The October 17 Transform Westside Summit explored the theme “Connected on the Westside: Building Pathways to Parks, Jobs, and Opportunity Without Displacement,” bringing together leaders and partners shaping equitable growth across Atlanta’s historic Westside. Hosted by John Ahmann, President & CEO of Westside Future Fund, the Summit featured leading voices Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of the Atlanta Beltline, Inc., and Elizabeth B. Chandler, Board Chair of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership.
Together, panelists discussed how intentional connectivity—through transit, green space, and economic opportunity—can strengthen communities while preserving the legacy and stability of longtime residents.
The event opened with a devotion by Rashaan Evans, Student Services Coordinator at Spelman College and a Home on the Westside Homebuyer. Evans highlighted that true restoration begins with taking our burdens to God, that opposition often signals the right path rather than failure, and that effective leadership combines encouragement, organization, and perseverance. Through his reflection, he emphasized that meaningful community transformation requires both tangible action and spiritual grounding, and that building strong families and thriving neighborhoods relies on unity, resilience, and staying anchored in purpose.
Following the devotion, Derrick Jordan, President of Anothy Development, Real Estate Development Consultant for Westside Future Fund, and longtime Westside resident, moderated the panel featuring Chandler and Higgs. The conversation focused on the Beltline’s ongoing efforts to create equitable economic development, preserve housing affordability, and foster community engagement along the Westside Trail.
Key highlights from the panel included:
- Connecting Community and Infrastructure: Both panelists emphasized that the Beltline is a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization, economic opportunity, and social connection. Over $9 billion in private investment and 60,000 jobs have followed the project, underscoring its impact as an economic engine.
- Housing Affordability and Legacy Retention: Higgs and Chandler discussed their goal of delivering 5,600 affordable housing units citywide, a target they are projected to exceed by 30% by the end of 2030. Higgs shared, “Our superpower is that we are purchasing lots of land around the Beltline. When you control the land… when you control the dirt, you can exact very deep housing affordability.” In addition to owning land strategically, particularly along the Westside, they are supporting programs that protect legacy homeowners from displacement.
- Supporting Small Businesses and Workforce Development: The panelists highlighted programs providing grants and other resources to help legacy businesses thrive along the Beltline. The $500,000 initiative for property owners enables affordable commercial space for long-standing local businesses, mirroring the same commitment the organization has made to housing. In reference to workforce development Higgs added, “If you think about Atlanta’s competitive advantage, it is who we are. It’s our culture. It’s our diversity. When you see all of these mega companies deciding to locate in Atlanta, they’re not coming here for our beaches, right? They’re coming here because of the folks—the diversity that we have in this room.”
- Parks, Programming, and Public Safety: Showcasing the expansion of parks such as Shirley Clark Franklin Park and Anoda Park, Higgs and Chandler pointed to innovative fitness programs, bike skills courses, and youth events designed to bring the community together. Investments in lighting, cameras, and trail maintenance are critical to creating safe and inviting public spaces.
- Community Engagement and Philanthropy: Higgs and Chandler stressed the importance of involving residents in planning and designing projects. “You can’t solve every challenge that may impact the neighborhoods, but we do a pretty darn good job through our community engagement. It’s a model for other organizations around the country to make sure the neighbors feel heard, because we are going into their backyards—literally sometimes their backyard,” noted Chandler. They also highlighted the need for continued philanthropic support, particularly for maintenance funds and legacy retention programs, to ensure the Beltline remains a model of equitable urban development.
Throughout the discussion, Higgs and Chandler underscored that the Beltline’s success depends on intentional community-centered strategies that balance new investment with protections for existing residents, offering a blueprint for inclusive growth in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhoods.
This month’s summit served as a reminder that meaningful progress requires both vision and action—a commitment to investing in people, place, and opportunity across Atlanta’s historic Westside.
Missed the event? Watch the full October Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.
Mark your calendars for the November Transform Westside Summit on November 21! As always, this event is free and open to the public. Secure your spot by registering today.