Atlanta Beltline Launches Ambassador Program Ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™
The Atlanta Beltline, a key urban redevelopment initiative in the city, has officially rolled out its Ambassador Program, which aims to provide support and engagement for trail users on its Eastside and Westside Trails. This strategic move comes as part of the preparations for the FIFA World Cup 26™, set to bring millions of visitors to Atlanta in the upcoming years.
Starting this week, a team of nine individuals—comprising six ambassadors, two leaders, and an operations manager—will be stationed along the critical segments of the Beltline trails. Their primary objective is to enhance public safety, offer information about the Beltline project, and connect with the community, ensuring a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors alike.
Phase 1: Focused Engagement
The initial focus of the Ambassador Program will be on two significant trail segments: the Eastside Trail, stretching from 10th and Monroe to DeKalb Avenue, and the Westside Trail from Lawton Street to I-75. This phase will run from June 2025 to January 2026. Subsequently, the program is expected to expand to include the Westside Connector Trail during Phase 2, which coincides with the FIFA World Cup 26™ in January 2026.
Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc., expressed the program’s goals, stating, "The Atlanta Beltline has always been about building stronger communities. Our new Ambassador Program embodies that mission by creating meaningful connections between our organization and the neighborhoods we serve. These ambassadors will be our eyes and ears on the ground, helping us better understand community needs while ensuring the Beltline remains a safe, welcoming space for everyone."
Building Stronger Community Ties
The introduction of the Ambassador Program is part of Atlanta Beltline's broader commitment to maintaining and advancing its legacy as a community-driven initiative. In addition to promoting community engagement, the ambassadors will play a crucial role in proactive asset management; they will conduct regular inspections to report on safety and security issues that may arise.
Reacting on the launch of this program, Dave Pierce, Vice President of Real Estate and Asset Management at Atlanta Beltline, remarked, "This program represents a significant investment in the ongoing stewardship of our assets and infrastructure. By having dedicated ambassadors on our trails, we can be more responsive to maintenance needs, community concerns, and opportunities for improvement. This proactive approach will help us maintain the high standards our community expects while building stronger relationships with trail users and adjacent neighborhoods."
The ambassadors will work alongside the Atlanta Police Department’s Path Force Unit, which has been patrolling the Beltline trails and surrounding areas since 2013. Together, both entities aim to bolster the safety and well-being of users on these vital urban resources.
Professional Management and Future Prospects
The management of the program is being handled by Block by Block, an organization renowned for its efficient management of similar ambassador programs across urban districts, parks, and public spaces. John Koch, Divisional Vice President of Block by Block, emphasized the value of these programs, stating, "We've found these programs enhance the trail experience in cities and communities across the country. We look forward to hearing Atlantans feedback and contributing to improvements that will aid the upcoming influx of FIFA World Cup tourists and serve the Atlanta community on a daily basis."
As the Atlanta Beltline continues to develop and improve, this Ambassador Program represents a significant step forward in fostering community engagement and ensuring that the trails remain a safe and vibrant space for everyone. With the anticipation of the World Cup's arrival in 2026, the Beltline's commitment to community-centric initiatives highlights its role as a vital resource and gathering place for all.
For more information about the program and updates on the Atlanta Beltline, you can visit their official site at
www.beltline.org.