UPDATE: Feds threaten to take back money for The Stitch project

The Trump administration is threatening to claw back $157 million awarded to the City of Atlanta for The Stitch project.

The Stitch received a $157.6 million U.S. Department of Transportation Neighborhood Access & Equity (NAE) Grant, matched by nearly $30 million in local funds. However, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has proposed rescinding un-obligated NAE grant funds as part of Trump’s effort to rein in government spending.

Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) President A.J. Robinson wrote in a letter to project supporters that the plan to cap a portion of I-75/85 and reconnect the Downtown area is at a critical juncture and on track to begin in 2026.

“[The Stitch] promises significant return on investment in the form of jobs, a growing tax base, and increased property values,” Robinson said. “This is a crucial piece of Downtown’s revival.”

However, Robinson said the jeopardized funding is “not an existential moment” for The Stitch. “The project will happen and be successful,” he said in the statement. “But let’s be clear: having come a long way over many years, federal funding falling out of the equation now will delay the project—likely by years.”

CAP is urging Downtown businesses and organizations to sign on to a draft letter supporting the preservation of funding for The Stitch, which will be sent to members of the Georgia Congressional delegation at the end of this week. 

CAP held a 30-minute briefings on Wednesday, June 11, and Thursday, June 12, on this issue for Downtown organizations and supporters. The Zoom link is:

Register here for Thursday, June 12

The Stitch development manager Jack Cebe said during Wednesday’s briefing that if the feds rescind the grant, backup funding could come from the special services tax district set up for the project.

“The special services funding is pinned for operations and maintenance but we could pivot if stakeholders agree,” Cebe said.

Cebe said there are also philanthropic partners interested in helping, but he’s still optimistic the federal funding will come through.

The Stitch project will cover the Downtown Connector between Ted Turner Drive and Piedmont Avenue, stitching neighborhoods currently divided by the I-75/85 corridor together with a series of interconnected parks, plazas, walking trails, and streets.

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