Assessing public health disparities: impact of the Beltline Project on the city of Atlanta

Abstract

Urbanization has led to the majority of the American population residing in densely developed areas, prompting a critical examination of how limited urban space is utilized. This study investigates the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning and development to address communities' physical and mental health needs. Drawing on 2010 and 2020 data from the US Census Bureau and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this research explores repurposing existing infrastructure into urban green spaces and their potential health benefits. ☐ This analysis aimed to reveal whether urban green spaces, like the BeltLine in Atlanta, Georgia could aid in mitigating poor public health indicators, amongst the population who reside within the city. The Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile loop of trails, transit, and greenspace, serves as an exemplary case study due to its diverse neighborhoods and historical railway origins. Initially constructed in the late 19th century and largely abandoned by the mid-20th century, the BeltLine now aims to drive sustainable growth and connectivity. This would be achieved by the green spaces promoting physical activity and encouraging behavior that could improve mental health in residents with access to this green space. By comparing public health data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this analysis examined differences in the public health indicators for census tracts in the city of Atlanta for those that do and do not have direct contact with the BeltLine Project. ☐ The hypothesis examines if the tracts with access and direct contact with the BeltLine Projects have better public health outcomes compared to tracts that do not. This study reveals that while all Atlanta census tracts saw health conditions worsen between 2010 and 2020, those with access to the BeltLine experienced a slower rate of decline. Although the changes for most were not statistically significant, the data indicates that green infrastructure could potentially mitigate the deterioration of public health indicators if given more time to work within the community.