The World Cup showed Atlanta what we can really be
The Urban Connector monthly newsletter looks back on the best of the previous month as well as ways to get involved in the coming month. Please make sure you sign up below to have these delivered straight to your inbox and follow on YouTube, Substack, Twitter, BlueSky Social, and Instagram.
July Content
Netherlands Tour Recap – Amsterdam – Looking back at my unforgettable infrastructure tour of The Netherlands.
Photos of the Month
Urban Thoughts: Too small for an article, too big to miss
Downtown: The World Cup really showed us what’s possible downtown. Time will tell whether or not we’ll see a sustained bump but for those five weeks, Downtown Atlanta felt like a real City. Major shoutout to everyone who made it happen, and everyone who put on events for the locals. If somehow you haven’t made your way to South Downtown yet, get down there quick, you’re missing out!
BeltLine Pickup Trucks: I counted 12 contractor pickup trucks parked on the BeltLine between Piedmont and Boulevard on a recent ride home from work. For a “green corridor”, one would think that they’d be required to use EV’s, golf carts or other small vehicles instead of blocking half the trail, but hey what do I know? Speaking of the BeltLine, I caused quite the stir by questioning if the Southside Trail didn’t have a mowing contract yet since weeds were taking over the trail a few days before the inaugural Southside 8K race.
YIMBYTown 2026: Early bird rates for YIMBYTown 2026 in Raleigh end soon! I hope to see y’all there.
Developments that Excited Me
Boulevard: We finally appear to be getting close to Boulevard’s complete street construction. A field office has been established along the corridor and construction signage has been placed. I really, really, really hope the first thing they do is fill the sidewalk gap right at the BeltLine.
Avondale Estates: From complete street makeovers, to Downtown infill, Avondale Estates really has it going on. I can’t wait to see how this one shapes out. Some more direct bike / ped access to the MARTA station may be the only nitpick here.
Get Involved, Atlanta!
| Date | Event | Notes |
| 8/3 | City Council | 1:00 PM |
| 8/10 | Zoning Committee | 11:00 AM |
| 8/12 | Transportation Committee | 10:00 AM |
| 8/17 | City Council | 1:00 PM |
| 8/24 | Zoning Committee | 12:00 PM |
| 8/26 | Transportation Committee | 10:00 AM |
| 9/8 | Full Council | 1:00 PM |
Raleigh folks, I miss y’all! Make sure you’re keeping up to date with the great people at Raleigh Forward, WakeUP, Oaks and Spokes, NC Housing Table, and The Downtown Raleigh Community.
What I’m working on this month (and probably later)
- Netherlands infrastructure rural cycling and lasting takeaways
- More suburban spotlights
- InPhil Designs ideas
- Urban Thoughts – Cities: Chicago, Orlando, Nashville, London
I’m sure this newsletter will evolve as time goes on. Comments or suggestions? Let me know!
I’ll be reposting my favorite ideas to date plus all new content over on Substack! As always, everything will remain free so hop on over and subscribe!
Phil Veasley, PE, CNU-A, The Urban Connector, is a Professional Engineer with Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates focused on creating safer, more vibrant cities through strategic multimodal infrastructure design. With expertise spanning traffic analysis, hand sketching, conceptual design, and full construction documentation, he thrives on transforming roads into great streets where people of all ages and abilities can flourish. Based in Atlanta, Phil is a passionate advocate for walkable, dense, and equitable neighborhoods. Outside of work, his passion is exploring urban life through sketching infill ideas and navigating cities primarily by bike or foot. His on-the-ground perspective informs his professional work, helping him design transportation systems that are not only functional but also people-centered and inspiring. Phil brings both technical depth and a city lover’s enthusiasm to every project, drawing on the belief that infrastructure and urban form must go hand in hand to support vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone has access to opportunity and quality of life.
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Opinions and insights are my own and are not representative of my employer or any organization.
Phil Veasley 