September 16, 2025 ⢠43 mins
On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Kelvin Collins, Vice President of Economic Development at the Atlanta BeltLine, to explore how the BeltLine has become more than a trail. Collins breaks down how it’s connecting 45 neighborhoods, sparking billions in investment, and creating opportunities for small businesses, artists, and everyday Atlantans. From affordable shipping container storefronts to preparing entrepreneurs for global events like the World Cup, this episode highlights the BeltLine as both Atlanta’s front porch and its billion-dollar future.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
The beltline has catalyzed upwards of nine billion dollars in
private sector investment. It means upwards of fifty thousand permanent
jobs for local residents. It means fifty six hundred affordable
housing units. So someone who probably is an arista over
at Black Coffee atl can actually live on the belt Line.
(00:23):
Or maybe it's an artist that you know that they
can have a place to display their art on the
belt Line.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Hey, everybody, WoT to the episode of Buttonomics. I'm the
host Brandon Butler, fanta CEO of Butter atyll And Today.
That's somebody special in the building, mister Kelvin Collins of
the Atlanta Beltline. Sir, how are you doing?
Speaker 1 (00:44):
I am doing great, man, great to sit down with you.
It's been a while.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
No, man, look at you did? Did you walk over
here on the beltline?
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Like?
Speaker 3 (00:51):
How'd you get here?
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Man? Listen, man, you can probably get almost any way
you want on the belt line, you know. So I
took a short walk, but I had to drive just
a little bit to get here. Man.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
Yeah, I was down.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
I was down on the west side the other day
and I was and I came across all of the
interest I was like, Oh, I didn't even know it
connected right here.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
You know, y'all are everywhere.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Man, listen, twenty two miles, you know, thirty three miles
all together when you put in the spur trails. If
there's a place in the city you want to get to,
chances are the belt Line can get you there.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
Man, look at that. We're gonna talk a lot about that.
I appreciate you pulling up now. For those who don't know,
Kelvin is the vice president of Economic Development for the
belt Line. Now, Kevin, we do some a little bit different.
You're on button nomics. I don't know if you've seen
it before, man, but I like to ask chat cheap
et to write a bio for my guests, and I
like to read them with chat cheepy t too.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Chat has some things to say about you. All right,
you in here. So that's a good sign, you know
what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
So for those who don't know, I'm gonna read this
and like I say, you tell me, is it is
it off?
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Is it always missing anything? Okay? If we can make
a couple of phone calls.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
If ain't right, sound good, let's go for it, Okay,
Kelvin Collins is the vice president of Economic Development at
the Atlanta belt Line, where he oversees initiatives that bring culture, commerce,
and community together across forty five neighborho He's focused on
making sure Atlanta's growth benefits local residents and entrepreneurs through
small business support, affordable commercial space, and workforce opportunities. Before
(02:09):
joined the Beltline, Kelvin worked extensively in community and economic development,
with a track record of building programs that expand access
to capital and resources of underserved communities. Today, his team
is preparing Atlanta businesses for global stages like the World Cup,
while also investing in local artists and the city's creative economy.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
That's what Chad had to say, Man.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Spot on, Man, spot on it. It sounds even better
than if I would written it. Man, That's that's awesome.
It's it's such an incredible honor man, to be able
to have done this work for the past twenty years,
you know, really focused on community and creating access, but
it really started in the streets of New York City,
and so to be able to be here in Atlanta
(02:48):
doing this work with a belt Line, it's a pride
and joy man, absolutely so.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
For those who don't know, man, like, what is you know,
economic development and how did you get into that role
at the.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Belt Yeah, So just to backtrack a bit, as I said,
you know, this work really started about twenty years ago
on the streets of New York. Started off with my
first gig at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. That's really
where I got my start. I worked in a couple
of administrations in New York City mayoral administrations, but I
(03:17):
really didn't cut my teeth branded and community development until
I got to Harlem. I ran a nonprofit in Harlem,
and that is if you know Harlem, right, it's about hustle,
it's about culture, it's about people, right. But that's also
where businesses are being pushed out right with large scale development,
(03:38):
and residents are often wondering if they're going to get
a chance to stay in Harlem. And so that was
my first real opportunity to understand the complexity of growth
and sort of equity and intentionality and development. And so
that sort of work really prepared me in many ways
to take this challenge on here at the Beltline. So here,
(04:01):
what we're really trying to do is to use this
infrastructure project to make a difference in the lives of
every day Atlanta's right, So you're looking at small business support,
affordable housing, you know, green space. So we're really taking
what I consider to be an infrastructure project and translated
it into an economic engine for the city of Atlanta.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
And for those who don't know, mean, yeah, like, how
would you describe because I know we're talking about the
Built Line, and what I don't like to do is
one of my favorite books is called The e Myth, right,
and it talks about this idea of the curse of knowledge.
So it's like, because you have to understand something, you
think everybody else understands something. So for those who don't know,
can you explain to them what the Atlanta Built Line is?
Speaker 1 (04:40):
Yeah, So imagine abandoned railroads that's been sitting, you know,
covered in kudzoo for several years. We are actually taking
abandoned railroads and transforming it into a concrete pathway that
now is a multi use trail. Right, So imagine if
you're a biker or looking for a jog. There are
(05:03):
recreational purposes for the belt line, right, but there's also
maybe a student that's looking to get to a high
school on the south side of the belt line. They
can actually use the belt line to get to school.
So we're really transforming a twenty two mile loop around
the city of Atlanta into this economic engine. You know.
(05:24):
I was having lunchra a friend of mine the other day.
We sort of described the belt line almost like a
Swiss army knife, where there are so many components to it. Right,
is this magical tool that arguably is probably the most
consequential economic investment the city of Atlanta has seen in
(05:44):
the past twenty years. So we're using infrastructure, we're delivering
solutions to communities and really ensuring that there's access around
the twenty two miles that the belt line is today.
There's still parts of their development, right because it's not
completely finished. I know, there's still some parts that are
still being finished up, right, Yeah, So that's the the
(06:06):
interesting part. So it's total twenty two miles of mainline trail.
By the time some off twenty twenty six, we would
have completed just about eighteen miles of continuous trail. However,
there's still a lot of work to be done in
the northern part of the belt line. The Zion is complete,
construction is happening, but that is the part of the
(06:28):
trail where they were not abandoned railroads, so we got
to sort of sneak through neighborhoods and connect the entire
twenty two miles. So that bit of work is likely
to happen towards the tail end. But we're on schedule
to be completed by twenty thirty, so we're really excited
about that.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
And how long has this project been going on? For
those that don't know.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Well, guess what. This is our twentieth anniversary. So the belt.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Doesn't seem like it.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
It doesn't seem like it, right, But I would say
we really build momentum over the last five to ten years.
That's really when the belt line, the proof of concept
was in place over on the Eastside trail and everyone
began to sort of flock the belt line as this
incredible amenity for the city. So twenty years in, but
(07:11):
the real work has happened over the last I would say,
you know, five to ten years. And that's the beauty
of it, right, I mean, you have so many opportunities
for residents, for businesses to relocate for affordable housing. So yeah,
twenty years in motion, but we think the real work
is going to continue even after the trail is completed
(07:32):
in twenty thirty.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
And when you say economic impact, just help quantify that
for folse who don't know, Like, what is kind of
the economic impact of the Beltline on Atlanta?
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Yes, that's a great question, so think about Let's start
with return on investment, right, So the belt line has
seen and catalyzed upwards of nine billion dollars. That's what
the b in private sector investment. So to simplify that,
for every dog that's been invested in the project, we've
(08:03):
seen a return of ten dollars in private sector investment.
So what that really means is the part that excites me.
It means upwards of fifty thousand permanent jobs for local residents.
It means fifty six hundred affordable housing units. Right, so
someone who probably is a barista over at Black Coffee
(08:28):
atl can actually live on the belt Line and work
right on the west side, right. Or maybe it's an
artist that you know that whose work we admire. They
can have a place to display their art on the
belt Line. Or maybe it's a small business that is
setting up shop like Mason hot Dogs and one of
(08:48):
four shipping containers on the belt line. So it's really
about the people that is kind of the economic impact
is macro, but when you really simplify it, it's about
the everyday people and the impact that we're making on
small businesses and residents every single day. But I'll tell
you it's probably the most significant investment the city has
(09:11):
made and en showing that the belt Line is a
reality here in the city.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Yeah, and when you know, you talk about like investment
in how this is such a big investment, Like what
do you kind of see the beltlines role in like
the future of Atlanta. For someone who might only think
it's just a trail or someplace to jog a grab food, Well,
that's the beauty of it.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
And that's why our team is working every day to
make sure that the belt Line is more than a trail. Right.
You look at Camkirk Studio that is now set up
out to Camp Kirk, shout out to Camkirk right where
it's creating a cultural hub over on the East Side trail, right.
(09:49):
Or you look at Rivian who recently announced the East
Coast headquarters on the belt Line. It's going to bring
you know, a couple hundred jobs, right, you also look
at the art that's being embedded in the belt line.
So it's really an opportunity for the belt Line to
(10:11):
use the infrastructure and transform and create opportunities for everyday
people that won't ordinarily have a chance here in the city.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
And so, yeah, how do people get access to some
of these things? You know, there's so much stuff going on,
you know, you know, I've been in cam Space, I've
seen a lot of the other businesses around here. Like,
what are some of the programs that just help because
you talk about accessibility and affordability, like, we are some
of the programs that can help you know, creative entrepreneurs
and you know everybody doesn't have you know, a million
dollars in the bank, you know what I'm saying. So
a lot of these especially in Atlanta, you got a lot
of small businesses. I know, shot to Terrence at Grady
(10:43):
Baby Co. You know, I know they were not think
one of the containers y'all had over there too, right, Like,
what are some of the other programs y'all have to
make this accessible to so many people?
Speaker 1 (10:50):
I'm glad you asked. A couple of years ago, we
made a concerted effort to build a portfolio programs that
is going to do exactly that, like bring tangible results,
tangible opportunities for small businesses around the beltline. We created
a Business Solutions Office and within there it's a dedicated, accelerated,
(11:13):
dedicated turn key solution for small businesses. If you have
a question, you want to start a business, this is
the opportunity for you to be part of a business
solutions office. We launched Beltline Business Venture. You make a call,
you get registered, you get training, you get access to
space and opportunities along the belt Line. So we really
(11:35):
began to think about how do we make sure through
the Business Solutions Office that everyday small businesses can understand
what the opportunity is, where to locate, what are the
retail gaps that are around the belt line. A lot
of times Brandon people are setting up businesses and don't
really have and understand it is this the right business
(11:56):
for a particular neighborhood. Is it saturated right? How do
we make sure we provide the data, the guidance and
the coaching. So a business Solutions office does exactly that.
In addition, we created a Beltline Marketplace, which is a
simple concept of using shipping containers right to create turnkey
(12:19):
retail opportunities alongside the trail, and we have seen in
the first round of application, over two hundred and fifty
businesses say, hey, I want to be part of that.
It's low costs two hundred and fifty dollars a month,
right for a space along the belt line. You have
two point five million visitors coming along the belt line.
(12:42):
That's unheard of. So that's potential customers for these businesses.
So there are tons of programs that are available today
for businesses to tap into.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
Okay, what do you think makes the beiltline unique, especially
when you kind of compare it around like other urban
development projects, right, Like, what makes this so different?
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Yeah, So here's the thing. Other cities build a trail
and call it a day. Right in Atlanta, we build
the trail and we said we're going to add affordable housing,
we're going to add green space, we're going to add
small business support, we're going to add workforce development. So
(13:21):
the belt Line is arguably the most comprehensive project of
its nature, right in compared to other cities. It's a
linear park. But what we thought that's necessary though, is
use the infrastructure project to deliver resources and opportunities that
is sort of non traditional, right, and that makes the
(13:43):
Beltline a unique example, not just here in the city,
but you know, across the country. I mean, we have
folks calling us, hey, we want to come and take
a tour. We have international delegations looking to the belt
Line as that that standard of what an infrastructure project
(14:04):
can deliver. But more importantly, though, it's it's really working
together with heartners, right that have bought into the vision
of the belt Line, whether or not that is Atlanta
Public Schools that's partially funding the belt Line through a
tad or Fulton County that's contributing to the belt Line,
(14:25):
or the City of Atlanta. There is really this commitment
across multiple stakeholder groups that's really bringing the belt Line
to life and everyone gets the benefit. I mean, I'm
not sure when's the last time you walk on the
East Side Trail, but man, it's it's it's incredible the energy, right,
(14:45):
and it's it's really where Atlanta comes together. It's kind
of like Atlanta's living room, or maybe like a front porch.
You want to meet up with a friend, you want
to grab coffee, or you want to grab a bite
like you can do it on the belt line. So
that's really what makes a belt line a unique story.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
I mean, I haven't fully brought myself to speed on it,
but I have heard talks about potential rail or train.
Is that something that's essentially in the in the works.
Is that something being considered for the belt line in
some areas?
Speaker 1 (15:23):
Absolutely so. So transit around the belt line has always
been part of the vision. It's for us, it's it's
it's equity at play here. It's it's really given individuals
who you know, want to commute from the southern part
of the belt line, maybe they have a job on
the east side trail or maybe up in the north,
(15:45):
like how do you get out of your car get
on the trail right use, you know, light rail or
whatever that mode of transportation is to get to your destination.
So transit has always been part of the vision. We
think it's incredibly important for that to be realized, and
we're going to ensure that that happens. And when it happens,
(16:08):
I think it's gonna bring tremendous benefit for individuals who
are dependent on some kind of a low cost transportation option.
That's convenient. We think transit is going to be a
critical part of that, and we're preparing for that, and
we're we're looking to make the investment to ensure that
happens for the city.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Yeah, man, because look, I'm gonna tell you right now,
y'all gonna put a speed limit on their bicycles on there.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
Man, Like these these.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Becomes zooming by you, and you know, for you, for
people that like walk on and I mean I've I've
hung out and on the belt Line trail many times,
and there's a couple of parts where you don't realize
how far you gotta go. It's like we're here over
at one spot, we're gonna walk down there. It's like, man,
if I could just jump on something and get down
and this will be so much easier. Right, And so
I love the idea of just like you know, transit
being built into that. Is that something that would be
(16:55):
I just wonder like how would that even Like is
this gonna be built alongside of it like hypothetic like
whatever you can speak to around Like what does that
kind of vision struct.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
To look like?
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Yeah, the great thing is that transit was part of
the original vision, right of the belt Line. It's it's
sort of yeah, it was conceived as a transit oriented
development project. It just so happened that the trail came first.
And sometimes when the trail comes first, you know, everyone thinks, oh,
this is it, right, but no, the transit was is
(17:23):
always part of the vision. So as we construct the
physical trail, we're actually making accommodation for transit. So if
you ever you walk alongside the trail you see an
open grassy area right next to the trail, Well, that's
a transit corridor, got you. So there's there's a lot
of thoughtfulness and in the process of ensuring that transit
(17:45):
come alongside the trail, and and so that's gonna happen,
and there's a commitment from the city. Beltline leadership is
absolutely committed to that. So it's gonna happen. It's it's
it's expensive, there's a lot of headwinds ahead of us
in terms of the fun but we're absolutely committed to
realizing tRNS it on the belt Line.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
You talk a lot about programs and just the opportunities
that are available for you know, black owned businesses, creators,
small business in general. What do you all do to
help communicate with people and people know these opportunities exist.
So I think a lot of times people don't really
you know, And I've talked with a lot of folks
about this on the podcast, right, like in general, and
I've said this before, like, I don't think the city
(18:25):
does an amazing job always of letting people know about
certain opportunities that might be available. And so certain programs
get missed people just don't know about them, or you know,
it's like a small group people kind of know about
them and can take advantage where everybody else can't. Right,
And so you know, what does the Beltline doing to
kind of go meet people where they're at they might
not know about these programs and kind of bring the
information to them so they can actually start to kind
(18:46):
of bring them into the fold.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
Yeah, we can never communicate enough, to be honest with you,
and the Beltline, as we say, it is the people's project, right,
and so we have to do everything we can to
communicate out then, and that's why we're on but Anomics.
That's that's why we're here. We want to spread the
word that the belt Line is mode on a trail.
(19:07):
But also too, we're we have a quarterly business breakfast
as one example of how we're ensuring that, you know,
every day people can come together as a community learn
about what's happening on the Beltline. We have a very
extensive community engagement team and we have a quarterly briefing
(19:29):
every couple of months where you can come on larn
about where we are with the construction, with housing, with
economic development and and really and truly we want to
make sure that everyday people have access to this information
on the belt Line. And so again, there are so
many opportunities and we are working ever so hard to
(19:52):
get the word out. But this is a type of
program and that I believe will will help us spread
the world. We can do enough of this.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
Yeah, we can get a for a four day man,
get you out here with the people. You know what
I'm saying, absolutely absolutely by ways to meet people where
they're at. You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
Yeah, Well, listen, it's it's when you think about it, right,
And I said this, you know, the belt Line is
the is the people's project. And you know, I remember,
you know, when I started in the belt Line a
couple of years ago, there was this idea of you know,
whatever's happened on in the belt Line is not for
everyday people, and what we're trying to de mystify that
(20:26):
with the programs that we're launching right So, whether or
not it's Beltline business Ventures or the funding fear or
the pitch competition that we're doing for small businesses or
the shipping containers, we have for the very first time
really just reimagined the role of the belt Line and
the more people can actually hear about this type of
(20:50):
work and how the two can plug into the belt Line,
we think everyone wins, and that's really the story behind
the belt Line. It's not just a trail, it's really
an opportunity so that everyone can sort of get elevated
and have economic mobility through the Beltline project.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
Funding fair sounds interesting, What's what's the funding fair?
Speaker 1 (21:09):
Yeah? So, you know, one of the things we've heard
from businesses and the data confirms that capital continues to
be a significant deterrent for businesses starting and for businesses scaling.
We're going to bring together a handful of lenders, community development,
(21:31):
financial institution, nonprofit partners, the SBA. Every year we bring
them together to really create a platform and an opportunity
for small businesses to ask questions to know what the
requirements are. And we've done this. This is going to
be a second year where we're doing that, and we
really want businesses to know that the Beltline can be
(21:53):
a bridge to connect people to capital, right small businesses
to capital. And when you do that, you begin to
sort of prepare for some large scale events or you know,
maybe the World Cup or maybe the Super Bowl. So
there are real opportunities when it comes to you know,
where's the information, who has the money? You know, how
(22:14):
do you prepare to get that bag? As a small business?
You know, let's prepare you. And that's all happening through
our small business support team, I know, a business solutions office.
So that is just another incredible opportunity for for businesses
to see the belt Line as a place and a
program that can really truly help the business grow.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
Now, see, Kelln, you just did something. I don't know
you noticed it. I heard it. You said this is
how they get that bag. That's what it's all about,
and that's what people got to That's what people need
to hear. Man.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Look, I always talk about economic development and stuff like that,
but you didn't tell people like that's they need to hear. Like,
if you want to get that bag on the belt line,
that's how you got to say it to it.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
You know what it is though, you know there's the
belt line is this is such an credible transformative project
and sometimes you thalk about it so much from that perspective.
But for everyday people, they want to get they want
to get in on this on the action right and
and sometimes you know, we got to simplify it and
break it down. But it's all about the economics, right,
(23:16):
It's all about you know, can I participate? Is their
space for me and my simple advice to every small business,
every creative, every button on trumping out that's dreaming of
you know, being on the belt line. There is space.
You got to get yourself ready, you know, tap into
our business Solutions office, you know, get involved in all
(23:38):
fund and fail pitch competition and get that bag so
you can position yourself for for success. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (23:46):
I might come out there. Man.
Speaker 2 (23:47):
Look I know how to do a pitch competition. Man,
I want a couple pitch competitions. I got some ideas.
Speaker 1 (23:51):
You know, we would love listen, we would love to
have button nomics on a pitch competition, you know. We
we do that every year. That's the beautiful thing, you know,
And the more we get the word out is that,
in fact, last year we did this Brandon, we had
a venture capitalist in the audience seeking out beltline businesses.
(24:14):
That's looking for angel investments, right, And that's the type
of creative approaches that we're taking. We're only just scratched
the surface around what's possible for small businesses on the
belt line. And you know, one of the things you
may or may not know is that we're probably going
(24:35):
to be at the at the airport right, a beltline
concept at the airport, right. And when we do that,
that tells you about the global power of the belt
Line as a brand. And we can talk some more
about that. But as we open those beltline concepts at
the airport, we want to bring small businesses along with us. Right.
(24:56):
It's not just about the belt It's about who are
the small businesses along the trail that can truly create
this authentic experience at Hartsfield Jackson right on the umbrella
off beltline, you know. So we're creating tremendous avenues not
just capital, but access to market for small businesses around
(25:17):
the city.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
So what does that start to look like with the
Beltline at the airport, Like, exactly what does that even
start to look like?
Speaker 1 (25:21):
Man, you know, I can't let too much about the bag,
But here's what I'm going to tell you though. Here's
what I'm going to tell you. We have built such
a powerful brand the Beltline that concession operators are looking
to us to partner with them and bring in a
concept of a Beltline branded store at Hartsfield Jackson, right
(25:46):
and in there, we believe there's an opportunity for small
businesses to bring the authentic Atlanta wares right into that
store to give you know, traveling visitors a very author
and take Atlanta experience, right. And so that is it
does a couple of things. One, it really helps us
amplify the brand of the belt Line because we think
(26:09):
we got something really unique here, right. And too, it
really helps small businesses get a foothole into Hartsville Jackson.
Many of them are probably dreaming of getting access to
the world's busiest airport, right, And so we're opening the
door and saying, hey, small business, step in and position
(26:31):
yourself and try to scale your business through that mechanism.
So again, the Beltline isn't just this twenty two miles
that's looping around the city. We're using the brand to
create opportunities like none other. And that's the exciting part
of the work.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
No, that's interesting, man, that's just as you said, the
brand travels very well.
Speaker 1 (26:53):
It show does you know, and it's we can monetize that,
like that's the beauty of the belt Line brand, Like
there's actual value. And we've worked so hard over the
last you know, five to ten years to protect the
brand because everyone that is building a development project, guess
(27:14):
what they want to put Beltline on their structure, on
their development and we're like, hold up, you know that's protected.
That's our intellectual property. You know, you can just use
the Beltline. But certainly we can leverage the name Beltline
as we think about opportunities for small businesses and other
(27:36):
ways to sort of monetize the sustainability of the belt Line.
And so that is a pretty exciting opportunity. When we
think about FIFA in twenty twenty six, we have a
global audience coming, so there's going to be a huge
opportunity for us to amplify the Beltline brand. During those
times as well.
Speaker 2 (27:54):
Yeah, I was going to ask, like with World Cup
coming up in the Super Bowl, so many things happened in Atlanta,
Like how does the Beltline start to play into that
part of Atlanta story.
Speaker 1 (28:02):
Yeah, well, I'll tell you, as a global audience come
to Atlanta, they're going to ask where is the real Atlanta?
Where can I go experience the authentic Atlanta? And they're
going to be pointed to the Atlanta Beltline as a
great seamless way to connect to neighborhoods, the culture, to arts,
(28:26):
right to the culinary experience. So we think the Beltline
has a number of features that, in my opinion, creates
a tremendous benefit for World Cup or Super Bowl or
any large scale events. You think about it. It's twenty
two miles that's connecting forty five neighborhoods right seamlessly. So
(28:48):
if you're interested in experiencing any part of the city,
you get onto the belt Line and you can take
an amazing walk right, and you can experience that. If
you're interested in arts and culture, right, the Beltline is
the longest running outdoor art exhibition in the Southeast. Right,
(29:09):
you walk in the belt Line, you got murals, you
get live performances, you got you know, style riding. You know,
some people call it graffiti, right, it's style riding, right.
And so you have that, and then you have just
a handful of businesses that are bringing authentic Atlanta right
all on the belt line. So you think about it,
(29:31):
there's so many aspects of what makes Atlanta special on
the belt line. So we believe the belt line will
be the way that visitors that are attending the FEEFO
World Cup or Super Bowl, that's how they're going to
experience Atlanta. So we want to make sure it's a
safe experience, right, that's the number one priority. But we
(29:52):
also want to make sure that small businesses get a
chance to share their goods and their services. And you know,
if we're to do that successfully, that is how businesses
are going to be able to sort of scale and
grow and get that bag right. And that's kind of
what we're working towards. When you think about FIFA, you
think about Super Bowl, it's really about making sure the
(30:14):
belt line is positioned as the way to get around
the city.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
The topic of affordability comes up a lot, and people
kind of talk about the Beltline like how do you
all work to what do you all do to make
sure that you can kind of balance this idea of
like growth, you know, with also making sure that it
still stays accessible to small businesses and creators around Atlanta.
Speaker 1 (30:42):
Yeah, that is our number one priority for us. And
I mean I look back on my time in New
York City and I saw firsthand what can happen when
you have development without intentionality and without equity, And we
are doing everything we can to avoid that here on
(31:04):
the belt Line. And I'll tell you what matters most leadership.
You need authentic leadership that is courageous and bold, and
at the belt Line we have that, you know in
our CEO, Clyde Higgs, and the entire executive team is
absolutely committed to using the project to address affordability. And
(31:26):
I'll tell you how we're doing that. So first, the
belt Line has acquired over ninety acres of land around
the belt Line, so we have a very proactive land
acquisition strategy. When you own the land, you control the dirt,
so you can dictate affordability. So in various stages of development,
(31:48):
we have a handful of projects that each of those
projects have affordable housing as a key component. It also
has affordable commercial space. As part of the requirement, developer
that it's interested in doing business with the Beltline need
to be committed to affordability, right, and so that is
(32:08):
that is a number one priority. Secondly, we have, as
I mentioned earlier, we have a Business Solutions Office where
we're training small businesses. We're preparing them. So we have
a pipeline of businesses that are ready to scale. So
you imagine a development let's say Morphy Crossing or you
know three fifty six University Avenue. As these development projects
(32:30):
come online, these businesses that we're preparing through our Business
Solutions office will now have a physical space that they
can step into and that that is exciting. Right. We've
we've scaled our Beltline Marketplace program, which is how a
shipping container program from two locations when we just started.
(32:52):
And shout out to the village market that helped us
get start doctor Key right, She's she's just a force
here in the and so we started with two locations.
Now we're moving to four locations. Right. So again we're
creating affordable commercial space along the belt Line. And I'll
(33:12):
wrapper by saying, Brandon, you have so many aspects of affordability.
That housing is one of the most foundational aspects of
the belt Lines affordability strategy. Our goal is to create
fifty six hundred affordable housing units and we're seventy five
percent of that goal. We have until twenty thirty to
(33:34):
do that, so chances are we can exceed, and quite frankly,
that's still not enough. Right. The belt Line is just
so unique it has become a destination. But I think
the combination of bold leadership, commitment to equity, and thoughtful
programming has allowed us to balance what I considered to
(33:56):
be economic growth with thoughtful anti displacement solutions. And we
will never do enough right, but that is the work
that has to be done, and that is what sort
of keeps us up at night. That's why we have
teams that are focused on housing, teams that are focused
on real estate acquisition, teams that are focused on small
(34:16):
business support. And I didn't even get to mention that
we have a facade improvement program where we've invested about
half a million dollars over the last couple of years
to improve the facade of businesses along commercial corridors right,
just to improve the look and feel and to make
it invite in so again, affordability is a priority. Anti
(34:40):
displacement strategies are in place. We're going to continue to
double down our efforts stand sure that people who are
born and raised around the beltline, businesses that have existed
even before the beltline can have been around legacy businesses,
that they get to hang around and benefit from all
the awesomeness that the belt line has bring in the
(35:01):
opportunities to sell their goods and just live and walk
and experience the belt life.
Speaker 3 (35:05):
Yes, it's amazing. Many is there.
Speaker 2 (35:07):
What's Has there been a moment when you've kind of
thought to yourself, this is why I do this work.
Speaker 3 (35:13):
This is why I came here to do this.
Speaker 1 (35:14):
Yeah, you know, four and a half years ago. It
was a bold decision, right to leave New York City
and come to Atlanta. And I'll tell you the reason.
Of course, it's an incredible project. Right if you're in
this economic development space, you know, you'll probably be living
on the rock if you don't know about the Atlitta
belt Line, right, But you know, I did my research,
(35:37):
and Atlanta is in such an incredible position to address
some of the challenges that some of the biggest cities
have experienced right around this placement and lack of opportunities
for small and some local residents. And so when I
looked at the leadership of the Atlanta belt Line at
the time, I was convinced that the leadership was in
(36:00):
place that had a commitment to equity to inclusion. And
I knew that once that's in place, it gives us
the opportunity to put thoughtful programming in place. And our
leadership has created that space and that latitude to do
just that. And so when I wake up every single day,
(36:21):
that's what I think about. How can we use the
Beltline as a mechanism right for transformation. And so the
team whether or not it's a career fair, and we
had a career fair not too long ago. And can
I tell you, Brandon, we had over six hundred West
Side residents show up to a CAREFA. That tells you
(36:42):
people want jobs. There's a real need out there. And
here comes the Beltline again, connecting the dots. We had
employers like Emory Healthcare, Notside, you know, Hilton Hotel, the
City of Atlanta, just bringing opportunities to the people. So
I got to tell you this, I'm having fun, right,
(37:02):
but it's it's hard work. It's it's hard work. Well,
when you know that the work that you're doing is
actually moving the needle for everyday people, man, you just
can't wait to get up the next day and do
it all over again. So that's kind of why I'm
doing this work on the belt Line.
Speaker 3 (37:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:19):
And something that's also unique, you know it is you know,
Beltline CEO Clyde. I mean, this is his baby too, right,
Like this is literally a project that he pretty much
almost came up with, is my understanding, you know what
I mean, it's kind of and now he's leading that
so even again, this is not something that the city
just came up with on their own. This is somebody
you know, who makes me mobilized this and and it's
kind of brought it to life. But it's also still
involved in it. So I'm sure it says a very
(37:40):
personal project to him as well.
Speaker 1 (37:42):
Oh absolutely, And as I said, leadership matters, and Clyde
has been explicit that this project is, you know, arguably
the most significant for the city, and he has been
on our entire team that it's about excellence. How do
we execute with X lens? Right? How do we ensure
(38:02):
that everything that we do is about the people, right,
It's about ensuring that our partners are well informed about
what we're doing, how we're doing it, and that we're
delivering tangible results. You know. You know, several years ago,
all right, there wasn't any evidence of well, is this
belt line gonna come to fruition? Right? Is it even possible?
(38:25):
There were a lot of detractors. There were a lot
of doubters. The funding. Sometimes we're not there. I mean,
there's still some challenges with funding, but you know, there
there's never been a clearer line of sight under Clyde's
leadership to achieve the objectives of the belt Line. And
(38:46):
he's an incredible leader. The team in place is working
hard every single day and we're doing that on behalf
of the city of Atlanta, and that to me to
be part of that is just an incredible honor every
single day.
Speaker 2 (39:00):
You know, So fast forward ten years from now, what
impact is the Beltline having on Atlanta's cultural economy in Europigon?
Speaker 1 (39:09):
Yeah, wow, that's a that's a great question. If I
can sit right now and tell you I know exactly, Brandon,
I'll be it would be a fit you know. But
what I'll tell you though, is that I don't know
that anyone imagined that here today the belt line will
be delivering you know, upwards of nine billion dollars in
private sector investment for the city of Atlanta. So you
(39:32):
imagine ten fifteen, that could double and triple. You know,
affordable housing is a key component, Like we imagine a
belt line that has a diverse mix of you know,
small businesses, large businesses. You know, residents that are that
are able to live and walk to work and come back,
(39:55):
or maybe an APS teacher that's educating all kids can
can walk from home to school. Right, So this real
community of connectivity around the belt line. We think that
that is absolutely the future of what Atlanta is going
to be. And so we're invested in that today. But
(40:17):
we cannot leave it to chance. So even when the
beltline is completed in twenty thirty, we still believe that
a lot of work has to be done to ensure
that the economic opportunities gets to the people who need
it more. So, again, twenty thirty, the trailer is going
to be done, but we believe that in order to
(40:41):
ensure that the beltline delivers the value for the community
that we need programs, we need resources, we need thoughtful leadership,
and we need the Beltline to continue to do that
work on behalf of the city. And that to me,
ten twenty years from now, we want to see this.
We're continuing to be an incredible opportunity for the city
(41:06):
to be a global beacon as we know it is.
So I'm excited about that.
Speaker 2 (41:12):
Yeah, man, this is amazing. Man, Look, this has been
amazing conversation. Before we wrap up and get out of here,
can you tell people how can they get more information
about these programs in the Beltline. How can they learn
more about the funding Fair when it gets ready to happen,
how can they you know, the pitch competition, Like give
them all the things.
Speaker 1 (41:27):
Man, Yeah, so the Beltline. You can log onto our
website beltline dot org. That's a great way to get
all the information that you need on the Beltline. Again,
we have a business solutions office where all the programs
and resources are available. We have annual pitch competition, annual
(41:47):
funding Fair, quarterly Breakfast. I mean, there are resources like
never before available through the Atlanta Beltline, and this is
the time to get in and get that opportunity and
positioning yourself for success, because we are building the future
of Atlanta right here, right now, and the Atlanta Beltline
is part of that process and we would love for
(42:09):
you to be part of that journey with us.
Speaker 3 (42:12):
Hey Man, thank you so much for pulling up.
Speaker 2 (42:14):
This has been a great conversation, I think as it's
also you know, demystified. Thanks, people may or may not
understood about the Beltline of some of the programs. I
didn't even know just many programs going on down that
they're available. So I'm hoping that people take this information
do something with it. You know, we're very big on
button Nomics. We'll giving people resources and access to info,
and so I think you kind of have uncovered a
lot of opportunities out there, and I really hope that
(42:34):
people do take advantage of it.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
Man, awesome one. Thank you so much for having us on,
Man and look forward to doing this again. And hopefully
I'll see you on the belt Line.
Speaker 3 (42:42):
Oh trust me you will. And that's it.
Speaker 2 (42:45):
That's the pod job we out peace. You've been listening
to Button Nomics and I'm your host, Brandon Butler. Got
comments feedback? Want to be on the show, Send us
an email today. At Hello at butteronomics dot com. Button
Nomics is produced in Atlanta, Georgia at iHeartMedia by Casey
peg Them, with marketing support from Queen and Nikki music
provided by mister Hanky. If you haven't already, hit that
(43:05):
subscribe button and never missed an episode, and be sure
to follow us on all our social platforms at butter
dot at L. Listen to Better Nomics on the iHeartRadio app,
Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts
The beltline has catalyzed upwards of nine billion dollars in
private sector investment. It means upwards of fifty thousand permanent
jobs for local residents. It means fifty six hundred affordable
housing units. So someone who probably is an arista over
at Black Coffee atl can actually live on the belt Line.
(00:23):
Or maybe it's an artist that you know that they
can have a place to display their art on the
belt Line.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Hey, everybody, WoT to the episode of Buttonomics. I'm the
host Brandon Butler, fanta CEO of Butter atyll And Today.
That's somebody special in the building, mister Kelvin Collins of
the Atlanta Beltline. Sir, how are you doing?
Speaker 1 (00:44):
I am doing great, man, great to sit down with you.
It's been a while.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
No, man, look at you did? Did you walk over
here on the beltline?
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Like?
Speaker 3 (00:51):
How'd you get here?
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Man? Listen, man, you can probably get almost any way
you want on the belt line, you know. So I
took a short walk, but I had to drive just
a little bit to get here. Man.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
Yeah, I was down.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
I was down on the west side the other day
and I was and I came across all of the
interest I was like, Oh, I didn't even know it
connected right here.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
You know, y'all are everywhere.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Man, listen, twenty two miles, you know, thirty three miles
all together when you put in the spur trails. If
there's a place in the city you want to get to,
chances are the belt Line can get you there.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
Man, look at that. We're gonna talk a lot about that.
I appreciate you pulling up now. For those who don't know,
Kelvin is the vice president of Economic Development for the
belt Line. Now, Kevin, we do some a little bit different.
You're on button nomics. I don't know if you've seen
it before, man, but I like to ask chat cheap
et to write a bio for my guests, and I
like to read them with chat cheepy t too.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Chat has some things to say about you. All right,
you in here. So that's a good sign, you know
what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
So for those who don't know, I'm gonna read this
and like I say, you tell me, is it is
it off?
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Is it always missing anything? Okay? If we can make
a couple of phone calls.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
If ain't right, sound good, let's go for it, Okay,
Kelvin Collins is the vice president of Economic Development at
the Atlanta belt Line, where he oversees initiatives that bring culture, commerce,
and community together across forty five neighborho He's focused on
making sure Atlanta's growth benefits local residents and entrepreneurs through
small business support, affordable commercial space, and workforce opportunities. Before
(02:09):
joined the Beltline, Kelvin worked extensively in community and economic development,
with a track record of building programs that expand access
to capital and resources of underserved communities. Today, his team
is preparing Atlanta businesses for global stages like the World Cup,
while also investing in local artists and the city's creative economy.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
That's what Chad had to say, Man.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Spot on, Man, spot on it. It sounds even better
than if I would written it. Man, That's that's awesome.
It's it's such an incredible honor man, to be able
to have done this work for the past twenty years,
you know, really focused on community and creating access, but
it really started in the streets of New York City,
and so to be able to be here in Atlanta
(02:48):
doing this work with a belt Line, it's a pride
and joy man, absolutely so.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
For those who don't know, man, like, what is you know,
economic development and how did you get into that role
at the.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Belt Yeah, So just to backtrack a bit, as I said,
you know, this work really started about twenty years ago
on the streets of New York. Started off with my
first gig at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. That's really
where I got my start. I worked in a couple
of administrations in New York City mayoral administrations, but I
(03:17):
really didn't cut my teeth branded and community development until
I got to Harlem. I ran a nonprofit in Harlem,
and that is if you know Harlem, right, it's about hustle,
it's about culture, it's about people, right. But that's also
where businesses are being pushed out right with large scale development,
(03:38):
and residents are often wondering if they're going to get
a chance to stay in Harlem. And so that was
my first real opportunity to understand the complexity of growth
and sort of equity and intentionality and development. And so
that sort of work really prepared me in many ways
to take this challenge on here at the Beltline. So here,
(04:01):
what we're really trying to do is to use this
infrastructure project to make a difference in the lives of
every day Atlanta's right, So you're looking at small business support,
affordable housing, you know, green space. So we're really taking
what I consider to be an infrastructure project and translated
it into an economic engine for the city of Atlanta.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
And for those who don't know, mean, yeah, like, how
would you describe because I know we're talking about the
Built Line, and what I don't like to do is
one of my favorite books is called The e Myth, right,
and it talks about this idea of the curse of knowledge.
So it's like, because you have to understand something, you
think everybody else understands something. So for those who don't know,
can you explain to them what the Atlanta Built Line is?
Speaker 1 (04:40):
Yeah, So imagine abandoned railroads that's been sitting, you know,
covered in kudzoo for several years. We are actually taking
abandoned railroads and transforming it into a concrete pathway that
now is a multi use trail. Right, So imagine if
you're a biker or looking for a jog. There are
(05:03):
recreational purposes for the belt line, right, but there's also
maybe a student that's looking to get to a high
school on the south side of the belt line. They
can actually use the belt line to get to school.
So we're really transforming a twenty two mile loop around
the city of Atlanta into this economic engine. You know.
(05:24):
I was having lunchra a friend of mine the other day.
We sort of described the belt line almost like a
Swiss army knife, where there are so many components to it. Right,
is this magical tool that arguably is probably the most
consequential economic investment the city of Atlanta has seen in
(05:44):
the past twenty years. So we're using infrastructure, we're delivering
solutions to communities and really ensuring that there's access around
the twenty two miles that the belt line is today.
There's still parts of their development, right because it's not
completely finished. I know, there's still some parts that are
still being finished up, right, Yeah, So that's the the
(06:06):
interesting part. So it's total twenty two miles of mainline trail.
By the time some off twenty twenty six, we would
have completed just about eighteen miles of continuous trail. However,
there's still a lot of work to be done in
the northern part of the belt line. The Zion is complete,
construction is happening, but that is the part of the
(06:28):
trail where they were not abandoned railroads, so we got
to sort of sneak through neighborhoods and connect the entire
twenty two miles. So that bit of work is likely
to happen towards the tail end. But we're on schedule
to be completed by twenty thirty, so we're really excited
about that.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
And how long has this project been going on? For
those that don't know.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Well, guess what. This is our twentieth anniversary. So the belt.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Doesn't seem like it.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
It doesn't seem like it, right, But I would say
we really build momentum over the last five to ten years.
That's really when the belt line, the proof of concept
was in place over on the Eastside trail and everyone
began to sort of flock the belt line as this
incredible amenity for the city. So twenty years in, but
(07:11):
the real work has happened over the last I would say,
you know, five to ten years. And that's the beauty
of it, right, I mean, you have so many opportunities
for residents, for businesses to relocate for affordable housing. So yeah,
twenty years in motion, but we think the real work
is going to continue even after the trail is completed
(07:32):
in twenty thirty.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
And when you say economic impact, just help quantify that
for folse who don't know, Like, what is kind of
the economic impact of the Beltline on Atlanta?
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Yes, that's a great question, so think about Let's start
with return on investment, right, So the belt line has
seen and catalyzed upwards of nine billion dollars. That's what
the b in private sector investment. So to simplify that,
for every dog that's been invested in the project, we've
(08:03):
seen a return of ten dollars in private sector investment.
So what that really means is the part that excites me.
It means upwards of fifty thousand permanent jobs for local residents.
It means fifty six hundred affordable housing units. Right, so
someone who probably is a barista over at Black Coffee
(08:28):
atl can actually live on the belt Line and work
right on the west side, right. Or maybe it's an
artist that you know that whose work we admire. They
can have a place to display their art on the
belt Line. Or maybe it's a small business that is
setting up shop like Mason hot Dogs and one of
(08:48):
four shipping containers on the belt line. So it's really
about the people that is kind of the economic impact
is macro, but when you really simplify it, it's about
the everyday people and the impact that we're making on
small businesses and residents every single day. But I'll tell
you it's probably the most significant investment the city has
(09:11):
made and en showing that the belt Line is a
reality here in the city.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Yeah, and when you know, you talk about like investment
in how this is such a big investment, Like what
do you kind of see the beltlines role in like
the future of Atlanta. For someone who might only think
it's just a trail or someplace to jog a grab food, Well,
that's the beauty of it.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
And that's why our team is working every day to
make sure that the belt Line is more than a trail. Right.
You look at Camkirk Studio that is now set up
out to Camp Kirk, shout out to Camkirk right where
it's creating a cultural hub over on the East Side trail, right.
(09:49):
Or you look at Rivian who recently announced the East
Coast headquarters on the belt Line. It's going to bring
you know, a couple hundred jobs, right, you also look
at the art that's being embedded in the belt line.
So it's really an opportunity for the belt Line to
(10:11):
use the infrastructure and transform and create opportunities for everyday
people that won't ordinarily have a chance here in the city.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
And so, yeah, how do people get access to some
of these things? You know, there's so much stuff going on,
you know, you know, I've been in cam Space, I've
seen a lot of the other businesses around here. Like,
what are some of the programs that just help because
you talk about accessibility and affordability, like, we are some
of the programs that can help you know, creative entrepreneurs
and you know everybody doesn't have you know, a million
dollars in the bank, you know what I'm saying. So
a lot of these especially in Atlanta, you got a lot
of small businesses. I know, shot to Terrence at Grady
(10:43):
Baby Co. You know, I know they were not think
one of the containers y'all had over there too, right, Like,
what are some of the other programs y'all have to
make this accessible to so many people?
Speaker 1 (10:50):
I'm glad you asked. A couple of years ago, we
made a concerted effort to build a portfolio programs that
is going to do exactly that, like bring tangible results,
tangible opportunities for small businesses around the beltline. We created
a Business Solutions Office and within there it's a dedicated, accelerated,
(11:13):
dedicated turn key solution for small businesses. If you have
a question, you want to start a business, this is
the opportunity for you to be part of a business
solutions office. We launched Beltline Business Venture. You make a call,
you get registered, you get training, you get access to
space and opportunities along the belt Line. So we really
(11:35):
began to think about how do we make sure through
the Business Solutions Office that everyday small businesses can understand
what the opportunity is, where to locate, what are the
retail gaps that are around the belt line. A lot
of times Brandon people are setting up businesses and don't
really have and understand it is this the right business
(11:56):
for a particular neighborhood. Is it saturated right? How do
we make sure we provide the data, the guidance and
the coaching. So a business Solutions office does exactly that.
In addition, we created a Beltline Marketplace, which is a
simple concept of using shipping containers right to create turnkey
(12:19):
retail opportunities alongside the trail, and we have seen in
the first round of application, over two hundred and fifty
businesses say, hey, I want to be part of that.
It's low costs two hundred and fifty dollars a month,
right for a space along the belt line. You have
two point five million visitors coming along the belt line.
(12:42):
That's unheard of. So that's potential customers for these businesses.
So there are tons of programs that are available today
for businesses to tap into.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
Okay, what do you think makes the beiltline unique, especially
when you kind of compare it around like other urban
development projects, right, Like, what makes this so different?
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Yeah, So here's the thing. Other cities build a trail
and call it a day. Right in Atlanta, we build
the trail and we said we're going to add affordable housing,
we're going to add green space, we're going to add
small business support, we're going to add workforce development. So
(13:21):
the belt Line is arguably the most comprehensive project of
its nature, right in compared to other cities. It's a
linear park. But what we thought that's necessary though, is
use the infrastructure project to deliver resources and opportunities that
is sort of non traditional, right, and that makes the
(13:43):
Beltline a unique example, not just here in the city,
but you know, across the country. I mean, we have
folks calling us, hey, we want to come and take
a tour. We have international delegations looking to the belt
Line as that that standard of what an infrastructure project
(14:04):
can deliver. But more importantly, though, it's it's really working
together with heartners, right that have bought into the vision
of the belt Line, whether or not that is Atlanta
Public Schools that's partially funding the belt Line through a
tad or Fulton County that's contributing to the belt Line,
(14:25):
or the City of Atlanta. There is really this commitment
across multiple stakeholder groups that's really bringing the belt Line
to life and everyone gets the benefit. I mean, I'm
not sure when's the last time you walk on the
East Side Trail, but man, it's it's it's incredible the energy, right,
(14:45):
and it's it's really where Atlanta comes together. It's kind
of like Atlanta's living room, or maybe like a front porch.
You want to meet up with a friend, you want
to grab coffee, or you want to grab a bite
like you can do it on the belt line. So
that's really what makes a belt line a unique story.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
I mean, I haven't fully brought myself to speed on it,
but I have heard talks about potential rail or train.
Is that something that's essentially in the in the works.
Is that something being considered for the belt line in
some areas?
Speaker 1 (15:23):
Absolutely so. So transit around the belt line has always
been part of the vision. It's for us, it's it's
it's equity at play here. It's it's really given individuals
who you know, want to commute from the southern part
of the belt line, maybe they have a job on
the east side trail or maybe up in the north,
(15:45):
like how do you get out of your car get
on the trail right use, you know, light rail or
whatever that mode of transportation is to get to your destination.
So transit has always been part of the vision. We
think it's incredibly important for that to be realized, and
we're going to ensure that that happens. And when it happens,
(16:08):
I think it's gonna bring tremendous benefit for individuals who
are dependent on some kind of a low cost transportation option.
That's convenient. We think transit is going to be a
critical part of that, and we're preparing for that, and
we're we're looking to make the investment to ensure that
happens for the city.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Yeah, man, because look, I'm gonna tell you right now,
y'all gonna put a speed limit on their bicycles on there.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
Man, Like these these.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Becomes zooming by you, and you know, for you, for
people that like walk on and I mean I've I've
hung out and on the belt Line trail many times,
and there's a couple of parts where you don't realize
how far you gotta go. It's like we're here over
at one spot, we're gonna walk down there. It's like, man,
if I could just jump on something and get down
and this will be so much easier. Right, And so
I love the idea of just like you know, transit
being built into that. Is that something that would be
(16:55):
I just wonder like how would that even Like is
this gonna be built alongside of it like hypothetic like
whatever you can speak to around Like what does that
kind of vision struct.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
To look like?
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Yeah, the great thing is that transit was part of
the original vision, right of the belt Line. It's it's
sort of yeah, it was conceived as a transit oriented
development project. It just so happened that the trail came first.
And sometimes when the trail comes first, you know, everyone thinks, oh,
this is it, right, but no, the transit was is
(17:23):
always part of the vision. So as we construct the
physical trail, we're actually making accommodation for transit. So if
you ever you walk alongside the trail you see an
open grassy area right next to the trail, Well, that's
a transit corridor, got you. So there's there's a lot
of thoughtfulness and in the process of ensuring that transit
(17:45):
come alongside the trail, and and so that's gonna happen,
and there's a commitment from the city. Beltline leadership is
absolutely committed to that. So it's gonna happen. It's it's
it's expensive, there's a lot of headwinds ahead of us
in terms of the fun but we're absolutely committed to
realizing tRNS it on the belt Line.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
You talk a lot about programs and just the opportunities
that are available for you know, black owned businesses, creators,
small business in general. What do you all do to
help communicate with people and people know these opportunities exist.
So I think a lot of times people don't really
you know, And I've talked with a lot of folks
about this on the podcast, right, like in general, and
I've said this before, like, I don't think the city
(18:25):
does an amazing job always of letting people know about
certain opportunities that might be available. And so certain programs
get missed people just don't know about them, or you know,
it's like a small group people kind of know about
them and can take advantage where everybody else can't. Right,
And so you know, what does the Beltline doing to
kind of go meet people where they're at they might
not know about these programs and kind of bring the
information to them so they can actually start to kind
(18:46):
of bring them into the fold.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
Yeah, we can never communicate enough, to be honest with you,
and the Beltline, as we say, it is the people's project, right,
and so we have to do everything we can to
communicate out then, and that's why we're on but Anomics.
That's that's why we're here. We want to spread the
word that the belt Line is mode on a trail.
(19:07):
But also too, we're we have a quarterly business breakfast
as one example of how we're ensuring that, you know,
every day people can come together as a community learn
about what's happening on the Beltline. We have a very
extensive community engagement team and we have a quarterly briefing
(19:29):
every couple of months where you can come on larn
about where we are with the construction, with housing, with
economic development and and really and truly we want to
make sure that everyday people have access to this information
on the belt Line. And so again, there are so
many opportunities and we are working ever so hard to
(19:52):
get the word out. But this is a type of
program and that I believe will will help us spread
the world. We can do enough of this.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
Yeah, we can get a for a four day man,
get you out here with the people. You know what
I'm saying, absolutely absolutely by ways to meet people where
they're at. You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
Yeah, Well, listen, it's it's when you think about it, right,
And I said this, you know, the belt Line is
the is the people's project. And you know, I remember,
you know, when I started in the belt Line a
couple of years ago, there was this idea of you know,
whatever's happened on in the belt Line is not for
everyday people, and what we're trying to de mystify that
(20:26):
with the programs that we're launching right So, whether or
not it's Beltline business Ventures or the funding fear or
the pitch competition that we're doing for small businesses or
the shipping containers, we have for the very first time
really just reimagined the role of the belt Line and
the more people can actually hear about this type of
(20:50):
work and how the two can plug into the belt Line,
we think everyone wins, and that's really the story behind
the belt Line. It's not just a trail, it's really
an opportunity so that everyone can sort of get elevated
and have economic mobility through the Beltline project.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
Funding fair sounds interesting, What's what's the funding fair?
Speaker 1 (21:09):
Yeah? So, you know, one of the things we've heard
from businesses and the data confirms that capital continues to
be a significant deterrent for businesses starting and for businesses scaling.
We're going to bring together a handful of lenders, community development,
(21:31):
financial institution, nonprofit partners, the SBA. Every year we bring
them together to really create a platform and an opportunity
for small businesses to ask questions to know what the
requirements are. And we've done this. This is going to
be a second year where we're doing that, and we
really want businesses to know that the Beltline can be
(21:53):
a bridge to connect people to capital, right small businesses
to capital. And when you do that, you begin to
sort of prepare for some large scale events or you know,
maybe the World Cup or maybe the Super Bowl. So
there are real opportunities when it comes to you know,
where's the information, who has the money? You know, how
(22:14):
do you prepare to get that bag? As a small business?
You know, let's prepare you. And that's all happening through
our small business support team, I know, a business solutions office.
So that is just another incredible opportunity for for businesses
to see the belt Line as a place and a
program that can really truly help the business grow.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
Now, see, Kelln, you just did something. I don't know
you noticed it. I heard it. You said this is
how they get that bag. That's what it's all about,
and that's what people got to That's what people need
to hear. Man.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Look, I always talk about economic development and stuff like that,
but you didn't tell people like that's they need to hear. Like,
if you want to get that bag on the belt line,
that's how you got to say it to it.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
You know what it is though, you know there's the
belt line is this is such an credible transformative project
and sometimes you thalk about it so much from that perspective.
But for everyday people, they want to get they want
to get in on this on the action right and
and sometimes you know, we got to simplify it and
break it down. But it's all about the economics, right,
(23:16):
It's all about you know, can I participate? Is their
space for me and my simple advice to every small business,
every creative, every button on trumping out that's dreaming of
you know, being on the belt line. There is space.
You got to get yourself ready, you know, tap into
our business Solutions office, you know, get involved in all
(23:38):
fund and fail pitch competition and get that bag so
you can position yourself for for success. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (23:46):
I might come out there. Man.
Speaker 2 (23:47):
Look I know how to do a pitch competition. Man,
I want a couple pitch competitions. I got some ideas.
Speaker 1 (23:51):
You know, we would love listen, we would love to
have button nomics on a pitch competition, you know. We
we do that every year. That's the beautiful thing, you know,
And the more we get the word out is that,
in fact, last year we did this Brandon, we had
a venture capitalist in the audience seeking out beltline businesses.
(24:14):
That's looking for angel investments, right, And that's the type
of creative approaches that we're taking. We're only just scratched
the surface around what's possible for small businesses on the
belt line. And you know, one of the things you
may or may not know is that we're probably going
(24:35):
to be at the at the airport right, a beltline
concept at the airport, right. And when we do that,
that tells you about the global power of the belt
Line as a brand. And we can talk some more
about that. But as we open those beltline concepts at
the airport, we want to bring small businesses along with us. Right.
(24:56):
It's not just about the belt It's about who are
the small businesses along the trail that can truly create
this authentic experience at Hartsfield Jackson right on the umbrella
off beltline, you know. So we're creating tremendous avenues not
just capital, but access to market for small businesses around
(25:17):
the city.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
So what does that start to look like with the
Beltline at the airport, Like, exactly what does that even
start to look like?
Speaker 1 (25:21):
Man, you know, I can't let too much about the bag,
But here's what I'm going to tell you though. Here's
what I'm going to tell you. We have built such
a powerful brand the Beltline that concession operators are looking
to us to partner with them and bring in a
concept of a Beltline branded store at Hartsfield Jackson, right
(25:46):
and in there, we believe there's an opportunity for small
businesses to bring the authentic Atlanta wares right into that
store to give you know, traveling visitors a very author
and take Atlanta experience, right. And so that is it
does a couple of things. One, it really helps us
amplify the brand of the belt Line because we think
(26:09):
we got something really unique here, right. And too, it
really helps small businesses get a foothole into Hartsville Jackson.
Many of them are probably dreaming of getting access to
the world's busiest airport, right, And so we're opening the
door and saying, hey, small business, step in and position
(26:31):
yourself and try to scale your business through that mechanism.
So again, the Beltline isn't just this twenty two miles
that's looping around the city. We're using the brand to
create opportunities like none other. And that's the exciting part
of the work.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
No, that's interesting, man, that's just as you said, the
brand travels very well.
Speaker 1 (26:53):
It show does you know, and it's we can monetize that,
like that's the beauty of the belt Line brand, Like
there's actual value. And we've worked so hard over the
last you know, five to ten years to protect the
brand because everyone that is building a development project, guess
(27:14):
what they want to put Beltline on their structure, on
their development and we're like, hold up, you know that's protected.
That's our intellectual property. You know, you can just use
the Beltline. But certainly we can leverage the name Beltline
as we think about opportunities for small businesses and other
(27:36):
ways to sort of monetize the sustainability of the belt Line.
And so that is a pretty exciting opportunity. When we
think about FIFA in twenty twenty six, we have a
global audience coming, so there's going to be a huge
opportunity for us to amplify the Beltline brand. During those
times as well.
Speaker 2 (27:54):
Yeah, I was going to ask, like with World Cup
coming up in the Super Bowl, so many things happened in Atlanta,
Like how does the Beltline start to play into that
part of Atlanta story.
Speaker 1 (28:02):
Yeah, well, I'll tell you, as a global audience come
to Atlanta, they're going to ask where is the real Atlanta?
Where can I go experience the authentic Atlanta? And they're
going to be pointed to the Atlanta Beltline as a
great seamless way to connect to neighborhoods, the culture, to arts,
(28:26):
right to the culinary experience. So we think the Beltline
has a number of features that, in my opinion, creates
a tremendous benefit for World Cup or Super Bowl or
any large scale events. You think about it. It's twenty
two miles that's connecting forty five neighborhoods right seamlessly. So
(28:48):
if you're interested in experiencing any part of the city,
you get onto the belt Line and you can take
an amazing walk right, and you can experience that. If
you're interested in arts and culture, right, the Beltline is
the longest running outdoor art exhibition in the Southeast. Right,
(29:09):
you walk in the belt Line, you got murals, you
get live performances, you got you know, style riding. You know,
some people call it graffiti, right, it's style riding, right.
And so you have that, and then you have just
a handful of businesses that are bringing authentic Atlanta right
all on the belt line. So you think about it,
(29:31):
there's so many aspects of what makes Atlanta special on
the belt line. So we believe the belt line will
be the way that visitors that are attending the FEEFO
World Cup or Super Bowl, that's how they're going to
experience Atlanta. So we want to make sure it's a
safe experience, right, that's the number one priority. But we
(29:52):
also want to make sure that small businesses get a
chance to share their goods and their services. And you know,
if we're to do that successfully, that is how businesses
are going to be able to sort of scale and
grow and get that bag right. And that's kind of
what we're working towards. When you think about FIFA, you
think about Super Bowl, it's really about making sure the
(30:14):
belt line is positioned as the way to get around
the city.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
The topic of affordability comes up a lot, and people
kind of talk about the Beltline like how do you
all work to what do you all do to make
sure that you can kind of balance this idea of
like growth, you know, with also making sure that it
still stays accessible to small businesses and creators around Atlanta.
Speaker 1 (30:42):
Yeah, that is our number one priority for us. And
I mean I look back on my time in New
York City and I saw firsthand what can happen when
you have development without intentionality and without equity, And we
are doing everything we can to avoid that here on
(31:04):
the belt Line. And I'll tell you what matters most leadership.
You need authentic leadership that is courageous and bold, and
at the belt Line we have that, you know in
our CEO, Clyde Higgs, and the entire executive team is
absolutely committed to using the project to address affordability. And
(31:26):
I'll tell you how we're doing that. So first, the
belt Line has acquired over ninety acres of land around
the belt Line, so we have a very proactive land
acquisition strategy. When you own the land, you control the dirt,
so you can dictate affordability. So in various stages of development,
(31:48):
we have a handful of projects that each of those
projects have affordable housing as a key component. It also
has affordable commercial space. As part of the requirement, developer
that it's interested in doing business with the Beltline need
to be committed to affordability, right, and so that is
(32:08):
that is a number one priority. Secondly, we have, as
I mentioned earlier, we have a Business Solutions Office where
we're training small businesses. We're preparing them. So we have
a pipeline of businesses that are ready to scale. So
you imagine a development let's say Morphy Crossing or you
know three fifty six University Avenue. As these development projects
(32:30):
come online, these businesses that we're preparing through our Business
Solutions office will now have a physical space that they
can step into and that that is exciting. Right. We've
we've scaled our Beltline Marketplace program, which is how a
shipping container program from two locations when we just started.
(32:52):
And shout out to the village market that helped us
get start doctor Key right, She's she's just a force
here in the and so we started with two locations.
Now we're moving to four locations. Right. So again we're
creating affordable commercial space along the belt Line. And I'll
(33:12):
wrapper by saying, Brandon, you have so many aspects of affordability.
That housing is one of the most foundational aspects of
the belt Lines affordability strategy. Our goal is to create
fifty six hundred affordable housing units and we're seventy five
percent of that goal. We have until twenty thirty to
(33:34):
do that, so chances are we can exceed, and quite frankly,
that's still not enough. Right. The belt Line is just
so unique it has become a destination. But I think
the combination of bold leadership, commitment to equity, and thoughtful
programming has allowed us to balance what I considered to
(33:56):
be economic growth with thoughtful anti displacement solutions. And we
will never do enough right, but that is the work
that has to be done, and that is what sort
of keeps us up at night. That's why we have
teams that are focused on housing, teams that are focused
on real estate acquisition, teams that are focused on small
(34:16):
business support. And I didn't even get to mention that
we have a facade improvement program where we've invested about
half a million dollars over the last couple of years
to improve the facade of businesses along commercial corridors right,
just to improve the look and feel and to make
it invite in so again, affordability is a priority. Anti
(34:40):
displacement strategies are in place. We're going to continue to
double down our efforts stand sure that people who are
born and raised around the beltline, businesses that have existed
even before the beltline can have been around legacy businesses,
that they get to hang around and benefit from all
the awesomeness that the belt line has bring in the
(35:01):
opportunities to sell their goods and just live and walk
and experience the belt life.
Speaker 3 (35:05):
Yes, it's amazing. Many is there.
Speaker 2 (35:07):
What's Has there been a moment when you've kind of
thought to yourself, this is why I do this work.
Speaker 3 (35:13):
This is why I came here to do this.
Speaker 1 (35:14):
Yeah, you know, four and a half years ago. It
was a bold decision, right to leave New York City
and come to Atlanta. And I'll tell you the reason.
Of course, it's an incredible project. Right if you're in
this economic development space, you know, you'll probably be living
on the rock if you don't know about the Atlitta
belt Line, right, But you know, I did my research,
(35:37):
and Atlanta is in such an incredible position to address
some of the challenges that some of the biggest cities
have experienced right around this placement and lack of opportunities
for small and some local residents. And so when I
looked at the leadership of the Atlanta belt Line at
the time, I was convinced that the leadership was in
(36:00):
place that had a commitment to equity to inclusion. And
I knew that once that's in place, it gives us
the opportunity to put thoughtful programming in place. And our
leadership has created that space and that latitude to do
just that. And so when I wake up every single day,
(36:21):
that's what I think about. How can we use the
Beltline as a mechanism right for transformation. And so the
team whether or not it's a career fair, and we
had a career fair not too long ago. And can
I tell you, Brandon, we had over six hundred West
Side residents show up to a CAREFA. That tells you
(36:42):
people want jobs. There's a real need out there. And
here comes the Beltline again, connecting the dots. We had
employers like Emory Healthcare, Notside, you know, Hilton Hotel, the
City of Atlanta, just bringing opportunities to the people. So
I got to tell you this, I'm having fun, right,
(37:02):
but it's it's hard work. It's it's hard work. Well,
when you know that the work that you're doing is
actually moving the needle for everyday people, man, you just
can't wait to get up the next day and do
it all over again. So that's kind of why I'm
doing this work on the belt Line.
Speaker 3 (37:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:19):
And something that's also unique, you know it is you know,
Beltline CEO Clyde. I mean, this is his baby too, right,
Like this is literally a project that he pretty much
almost came up with, is my understanding, you know what
I mean, it's kind of and now he's leading that
so even again, this is not something that the city
just came up with on their own. This is somebody
you know, who makes me mobilized this and and it's
kind of brought it to life. But it's also still
involved in it. So I'm sure it says a very
(37:40):
personal project to him as well.
Speaker 1 (37:42):
Oh absolutely, And as I said, leadership matters, and Clyde
has been explicit that this project is, you know, arguably
the most significant for the city, and he has been
on our entire team that it's about excellence. How do
we execute with X lens? Right? How do we ensure
(38:02):
that everything that we do is about the people, right,
It's about ensuring that our partners are well informed about
what we're doing, how we're doing it, and that we're
delivering tangible results. You know. You know, several years ago,
all right, there wasn't any evidence of well, is this
belt line gonna come to fruition? Right? Is it even possible?
(38:25):
There were a lot of detractors. There were a lot
of doubters. The funding. Sometimes we're not there. I mean,
there's still some challenges with funding, but you know, there
there's never been a clearer line of sight under Clyde's
leadership to achieve the objectives of the belt Line. And
(38:46):
he's an incredible leader. The team in place is working
hard every single day and we're doing that on behalf
of the city of Atlanta, and that to me to
be part of that is just an incredible honor every
single day.
Speaker 2 (39:00):
You know, So fast forward ten years from now, what
impact is the Beltline having on Atlanta's cultural economy in Europigon?
Speaker 1 (39:09):
Yeah, wow, that's a that's a great question. If I
can sit right now and tell you I know exactly, Brandon,
I'll be it would be a fit you know. But
what I'll tell you though, is that I don't know
that anyone imagined that here today the belt line will
be delivering you know, upwards of nine billion dollars in
private sector investment for the city of Atlanta. So you
(39:32):
imagine ten fifteen, that could double and triple. You know,
affordable housing is a key component, Like we imagine a
belt line that has a diverse mix of you know,
small businesses, large businesses. You know, residents that are that
are able to live and walk to work and come back,
(39:55):
or maybe an APS teacher that's educating all kids can
can walk from home to school. Right, So this real
community of connectivity around the belt line. We think that
that is absolutely the future of what Atlanta is going
to be. And so we're invested in that today. But
(40:17):
we cannot leave it to chance. So even when the
beltline is completed in twenty thirty, we still believe that
a lot of work has to be done to ensure
that the economic opportunities gets to the people who need
it more. So, again, twenty thirty, the trailer is going
to be done, but we believe that in order to
(40:41):
ensure that the beltline delivers the value for the community
that we need programs, we need resources, we need thoughtful leadership,
and we need the Beltline to continue to do that
work on behalf of the city. And that to me,
ten twenty years from now, we want to see this.
We're continuing to be an incredible opportunity for the city
(41:06):
to be a global beacon as we know it is.
So I'm excited about that.
Speaker 2 (41:12):
Yeah, man, this is amazing. Man, Look, this has been
amazing conversation. Before we wrap up and get out of here,
can you tell people how can they get more information
about these programs in the Beltline. How can they learn
more about the funding Fair when it gets ready to happen,
how can they you know, the pitch competition, Like give
them all the things.
Speaker 1 (41:27):
Man, Yeah, so the Beltline. You can log onto our
website beltline dot org. That's a great way to get
all the information that you need on the Beltline. Again,
we have a business solutions office where all the programs
and resources are available. We have annual pitch competition, annual
(41:47):
funding Fair, quarterly Breakfast. I mean, there are resources like
never before available through the Atlanta Beltline, and this is
the time to get in and get that opportunity and
positioning yourself for success, because we are building the future
of Atlanta right here, right now, and the Atlanta Beltline
is part of that process and we would love for
(42:09):
you to be part of that journey with us.
Speaker 3 (42:12):
Hey Man, thank you so much for pulling up.
Speaker 2 (42:14):
This has been a great conversation, I think as it's
also you know, demystified. Thanks, people may or may not
understood about the Beltline of some of the programs. I
didn't even know just many programs going on down that
they're available. So I'm hoping that people take this information
do something with it. You know, we're very big on
button Nomics. We'll giving people resources and access to info,
and so I think you kind of have uncovered a
lot of opportunities out there, and I really hope that
(42:34):
people do take advantage of it.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
Man, awesome one. Thank you so much for having us on,
Man and look forward to doing this again. And hopefully
I'll see you on the belt Line.
Speaker 3 (42:42):
Oh trust me you will. And that's it.
Speaker 2 (42:45):
That's the pod job we out peace. You've been listening
to Button Nomics and I'm your host, Brandon Butler. Got
comments feedback? Want to be on the show, Send us
an email today. At Hello at butteronomics dot com. Button
Nomics is produced in Atlanta, Georgia at iHeartMedia by Casey
peg Them, with marketing support from Queen and Nikki music
provided by mister Hanky. If you haven't already, hit that
(43:05):
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Host
Brandon Butler
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