News Summary
Savannah residents can influence city budget and transportation plans this July during a Budget Engagement Event. The event will collect community input on priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, alongside information sessions from Chatham Area Transit Authority on public transport services, including future rail connections. Residents can also participate in surveys to voice their concerns on transport development plans.
Savannah residents will have the opportunity to directly influence the city’s budget and transportation initiatives this July as part of the ongoing efforts to engage the community. The City of Savannah is hosting a Budget Engagement Event on July 12, 2025, starting at 11 a.m. at Savannah Technical College.
This event aims to connect residents with city leadership, allowing them to express their budget priorities for the Fiscal Year 2026. As part of the engagement process, residents are also invited to complete the FY26 Budget Priorities Survey, which will be open until August 31, 2025. The survey will address various topics including service priorities, the goals of the City Council, taxation, fees, and suggestions for more efficient service delivery. Those looking for more information and access to the survey can visit the City of Savannah’s Office of Management webpage.
In addition to budget discussions, the Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) has launched a series of community engagement events named CAT Chats: Your Ride, Your Voice. This initiative aims to engage Chatham County residents regarding public transportation services. The first session occurred on June 25, 2025, at the W.W. Law Community Center, featuring a presentation on CAT services, upcoming changes, and an open Q&A session for acquiring public input.
Two more CAT Chats are scheduled, including one at the Liberty City Community Center on July 23, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and an additional session at a yet-to-be-determined location on August 27, 2025, also from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. These sessions provide an essential platform for residents to voice their concerns and suggestions regarding transportation services.
Additionally, significant developments are underway regarding the potential establishment of a passenger rail service between Atlanta and Savannah. Currently, travel between these bustling cities often requires lengthy and inconvenient transfers that can take over 24 hours. To address this, the federal government allocated $8 million to Georgia in 2022 for assessing the feasibility of the project, with an additional $2 million provided by the state.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is set to develop a Service Development Plan aimed at evaluating the need for this rail service. This plan will consider critical aspects such as potential station locations, descriptions of service, as well as financial and environmental implications. The comprehensive evaluation is expected to be completed by early 2028.
GDOT envisions connecting the Atlanta-Savannah rail project with ongoing rail efforts in neighboring states and possibly extending to Florida. While the involvement of Amtrak as an operator is currently under consideration, GDOT remains open to evaluating other private operators and public models.
Residents interested in contributing their input regarding the potential rail project can engage through various sessions and surveys that GDOT will provide on its official website.
In summary, Savannah residents have a unique opportunity this July to actively participate in shaping the city’s future by engaging in the budget and transportation initiatives. By attending the Budget Engagement Event, taking the FY26 Budget Priorities Survey, and participating in CAT Chats, residents can ensure that their voices are heard on critical issues affecting their community.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Tribune: Speak Out Savannah
- Savannah Now: Budget Discussion Sparks Debate
- Fox 5 Atlanta: GDOT Rail Project Input
- Google Search: Savannah City Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah
