Fulton County, Georgia – A smoother commute, safer intersections and better places to walk or ride a bicycle could depend on a decision voters make this November. Across 14 cities in North and South Fulton County, a transportation tax renewal could determine how roughly $650 million is invested in local infrastructure over the next five years.
The question comes at a time when traffic remains one of metro Atlanta’s biggest concerns. With hundreds of millions of dollars potentially available for road repairs, safety improvements and new transportation projects, residents will have a direct say in whether the existing funding program continues.
During the November 3, 2026, General Election, voters outside the city of Atlanta will decide whether to renew the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, commonly known as TSPLOST.
The existing tax is 0.75%, equivalent to 75 cents on a $100 taxable purchase. Revenue is reserved for transportation improvements rather than general government spending.
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According to Fulton County officials, approval would generate approximately $650 million between 2027 and 2032, with funding distributed among participating municipalities based on population.
The largest proposed investment category is pedestrian, bicycle, streetscape and landscaping improvements, which would receive approximately $227.2 million.
Another $182.8 million would support maintenance and safety improvements, while congestion relief and roadway projects would account for approximately $97 million.
Operations and safety projects would receive $96.8 million, followed by $35.7 million for bridge improvements and $5.7 million for quick-response transportation projects.
Together, these investments would address different transportation needs, from maintaining existing roads to improving connections for people traveling without cars.
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The importance of these improvements is reflected in regional survey findings. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Metro Atlanta Speaks Survey, 24% of residents identified transportation as the region’s most pressing issue.
While the funding would come from a countywide tax outside Atlanta, decisions about individual improvements would remain largely local.
Each participating city has developed its own transportation project list using feedback from residents. Municipal governments would also be responsible for managing their projects.
An August 2026 funding breakdown estimated that South Fulton would receive approximately $119.3 million, Sandy Springs $112.3 million and Roswell $98.2 million.
Johns Creek would receive an estimated $86.4 million, while Alpharetta’s allocation would approach $71.6 million. Smaller municipalities would receive lower amounts based on their populations.
The proposed renewal follows an established transportation funding program. Fulton County voters first approved TSPLOST in November 2016, with collections beginning in 2017. Voters subsequently renewed the measure in 2021.
The upcoming referendum would maintain the existing rate rather than increase it. If approved, the renewed collection period would begin April 1, 2027, and continue through March 31, 2032.
For residents interested in understanding where the money could go, Fulton County has published a city-by-city listing of proposed TSPLOST projects.
The November vote will determine whether another five years of dedicated transportation funding moves forward, placing the future of hundreds of millions of dollars in local infrastructure investment directly in voters’ hands.
