Atlanta leaders are celebrating the history and ongoing revitalization efforts in the city’s historic downtown urban core. The 2026 State of Downtown report highlighted growth and ongoing challenges.
Downtown Atlanta Inc. reports visitation in the neighborhood has returned to 85% of pre-pandemic levels. Major infrastructure projects such as The Stitch highway cap, the former CNN Center’s renovation, and campus upgrades at Georgia State University support that activity.
However, millions of square feet of vacant office spaces are an ongoing issue. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said demand has changed and the city is paying attention.
“We can’t build downtown’s future around the market 20 years ago,” Dickens said. “We need a neighborhood where people can live, work, and play. Visit and invest. Housing is a major part of that work.”
Over 34,000 people live in downtown Atlanta. The neighborhood has one of the youngest populations in the city, with about 1 in 3 residents being under 25.
Shirlynn Fortson is the vice president of planning and economic development at Downtown Atlanta Inc. She said people live in the area because it’s close to transit, entertainment, and universities.
“That growing residential base is especially important to downtown’s long-term vitality,” Fortson said. “Residents create consistent demand for restaurants, retailers, services, and public spaces 24-7, not just during the work day or when there’s a major event in town.”
Since the beginning of the year, an additional 201 multi-family housing units have been added to downtown Atlanta. Development in south downtown has opened new retail options, contributing to the 90% occupancy rate for retail space in the area.
