The Georgia Legislature starts its annual session with a new governor and a lot of new members. The city of Atlanta wants a couple of adjustments to state law, but that’s not all of interest to the city and its residents.
Atlanta is a city founded on transportation.
Railroads were the economic engines of Atlanta and the state. After the railroads, there were horsecars, streetcars, buses and pedestrian-filled streets that enabled the city’s growth.
After months of public meetings and a study by consultants, a group of Fulton leaders say it’s time to ask the state Legislature and voters for a half-penny sales tax to fund faster bus lines.
The folks who lead north and south Fulton met Thursday to hear about some scenarios for major transit builds — the first step in a plan that could mean billions in spending over decades meant to relieve traffic and connect people to jobs.
Atlantans will vote on several city and county offices in runoffs today, including the first new mayor in eight years. Check here for updates.
In the aftermath of a taxpayers’ revolt over a surge in many 2017 Fulton County home property tax bills, local government leaders are trying to figure out how to dodge the pitchforks and torches next time. A cap on home property tax increases could be part of the plan.
Transit in the Atlanta region is gaining traction.
As evidence, an incredible trip took place last Thursday and Friday with the state’s top transportation leaders and officials from Fulton County going to the Dallas region to take a focused look at possible transit options.
That took place two days after Georgia House Speaker David Ralston’s strong support for transit during his comments at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast on Jan. 10 – suggesting the state could be more supportive of transit.
