Propel ATL is working to improve the streets for people walking, rolling or riding. This month the group released a draft of its annual list of policy recommendations to improve Atlanta infrastructure.

Each of the six recommendations from the nonprofit are open to public comment to determine what’s most important to the community. That feedback is used to make changes and guide policy priorities the organization will focus on in 2024.

Propel ATL executive director Rebecca Serna said increasing the ATL DOT budget to address pedestrian safety is one of the nonprofit's main short-term goals.

“The operating budget for the Department of Transportation in the city of Atlanta is what allows them to hire project managers so that they can actually build all those capital improvements that voters approved in 2022,” she said.

Projects for this year include also include calls for improving and expanding bus service, more robust biking networks, and traffic calming projects.

Serna said Propel ATL advocacy in 2016 helped establish ATL DOT and centralized the city’s infrastructure efforts. Now, the group is focusing on holding officials accountable on measures like Vision Zero, a goal adopted by Atlanta City Council in 2020 to bring pedestrian deaths down to zero.  

“We just want to push the city to really make sure this plan does not sit on a shelf, and it is implemented, it's funded and it's prioritized appropriately,” Serna said.

The public can find a form to leave feedback on the policy recommendations on the Propel ATL website.

Tags: Georgia  Public Policy  Atlanta  pedestrian safety  bicycles  transit