The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., and the PATH Foundation have announced a $30 million pledge from the James M. Cox Foundation in support of the Northwest BeltLine trails project.

Combined with a previous gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, philanthropic funding is now in place to complete the full 22-mile BeltLine trail corridor by 2030. The redevelopment project aims to connect 45 neighborhoods within Atlanta to establish a more inclusive, equitable community through the creation of trails and parks and to bringing jobs, affordable housing, and an improved quality of life for residents of areas surrounding the corridor.

“As mayor, I’m focused on drawing circles to bring us together in our city,” said Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens. “I’m so excited that this gift will let us finish constructing that big, beautiful circle around Atlanta. Thanks to this generous donation from the James M. Cox Foundation, we will be able to complete the full 22-mile loop, bringing the trail’s promise of access, investment, and equity to all parts of our great city.”

“From our experience building the PATH trails, we know what a difference it makes for people to be able to be outside, exercising, meeting neighbors, and building the sense of community we all need,” said Cox Foundation chair Jim Kennedy. “This is an important project for Atlanta, and we are happy to play a role in making it happen.”

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/Marilyn Nieves)