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Some of Atlanta's most contested real estate at the moment might just be the curb.

Why it matters: Delivery vans, package trucks and food delivery drivers turning on their hazards and creating gridlock on major streets has become one of the top resident and business complaints, elected officials and civic groups tell Axios.

The congestion raises a complex question: Who gets to use a limited stretch of curb, when and for what purpose?

Catch up quick: More people are living in Atlanta's denser neighborhoods and increasingly, they're having groceries, takeout, Amazon orders and everything else delivered to their front doors.

The delivery vehicles that don't park in official loading zones at buildings use the street because there's often nowhere else — or nowhere the driver thinks is convenient — to stop.

The big picture: Blocked lanes often require other drivers, bicyclists and buses to weave around stopped vehicles, creating safety risks.

State of play: In Midtown, a pattern has developed, Dan Hourigan, the transportation and sustainability director of the Midtown Alliance, tells Axios.

Drivers know that stopping on the side of the street is illegal. However, they see everybody else doing it without getting ticketed, so they do it too.

The behavior normalizes and the problem compounds, creating what Hourigan likened to a kind of "Wild West:" one delivery vehicle quickly becomes several because drivers know they're unlikely to be ticketed.

The big picture: Transportation planners say Atlanta will likely have to start treating the curb as infrastructure instead of simply a place to park.

That includes reserving curbs for deliveries during specific times of the day, converting street spaces to loading zones, or including them in new street designs, like the Midtown Alliance's recent Juniper Street overhaul. 

(Un)fun facts: Georgia law does not allow automated enforcement of curb violations like stopping or standing in a travel lane, Hourigan says. Lawmakers are unlikely to pick up the politically fraught issue anytime soon.

A city weight limit prohibits many delivery vehicles from qualifying for the city's temporary commercial parking permit, Atlanta City Council Member Kelsea Bond, who represents parts of Midtown, tells Axios.

What's next: The Atlanta Department of Transportation tells Axios it is working with Atlanta police to increase enforcement and using data to develop "more dynamic management strategies."

The next Atlanta traffic fight is over the curb

As deliveries surge, Atlanta is rethinking who gets priority at the curb and when vehicles can stop.

Illustration of a sidewalk and curb with a red carpet and velvet rope

Some of Atlanta&#x27;s most contested real estate at the moment might just be the curb.Why it matters: Delivery vans, package trucks and food delivery drivers turning on their hazards and creating gridlock on major streets has become one of the top resident and business complaints, elected officials and civic groups tell Axios.<ul><li>The congestion raises a complex question: Who gets to use a limited stretch of curb, when and for what purpose?</li></ul>

News

Transit

Tens of thousands of fans packed Downtown Atlanta on Wednesday as Argentina defeated England, capping the city's whirlwind run as a World Cup host.

Why it matters: Argentina's dramatic semifinal victory brought some of the biggest crowds yet and marked the city's final World Cup match before Sunday's tournament finale festivities.

Zoom in: The official Fan Fest was at capacity and Underground Atlanta was a sea of sky blue and white jerseys. Virtually every England fan passed through Brewhouse Cafe and The Irish Exit at some point.

What they're saying: Christian Turner, the United Kingdom's ambassador to the United States, told Axios that an estimated 50,000 fans from both England and Scotland traveled to the United States for the World Cup matches.

"All those fans coming here are going to take away memories," Turner said. "They're going to make friendships. It's been a story of the tournament that a lot of fans are saying how much they have enjoyed meeting Americans.

"You're polite, you're hospitable, you're welcoming, and I know that's very true down here in Atlanta."

What's next: Mercedes-Benz Stadium has finished hosting World Cup matches. But Atlanta isn't finished celebrating. 

On Sunday, Piedmont Park will host a free watch party, family-friendly events, and a concert by Ludacris. RSVP is required.

Here are photos of the craziness before, during and after the match.

A crowded urban protest with blue and white flags and banners; a mural of a hand holding a microphone on a beige building, and tall glass skyscrapers rise under a bright blue sky.

Argentina fans made Underground Atlanta their home base for the semifinal. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Busy sports bar full of fans in jerseys, crowded tables with drinks, and a back bar. Large screens show a man in a black tank top running outdoors.

England fans piled into South Downtown's bars and restaurants like Brewhouse Cafe. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Children and adults splash in a circular fountain in a sunny plaza; vibrant geometric sculptures rise behind them, with trees, flags, and a striped tent on the right.

Families took advantage of the park's splash pad to cool off. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios

An aerial view of a city street parade showing a large blue-and-white banner with a sun emblem; crowds in blue-and-white striped outfits fill the road between modern buildings and trees.

Argentina fans marched from Underground Atlanta to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Outdoor event with a right-stage setup, LED screens and cameras. A dense crowd in white Manchester United jerseys (Rashford 11) faces the stage; green trees and a modern building in the background.

Men In Blazers broadcast from Founders Green in South Downtown. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Large colorful soccer ball sculpture on a pedestal at an outdoor festival. A bright PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH sign in the foreground; crowd, trees, and city skyline in the background.

Volunteers answered questions, gave directions and snapped the occasional photo. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios

A photo of a large crowd of people wearing white and light blue jerseys gathered in a large outdoor urban area with crowds lining a railing looking at the festivities below.

Argentina fans flocked to Underground Atlanta after the team's victory. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Argentina boots England in World Cup semifinal

Downtown showed its best for the final match hosted in Atlanta.

Packed soccer stadium full of spectators watching a World Cup match. Large banners say FIFA World Cup 2026 and Atlanta. A bright green pitch with players and blue advertising boards along the sidelines.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium reported a "full house" attendance of 68,239 people. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios

Tens of thousands of fans packed Downtown Atlanta on Wednesday as Argentina defeated England, capping the city&#x27;s whirlwind run as a World Cup host.Why it matters: Argentina&#x27;s dramatic semifinal victory brought some of the biggest crowds yet and marked the city&#x27;s final World Cup match before Sunday&#x27;s tournament finale festivities.

Sports

Starting next month, people who want to enter the afterlife in soil form have an option in metro Atlanta.

Driving the news: A.S. Turner & Sons is expected to become the first licensed operator in the Southeast of a more environmentally-friendly offering from the death-care industry: human composting.

Zoom in: Human composting entails the body being placed and sealed in a specialized vessel filled with a mix of organic material like straw, alfalfa and wood chips.

Over the course of roughly one month, the body and mixture decompose and become soil, which loved ones can bring home.

Catch up quick: Human composting became legal in Georgia last year when Gov. Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 241 into law. 

What's next: Cy Hume, the president and CEO of A.S. Turner & Sons, told Axios that the funeral home is discussing a partnership with a local cemetery so people could return their loved ones' soil back to the earth.

The big picture: Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. Dirt to dirt?

Metro Atlanta gets Southeast's first human composting provider

Georgia legalized the practice last year, and an Atlanta funeral home is launching the region's first service.

Indoor funeral home display area with a long light wood chrysalis vessel on a wheeled base to the right, metal latches and a crest reading "Est. 1903." Background shows a mountain forest mural and bright overhead lights.

The specialized human composting vessel on display at A.S. Turner & Sons funeral home in Decatur. Courtesy: The Natural Funeral

Starting next month, people who want to enter the afterlife in soil form have an option in metro Atlanta.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A.S. Turner &amp; Sons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.asturner.com/" data-vars-content-id="8a87ab4e-e525-4073-a92a-ae19beaa047c" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta gets Southeast&#x27;s first human composting provider" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.asturner.com/" target="_blank">A.S. Turner &amp; Sons</a> is expected to become the first licensed operator in the Southeast of a more environmentally-friendly offering from the death-care industry: human composting.

Atlanta plays World Cup host one more time this afternoon when England battles Argentina to decide which country heads to the tournament's final.

Why it matters: The match-up between two of the world's soccer powers is drawing fans and VIPs from across the globe and sending Downtown hotel room rates past the $1,000 mark, according to Kayak.

Zoom in: The match kicks off at 3pm ET. Streets adjacent to the stadium and around the official Fan Fest closed yesterday in preparation for the semifinal.

Where to watch: General admission tickets to Fan Fest at Centennial Olympic Park are sold out. There are watch parties aplenty in South Downtown, Underground Atlanta, Decatur — basically anywhere with a TV.

Zoom out: The semifinal is one of the tournament's most high-profile, and the two countries have a tense relationship dating back to the 1982 Falklands War.

Follow the money: Tickets in Mercedes-Benz Stadium's upper levels will cost you roughly $3,600, according to Ticketmaster. Seats closer to the pitch start around $4,600.

Threat level: Atlanta police said in a statement that "additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone."

What's next: This may be this tournament's last one in Atlanta, but the local festivities continue with a Piedmont Park watch party for the Sunday final.

Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today

Packed hotels, pricey tickets and watch parties await as soccer powerhouses meet Downtown.

Side by side photos of soccer players celebrating scoring a goal by running with their arms outstretched like wings.

Lionel Messi and Harry Kane lead Argentina and England in today's semifinal. Photo: Paul Ellis /AFP via Getty Images

Atlanta plays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup host" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" target="_self">World Cup host</a> one more time this afternoon when England battles Argentina to decide which country heads to the tournament&#x27;s final.Why it matters: The match-up between two of the world&#x27;s soccer powers is drawing fans and VIPs from across the globe and sending Downtown hotel room rates past the $1,000 mark, according to Kayak.Zoom in: The match kicks off at 3pm ET. Streets adjacent to the stadium and around the official Fan Fest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed yesterday" data-vars-click-url="https://atldot.atlantaga.gov/traffic-advisory/fifa-fan-festival-road-closures-and-delivery/" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atldot.atlantaga.gov/traffic-advisory/fifa-fan-festival-road-closures-and-delivery/" target="_blank">closed yesterday</a> in preparation for the semifinal.Where to watch: General admission tickets to Fan Fest at Centennial Olympic Park are sold out. There are watch parties aplenty in South Downtown, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Underground Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/watch-party-atl-week-5-tickets-1991428080998?aff=oddtdtcreator" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/watch-party-atl-week-5-tickets-1991428080998?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Underground Atlanta</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Decatur" data-vars-click-url="https://decaturwatchfest26.com/" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://decaturwatchfest26.com/" target="_blank">Decatur</a> — basically anywhere with a TV.Zoom out: The semifinal is one of the tournament&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most high-profile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c621y75w2x2o" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c621y75w2x2o" target="_blank">most high-profile</a>, and the two countries have a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tense relationship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c17y75qd8e4o" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c17y75qd8e4o" target="_blank">tense relationship</a> dating back to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1982 Falklands War" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/cold-war/falklands-conflict" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/cold-war/falklands-conflict" target="_blank">1982 Falklands War</a>.Follow the money: Tickets in Mercedes-Benz Stadium&#x27;s upper levels will cost you roughly $3,600, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ticketmaster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/world-cup-semifinals-england-vs-argentina-atlanta-07-15-2026/event/Z7r9jZ1A743pZ" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/world-cup-semifinals-england-vs-argentina-atlanta-07-15-2026/event/Z7r9jZ1A743pZ" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a>. Seats closer to the pitch start around $4,600.Threat level: Atlanta police said in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantapd.org/Home/Components/News/News/8335/17" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantapd.org/Home/Components/News/News/8335/17" target="_blank">statement</a> that &quot;additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.&quot;What&#x27;s next: This may be this tournament&#x27;s last one in Atlanta, but the local festivities continue with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Piedmont Park watch party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/worldcup/2026/07/09/is-piedmont-park-world-cup-final-watch-party-free-ludacris-to-perform/90844977007/" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/worldcup/2026/07/09/is-piedmont-park-world-cup-final-watch-party-free-ludacris-to-perform/90844977007/" target="_blank">Piedmont Park watch party</a> for the Sunday final.

One of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area's best spots for fly-fishing and shaded, summertime walks has a reimagined trail system.

Why it matters: The top-to-bottom overhaul of Island Ford's trail system in Sandy Springs is part of a multiyear effort to improve the roughly 7,000-acre recreation area's hiking paths.

The new trails are also the first in the recreation area to have names.

Zoom in: By realigning the park's trail, park officials managed to add more than 2 miles to the path network, bringing the total to 6.4 miles, according to the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy. Updates also include two new pedestrian bridges and better wayfinding and signage.

In addition, crews turned a well-worn downhill trail leading to the river into a set of concrete stairs designed to prevent stormwater erosion and handle heavy use.

The end result: a more resilient trail network that protects natural resources.

The project is the product of a public-private partnership between the conservancy and the National Park Service.

Fun fact: Park staff operate from the Hewlett Lodge, which was built as a summer getaway for Samuel Dunbar Hewlett, the former chief of staff for Gov. Eugene Talmadge and (for a brief time) a Georgia Supreme Court justice.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area's

Island Ford's revamped trails make a favorite hike even better

Island Ford now offers 6.4 miles of trails, new bridges and better access while protecting the riverbank.

Two side-by-side forest scenes: left shows a dirt trail with wooden steps and railing, a cabin in the background; right shows a stone-bordered concrete staircase winding uphill among trees toward a house.

A before and after of the new path leading to the Chattahoochee River at Island Ford. Photo: Courtesy of the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy

One of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/02/chattahoochee-river-parks-open-but-tread-lightly" data-vars-content-id="fe2a6aef-a712-443d-8bfc-4ee492ca197d" data-vars-headline="Island Ford&#x27;s revamped trails make a favorite hike even better" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/02/chattahoochee-river-parks-open-but-tread-lightly" target="_self">Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area&#x27;s</a> best spots for fly-fishing and shaded, summertime walks has a reimagined trail system.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top-to-bottom overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chattahoocheeparks.org/chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area-announces-reopening-of-island-ford-trails" data-vars-content-id="fe2a6aef-a712-443d-8bfc-4ee492ca197d" data-vars-headline="Island Ford&#x27;s revamped trails make a favorite hike even better" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chattahoocheeparks.org/chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area-announces-reopening-of-island-ford-trails" target="_blank">top-to-bottom overhaul</a> of Island Ford&#x27;s trail system in Sandy Springs is part of a multiyear effort to improve the roughly 7,000-acre recreation area&#x27;s hiking paths.

Thomas Wheatley

Featured stories

Argentina boots England in World Cup semifinal

Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today

Metro Atlanta gets Southeast's first human composting provider

The next Atlanta traffic fight is over the curb

Island Ford's revamped trails make a favorite hike even better