What Fulton County's Participation in TADs Looks Like

Contributions, PILOT Payments, Long-Term ROI

Alongside the City of Atlanta and Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County is one of three taxing jurisdictions that participate in Atlanta's Tax Allocation Districts. In the Westside, Eastside, and Perry Bolton TADs, Fulton County contributes 23% of the tax increment, and also receives $1.35 million annually in PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) payments from the Beltline TAD.

Source: Invest Atlanta TAD 101 Presentation, February 6, 2026

The Long Term Return On the Investment

The long-term return on Fulton County's return on TAD investment is a larger tax base with greater transit access, affordable housing, health centers, grocery access, and trail connectivity that support the stability and economic vitality of the communities Fulton County serves across its 15 cities and unincorporated areas.

For example, the Beltline TAD has generated nearly $600 million in annual taxable property value in the area surrounding the trail, value that would not have existed without the TAD investment. When the TAD expires, Fulton County, the City, and APS all benefit from that larger base.

Source: Invest Atlanta TAD 101 Presentation, February 6, 2026

Recent TAD-Related Actions by Fulton County

Fulton County remains actively engaged in discussions about the future of TAD participation and how it aligns with its broader responsibilities.

In July 2025, Commissioners Ellis and Abdur-Rahman introduced a resolution related to the County's participation in new Westside TAD projects. The resolution was ultimately held, reflecting that discussions were still ongoing. [July 9, 2025 BOC Agenda]

In January 2026, the Board of Commissioners considered creating a Fulton County TAD Advisory Committee. While the proposal did not pass, it reflected continued interest in establishing a structured forum to evaluate TAD participation. Commissioner Dana Barrett voted in favor of the committee. [January 7, 2026 BOC Agenda]

Commissioner Barrett, who co-chaired the NRI Commission and who also serves on the Invest Atlanta Board, offered perspective on TAD extension considerations in the NRIC Final Report. In abstaining on Recommendation 11 (TAD Extension), she emphasized that each jurisdiction operates under distinct legal responsibilities, priorities, and budget considerations, and that extension decisions should be shaped through direct negotiation among the City, APS, and Fulton County.

At the same time, she expressed strong support for the broader goals of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, noting that the Commission's work represents an important step toward long-term, collaborative solutions.

The NRIC Final Report, adopted March 31, 2026, reflects that approach, recommending that extension discussions continue with consideration of tailored participation by TAD, updated redevelopment plans, and refined PILOT structures. [NRIC Final Report, March 31, 2026]

The Conversation Continues

The NRIC Final Report is now public. Read it, then tell your elected officials to vote to extend the TADs.