March 11, 2025 - As one of Georgia’s largest business hubs, the Gateway85 Community Improvement District (CID) is home to over 1,800 businesses that drive economic growth, logistics and development in the metro Atlanta region. However, recent shifts in federal trade, infrastructure funding and labor policies are raising concerns about rising costs, project delays and business uncertainty for companies operating in this critical corridor.

In response, Gateway85 CID has compiled an analysis outlining key federal actions and their potential impact on the region’s economy. The memo, developed to inform business owners, policymakers and regional stakeholders, aggregates concerns from the district’s industries and highlights the challenges facing Georgia’s logistics and commercial sectors.

Federal Policy Changes Impacting Gateway85 Businesses

Infrastructure and Transportation Funding Uncertainty

• Gateway85 sits at the heart of Georgia’s logistics network, with I-85 and Spaghetti Junction ranked among the worst truck bottlenecks in the country. 

• Businesses in the district depend on federal transportation funds for congestion relief, freight corridor improvements and multimodal expansion projects. 

• However, up to 90% of federal pass-through funding via the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and more federally funded projects are now in question, leaving key road and infrastructure projects in limbo.

Rising Tariffs and Construction Costs Threaten Growth

• The metro Atlanta region is preparing for major international events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Super Bowl in 2028. Yet, new federal tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber and manufactured goods from Mexico and Canada are driving up costs for commercial developers, warehouse expansion and transportation projects. 

• The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates these tariffs could add $7,500 to $10,000 to the cost of new construction, placing additional pressure on businesses looking to expand in Gateway85.

Freight and Logistics Businesses Facing Supply Chain Disruptions

• Gateway85 is a designated freight hub and a crucial link for national and global supply chains. Federal tariff adjustments and delays in transportation funding threaten just-in-time delivery operations, which could impact hundreds of small-to-midsized businesses that rely on predictable costs and infrastructure investment.

Gateway85 CID: Advocating for Georgia’s Economic Backbone

• As one of the most dynamic business corridors in Georgia, Gateway85 CID is committed to ensuring its members and stakeholders have the information they need to navigate uncertainty, advocate for resources and plan for the future.

“Our businesses drive the economic growth of Gwinnett County and beyond,” said Emory Morsberger, executive director of the Gateway85 CID. “Gateway85 is a critical hub for trade, transportation and development and we are working to ensure our members have a clear understanding of how federal policies affect their bottom line.”

With major projects on the line and continued growth on the horizon, Gateway 85 CID will remain a voice for its business community, working alongside state and regional leaders to support sustainable economic development.