The new report marks the 20th anniversary of the original study, which provided a visionary framework for Atlanta's transformation. It not only celebrates the significant achievements of the past two decades but also addresses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

"Atlanta has made remarkable progress in building a world-class public realm, thanks in large part to the vision laid out in the original Emerald Necklace report," said George Dusenbury, Trust for Public Land V.P. for Southeast and Georgia State Director. "The Emerald Necklace 2.0 report builds on that foundation, offering a roadmap for ensuring that Atlanta's parks and public spaces continue to grow and serve as vital assets for all residents."

The report highlights seven key objectives with specific strategies for achieving them:

• The Great Parks Approach: Connecting parks and public spaces to create a cohesive and comprehensive system.
• Leveraging Watershed Management: Maximizing the public realm benefits of Atlanta's watershed assets.
• Integrating Public and Private Realms: Fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance public spaces.
• BeltLine Edges: Optimizing the design and programming along the edges of the BeltLine corridor.
• Fallow Properties: Identifying and utilizing underutilized land for future parks and trails.
• Neighborhood Revitalization: Ensuring that parks and public spaces contribute to the revitalization of neighborhoods.
• Sustainable Maintenance: Securing long-term funding and resources for the maintenance of public spaces.

"This report is not just a reflection on the past; it's a call to action for the future," added Dusenbury. "We need to work together – government, developers, community leaders, and residents – to implement these recommendations and ensure that Atlanta continues to be a leader in creating vibrant and equitable public spaces."

TPL hosted a launch event and panel discussion to unveil the report, featuring prominent leaders including Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; President of New City, LLC Jim Irwin; and Report contributor and Founder and Co-Director, Center for Urban Research David Edwards. Dusenbury moderated the discussion focused on the report’s key findings and recommendations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement in shaping the future of Atlanta's public realm.

The full Emerald Necklace 2.0 report is available at https://www.tpl.org/our-work/atlanta-beltline.