Atlanta 2040

2.5 minute read

More than 450,000 people and over a dozen Fortune 500 companies call Atlanta home. Including us, here at Vista Growth. And it's projected to triple in population by 2050. 

A 2018 Atlanta Magazine article predicts that "The City Too Busy to Hate" can expect 3 major changes come 2040: 

  1. A Safer Commute

  2. An Evolving Music Business

  3. A Center City Similar to Paris, France

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A Safer Commute

Dr. Catherine Ross, Director of Georgia Tech’s Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development, predicts that Atlanta 2040 may offer a safer and smarter commute.

We know what you're thinking – Atlanta traffic and drivers? Safe? Smart? What?! 


According to Dr. Ross the transportation dream is indeed possible. The catalyst? Smarter technology paired with an increased production of and demand for autonomous vehicles will guarantee a safer route to work with about 50-90% reduction in crashes. 

American automotive and energy company, Tesla, is making bold efforts to make their cars more available and affordable to all car buyers. Their Model 3 car initially hit the market with unprecedented demand — never before has any vehicle received nearly 500,000 preorders a year before production. Other car companies want a slice of the pie as well. Volvo Cars announced that all of its new models will be electric or hybrid by 2019. 

With more affordable electric cars, available charging stations, dynamic wireless charging, and less harmful emissions emitted – drivers across Atlanta and the globe can make their transportation dream a reality.

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A Booming Music Business 

According to a study commissioned by the nonprofit Georgia Music Partners Inc., the estimated economic impact of Georgia's music industry plays to the tune of $3.7 billion annually. The study also reveals that 19,955 jobs and more than $313 million in tax revenues have been created. Despite these numbers, music executives insist that Atlanta is not remotely close to where it should be on the charts. 

Right now we’re going to promote the music component of the existing incentive and put in place some metrics to track what is working – We’re losing business to neighboring states – R.E.M. went to Louisiana to record rather than here. If we can gain some traction we can definitely make an argument.
— Tammy Hurt, President of Georgia Music Partners

The primary goal is to get the music to stay in Atlanta. While the Peach State has proven its soul and sound with artists like Outkast and R.E.M., it has not proven to be a sustainable hub for the music industry. Yet. The 2018 Georgia Music Investment Act (GMP) creates a new tax incentive which guarantees increased scoring, recording, and touring—drawing music and media business back to Atlanta. 

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Additionally, new developments are practicing their placemaking – incorporating musical programming into their plans through venues and live music. The South Downtown community, the new Westside Park in Bellwood Quarry, and Atlanta BeltLine's upcoming Northside and Southside trails will all welcome this musical business boom.

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A Center City Similar to Paris, France 

Can you imagine a city like Atlanta with fewer damaged roadways and abandoned lots, and more elegant and historical points? Ryan Gravel, urban planner and BeltLine creator, certainly can. With increased transit, protected tree canopies, and pedestrian-friendly streets, Atlanta has a greater opportunity to construct a center city much like Paris, France, all while accommodating its expanding population. According to Gravel, Atlanta has the grand placemaking opportunity to "perfectly fit all of Paris' notable places within the same geography of the Atlanta BeltLine." Oui!

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The Atlanta BeltLine is a prime example of innovative transformation. The project which was first idealized in 1999 aims to provide a grassroots solution to transportation challenges as well as a transformational placemaking opportunity. 

Gravel foresees 30,000 permanent jobs, thriving retail and restaurants, 5,600 units of affordable housing, public art, and 1,300 acres of expanding parks and trails.

The challenge with the BeltLine's vibrant development is 'all about the Benjamins, baby'. Gravel says that this Parisian paradise will be determined by two things: equity and affordability. Crafting beauty comes at a price, but Gravel insists that it’s a price that should be attainable for everyone.

A rendering of Edge, one of the Atlanta BeltLine's latest developments. Projected to open in the spring of 2019.

A rendering of Edge, one of the Atlanta BeltLine's latest developments. Projected to open in the spring of 2019.


What do you foresee for Atlanta 2040?

If you said greater opportunities – you’re ready for the future.


Interested in placemaking and placebranding? We encourage you to contact us at Vista HQ to get a copy of One Place or order it online


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