Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

When Opportunity Knocks...

"Happy to hear Reed’s plans to accelerate Atlanta’s big transit plans by tapping into the anticipated influx of federal transit funding and enthusiastic support from the Georgia congressional delegation.... I was – and truth be told, still am -- having trouble understanding how his plan would generate enough money, and do it fast enough."

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

The [Uncensored] BRN Backstory

Why is BRN crazy for light rail? Because that’s what Atlanta was promised. It’s what our residents and our voters have asked for. It’s what the experts recommended. It’s time to move past the analysis paralysis and just build it - or this window will close forever.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

Why Should You Care About Atlanta Tax Breaks?

Why would it be necessary to reward developers for building in Atlanta’s hottest markets? DAFC's deals stunt the BeltLine's revenues, and reduce funds for meeting the Beltline’s promises on transit and affordable housing. It's time to stop the madness.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

The Atlanta BeltLine Vision: Delayed or Derailed?

We now know what happens when you attempt transit-oriented development without the transit: every new development project is one more straw, piling up to break the camel’s back and doom the BeltLine’s rail component forever. The opportunity to correct this miscalculation is rapidly running out. Will Atlanta rise up to demand more from ourselves and our elected officials?

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

The Candidates and BeltLine Transit: What's Your Plan?

Judging from their websites, candidates for Mayor and City Council are aiming abysmally low on issues related to transit - and in particular, BeltLine rail. With elections less than three months away, it’s time to stand up the microphones, turn up the volume, and find out exactly which candidates are ready to talk about transit.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

"We Deserve More Transit Options"

Guest blog by Brian Sumlin. “Atlanta deserves more of the light rail effect and I hope and pray that it gets delivered earlier than the times currently proposed right now.”

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

You Don't Need a Map for a Sprint

BeltLine Rail Now envisions the BeltLine rail loop as a world-class transit solution, embracing Atlanta’s commitment to civil rights and delivering a connected new way of living for everyone. Here’s how you can help bring the vision closer to reality.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

BRN Kicks Off Busy Season of Advocacy

Education, activation and election engagement… When BRN shared its strategic plan at Sunday’s Summer Rally, participants were so fired up they kept the strategy conversation going well past the two-hour mark. In coming days, we will be sharing additional details - and inviting your input and participation.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

MARTA's Sketches for BeltLine Rail are Missing the Boat

Recently-unveiled preliminary plans for BeltLine transit are a stark departure from the images that made us all fall in love with with the BeltLine over the past 20 years. Why is MARTA showing us Beirut-style barricades and a gravel rail bed?? That can’t possibly be what MARTA is planning for the Atlanta BeltLine. Or is it?

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

“Transit Ties us Together, Makes Us More Resilient”

Guest blog by Jeremy Wilhelm. “After our first son was born, I would ride up with him to drop him off with Oma for daycare now and then. I’ll always remember fondly how much people enjoyed my infant and me commuting together.”

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

Who Took Our Grass?

The grass railbed envisioned in the original BeltLine plan has gone missing - and only you can bring it back! MARTA is asking for feedback on the Streetcar East Extension, and it’s time to make your voice heard. BeltLine Rail Now offers up a few key ideas to make sure this first step is rock-solid - and true to the original BeltLine vision.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

“The People of This City Have Stepped Up”

It’s clear from Secretary Pete’s visit that there’s total alignment on the concept of BeltLine rail. Now it’s a matter of timing. If our elected and appointed officials - and our residents - are serious about affordable housing, accessibility, and smarter climate policy, Atlanta needs rail on the BeltLine as soon as possible.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

Four Ways To Fix The Atlanta Streetcar Right Now

MARTA is getting ready to extend the Atlanta Streetcar to Ponce City Market, creating the first 1.4 miles of transit on the BeltLine loop. We're delighted - but before we make more, we need to make sure we have the recipe right. And we need your help.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

Connectivity Can Save our City - If We Demand It

The Atlanta Beltline has become the single best symbol for Atlanta's raging inequality crisis. With Georgia’s new political representatives and a federal government ready to spend on infrastructure, Atlanta will never have a better shot at fixing the BeltLine - and the city itself.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

The Tortoise and the Hare, v2

Good news! Atlanta BeltLine Inc. is giving the people what they want by expediting BeltLine trail construction. Sadly, it’s still unclear whether transit is up to the task. Atlanta BeltLine Inc. has picked up the pace. Now it's MARTA's turn.

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

Advice for Atlanta’s Council and Mayoral Candidates

(Rail Writes Blog) Candidates running in Atlanta's city elections need to show voters they understand the far-reaching benefits of transit on the BeltLine - and that we're rapidly running out of time. Hopefully, you've got a plan to light a fire under MARTA. - Beth Smith

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

All Transit is Not Created Equal

Last week the ‘Atlanta BeltLine Light Rail’ was named by DOT Secretary Buttigieg as a project he’d like to see funded with federal dollars. But there is hand-wringing and doubt at MARTA as to whether light rail will work. Why are we still talking about this 20 years after the BeltLine vision captured the hearts and minds of our city?

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Mark Brodbeck Mark Brodbeck

A Welcome Letter to Our New Neighbors

Dear Microsfot, Airbnb, Amazon, and Googlers: Welcome to Atlanta! Really excited that you’ve chosen to bring your business and your employees here. Here’s a few things to help make the move easier. And yall are problem solvers by nature, so we have a favor to ask.

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