The infusion of $1.1 million in federal funding helps move the project along, but the total cost remains far beyond the city’s current budget.

A proposed freeway cap over Atlanta’s Downtown Connector dubbed The Stitch is one recipient of the recently announced first round of the federal Reconnecting Communities grants, reports Josh Green in Urbanize Atlanta.
While the $1.1 million grant is only a small part of the total funding needed for the project, which is estimated at $713 million, it will be put toward engineering work, Green explains. “The Stitch, if fully realized, would be nearly as large as 16-acre Rodney Cook Sr. Park, located in Vine City on the flipside of downtown. It’s one of three major highway-capping proposals in the city currently in fundraising mode. The others are Buckhead’s HUB404 and the largest (but now smaller) Midtown Connector concept.”
The Stitch could be completed, at the earliest, in 2032. “As of November, the city, ADID, and federal government officials had channeled about $15 million toward making The Stitch a reality. Other potential funding sources could include philanthropy and mechanisms such as tax allocation districts.”
More on The Stitch:
FULL STORY: Downtown's 'Stitch' concept scores another boost of federal cash

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity
Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service