there’s a critical need for skilled labor that is capable of carrying these projects to completion, especially as the old guard increasingly retires. Our new welding program will arm workers with the skills they need to thrive, supporting economic development and filling the labor gap. Many thanks to Norfolk Southern for seeing the value in this program and investing in our mission.”
At the center’s recent graduation ceremony, we witnessed firsthand the pride and excitement of students who see a future for themselves that once felt out of reach. Their stories embody why we invest in programs like this.
Alongside hands-on training and welding certification, participants receive comprehensive support through the City of Refuge’s wraparound services, including transportation assistance, career coaching, and job placement support. These resources help individuals overcome barriers to employment and open pathways to sustainable careers.
Extending Our Impact Across Atlanta
Our partnership with City of Refuge is part of a bigger effort to support resilience and opportunity across Atlanta. Whether it’s helping students access scholarships or working with local groups to improve neighborhood infrastructure, we’re focused on putting our resources where they can make the greatest difference.
- In March, at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, we donated $500,000 to support its expansion, adding galleries, educational spaces, and the new “Freedom Room” to foster civic dialogue.
- For the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we’ve contributed $450,000 during the last annual two Hunger Action Months in September and organized a month-long food drive at our headquarters. Together with employee volunteers, these efforts helped provide meals for families across Georgia and combat food insecurity in our region.
- Since 2023, we have contributed $1.5 million to the Atlanta Police Foundation, including a $1 million commitment in 2025 to sponsor the fire station at the new Public Safety Training Center, strengthening public safety resources for the city.
About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern and its predecessor companies have safely and sustainably moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a 22-state network delivering approximately 7 million carloads annually.
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“As with many growing urban centers, it faces challenges that require thoughtful, collaborative solutions”
Im not the least bit upset at your move, but lets be clear, Atlanta used to attract large businesses which addressed many of these issues. I can recall it. This is not a blame exercise, but facing reality.
All this “growth” has led to a city that many are simply avoiding when they can. Nebraska isn’t immune either, and there aren’t cranes on every corner of Lincoln. But yet UP wouldn’t dream of moving away. Facades don’t hold up well in the test of time.