Decatur Approves New Food Cart Program

Mobile food vendors can now apply for permits to operate in several of the city’s public spaces.

1 minute read

June 5, 2023, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Food carts will be allowed to operate in public spaces in Decatur, Georgia, after the city approved a new mobile food vendor program, reports Beth McKibben in Eater Atlanta.

The program revises a 2019 program that excluded businesses viewed as competing with existing brick-and-mortar operations. “The latest revamp of the mobile food cart program appears to be a course correction for Decatur to be more inclusive and provide a clearer avenue for accountability.” McKibben explains, “Interested businesses must apply for consideration by June 20, carry a current license, and assure carts meet the required dimensions criteria.” 

Mobile food vendors in Georgia have to navigate a complex web of state and local regulations. According to the article, as of last year, vendors can operate in multiple counties under one permit, but “Despite updates to the laws and loosening of restrictions, Georgia and Atlanta still remain less hospitable for food trucks and carts to do business than in other states and cities across the country.”

Thursday, June 1, 2023 in Eater Atlanta

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

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.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Silhouette of man holding on to back of bicycle ridden by woman with Eiffel Tower in background.

Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution

The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.

April 14 - Momentum Magazine

Multifamily housing under construction.

Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas

Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.

April 14 - San Francisco Chronicle

Western coyote looking at camera in grassy field.

San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes

San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.

April 14 - Fox 5