There appears to be a fatal flaw in the way MARTA approaches its budget process. It sure looks like the current proposal would guarantee a $1 billion shortfall & prevent Atlanta from tapping into billions of federal funds that ultimately decide what gets built.

We sincerely hope we're wrong.

But if we're not, BRN is asking MARTA staff and board of directors to make sure the budget is fixed before being approved. (Read the full article for a breakdown of the math.)

If you think it's difficult to navigate around Atlanta now, just wait. Continuing to spend capital-expansion funds on operations would pretty much guarantee things get much worse for every man, woman & child in the metro area.

The second of two public hearings for the proposed FY2024 budget will take place Thursday, 5/18, both online and at MARTA headquarters. A "community exchange" is set to start at 6 p.m. See information from MARTA below.

Dear Valued Stakeholder: 
 
MARTA welcomes all our customers and other interested stakeholders to attend upcoming public hearings about the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Operating and Capital Budget. We welcome all questions and comments as part of our ongoing commitment to fiscal transparency and responsibility.
 
You are invited to attend these budget hearings.
 
IN PERSON & VIRTUAL
 
WHAT:            Proposed FY 2024 Operating and Capital Budget public hearing

WHEN:           Thursday, May 18
                       7 p.m. (Community Exchange – 6 p.m.)
 
WHERE:         MARTA Headquarters
                        2424 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324
                        Visit: www.itsmarta.com to join virtually
                        Webinar ID: 865 2831 1573
                        Phone: 646-931-3860
                        Access Code: 597493
 
 
A Community Exchange will be held an hour prior to the meetings and staff will be available to answer questions. The MARTA Board will consider comments received during the hearings, as well as comments made via email and voicemail prior to final approval of the proposed FY 24 budget. Comments may be submitted no later than May 19, 2023, via voice message at 404-848-5299, sent to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 0324-3330, or emailed to publichearinginfo@itsmarta.com.
 
Please share this important information through your social media platforms, newsletters, listservs, etc. 
 
We look forward to your attendance at these hearings. Contact MARTA’s Customer Call Center at 404-848-5000 or email custserv@itsmarta.com with additional questions.