Tax Relief, Transit Overhaul and Zoning Rewrite Lead Atlanta’s Policy Week

It’s been a busy week across Atlanta’s policy landscape, with tax relief, transit upgrades and zoning reform all moving forward.

Property Tax Relief Moving Forward

Georgia lawmakers are finalizing an $850 million homeowner property tax relief program that will provide a one-time credit on fall tax bills for residents who have filed for a homestead exemption. The relief applies to primary residences and will appear as a line item rather than a direct payment.

The measure is part of a broader tax package that also includes a one-time state income tax rebate of up to $250 for individual filers and $500 for joint filers. State leaders say the move returns surplus revenue to taxpayers, though the property tax grant will require annual renewal to continue in future years.

MARTA’s Bus Network Overhaul Nears Launch

MARTA is preparing for a sweeping overhaul of its bus system, with the NextGen Bus Network set to launch April 18, 2026. The redesign will consolidate more than 110 routes into 81 streamlined lines and introduce 12 on-demand service zones branded as MARTA Reach.

Transit officials say the goal is more frequent service on high-ridership corridors and simpler routing citywide. The changes come as Atlanta continues investing sales tax revenue from the More MARTA program into bus rapid transit, rail planning and station improvements.

ATL Zoning 2.0 Advances Toward Hearings

Atlanta’s long-running zoning rewrite, known as ATL Zoning 2.0, is entering a critical public review phase. Neighborhood Planning Units are reviewing draft updates this spring, with formal hearings before the Zoning Review Board expected in April.

City planners say the overhaul aims to modernize development rules, expand housing options and align zoning with Atlanta’s growth and affordability goals. The rewrite could shape everything from mixed-use corridors to neighborhood density for decades to come.

Together, these moves reflect a city and state navigating growth pressures while balancing tax policy, infrastructure investment and housing reform.

Sources

Kemp signed $850M in property tax relief on March 3. Lot of confusion about what it actually does
byu/AppealAllyFounder inAtlanta

Income Tax Rebate Passed by Georgia Lawmakers – average filer $250 and a married couple up to $500
byu/Tippy345 inAtlanta

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_MARTA_bus_routes

https://atlzoning.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ATL-Zoning-December-2025-Update.pdf