Beltline Rail Now perspectives on Atlanta City Council Post 3 At-Large Runoff Candidates
We met individually this week with both Eshé Collins and Dr. Nicole Evans Jones to find out what each thinks about Beltline rail and where their thinking has evolved since we received their written responses to our candidate survey in October. Our conversations left us believing both candidates are motivated by a genuine desire to be in public service. We recognize that there are many issues voters weigh when considering their choice. Both candidates showed interest in understanding more specifics about Beltline rail, and we appreciated their questions. We sought and received their written statements, and invite you to judge their most recent thinking and commitment on the issue, in their own words and without edits on our part. We encourage you to take an interest, and get out and vote early!
Advance voting for the December 3, 2024, General Runoff Election will be held from Saturday, November 23 until Wednesday, November 27. Election Day is Tuesday, December 3.
-
Hi Atlanta!
Our city is at a crossroads. We can either continue to grapple with disconnected communities, rising traffic congestion, and inequitable access to opportunity—or we can boldly invest in a future where transit connects us all. I believe Atlanta deserves the latter, and I’m ready to lead the charge.
As your candidate for Atlanta City Council Post 3 At-Large, I am committed to delivering a comprehensive transit plan that encompasses Beltline Rail, alternative transportation modes, and equity at its core. Beltline Rail is not just a transportation upgrade; it’s a transformative project that knits our city together, reduces our reliance on cars, and ensures that every resident, regardless of zip code, has access to jobs, schools, and services.
My vision for transit goes beyond the rail itself. It includes integrating the Beltline Rail with MARTA and developing pedestrian and biking infrastructure to create a truly multimodal system. It also prioritizes equitable development by addressing the affordability crisis near transit hubs, so working families can benefit from these advancements without fear of displacement.
Unlike my opponent, I bring years of experience in public service, including as Chair of the Atlanta Board of Education, where I fought for equity and transparency, successfully navigating complex funding and infrastructure challenges. My experience leading initiatives in education, community development and affordability further position me to connect Beltline Rail with other critical priorities like high transit-dependent projects, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability. My proven track record of turning visionary ideas into actionable results sets me apart.
I offer a comprehensive approach: tying the Beltline to priorities of affordability, accessibility and public safety throughout our city. My philosophy centers on building an Atlanta where transportation connects communities, stimulates growth, and uplifts everyone—not just a privileged few. On city council, this commitment includes my active participation on key committees, building a transparent reporting structure and consistent community engagement to ensure real-time communication. Atlanta, I see the bigger picture. Beltline Rail must be part of a broader strategy that prioritizes inclusivity, efficiency, and long-term growth.
Together, we can deliver comprehensive transit, including rail, that serves as a model for equity, connectivity, and progress. This would benefit all Atlantans and lay the foundation for a thriving, united city. Let’s invest in transit -- and in each other. It is my hope to have your support and vote!
Thank you,
Eshé Collins
Candidate, Atlanta City Council Post 3 At-LargeIG/X: @collinsforatlanta
FB: Eshé Collins for Atlanta City Council
-
Atlanta is a city of great potential; one typified by seemingly boundless growth. But our ability to continue expanding as a city – and more importantly our ability to thrive as a city – is going to collide with a ceiling quite soon. That’s because we simply do not have the transportation infrastructure required to continue as we have.
Great cities and towns embrace multi-modalism. They offer not just a vast transportation network to residents, but a diverse network that provides practical ways to get where you’re going for folks at all income levels. Atlanta, by contrast, has a busy Airport and has seen large scale investments in its roads. But we must do more elsewhere.
I will push for a pedestrian and bicycle trust fund. The idea will be to create a 2.5% budget set aside of sidewalk maintenance and construction as well as outlays for protected bike lanes and complete street builds.
I will also make a commitment to transit. We need to recover the $70+ million in funds mis-allocated by MARTA, and then work with our transit agency to invest that money in the capital projects voters approved when the More MARTA referendum passed. This notably includes the Streetcar east extension to Ponce. This shouldn’t even be a question put to City Council, as anything approved on a project list via referendum is, in my opinion, already beyond a legislative body.
Looking to the BeltLine, it is imperative that we finish the trail. I grew up in Southwest Atlanta and now live in the upper Westside. Folks there deserve access. We also need transit on the full BeltLine loop. So let’s stop talking about it, and be decisive.
Atlanta should be a world class city. Realizing that vision includes transit on the BeltLine.