A nearly $4 billion federal loan has been awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program to fund the construction of two new express lanes in each direction along a 16-mile stretch of GA 400.

The project will run from MARTA’s North Springs station to just past McFarland Parkway in Forsyth County, with construction expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026. In addition, developers plan to invest $75 million in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that will utilize 12 miles of the new express lanes, operated by MARTA.

Kristin Winzeler, Executive Director of True North 400, emphasized the significance of this investment, “This level of federal support not only emphasizes the importance of the SR 400 express lane project, but really the importance of Georgia 400 as an economic driver for the state of Georgia. There are a lot of jobs, a lot of workforce and a lot of commercial property in this corridor. It’s a very exciting time for this project to be coming to fruition.”

True North 400 will continue to keep members, businesses and stakeholders informed as this historic infrastructure investment takes shape.

True North 400 is excited to welcome Renasant Bank as the newest member of our Community Improvement District. Located at 275 S. Main Street in Alpharetta, Renasant Bank brings a strong commitment to serving and investing in the communities where they do business.

We’d also like to highlight Scott Freese, Director of Business Development, who will be actively engaged on behalf of Renasant Bank. Scott and his team joined True North 400 not only to support our mission of enhancing North Fulton’s infrastructure and growth, but also to take advantage of the many benefits of CID membership.

We look forward to collaborating with Renasant Bank as we continue to create a thriving and connected community.

Last week, more than 100 Metro Atlanta leaders - including True North 400 executive director, Kristin Winzeler - participated in the 2025 LINK trip to Washington, D.C. The visit provided an inside look at how one of the nation’s most dynamic regions is approaching growth, transit and innovation.

The group toured Amazon HQ2 and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, while also learning from DMV transit leaders about the new Purple Line light rail system and the region’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Action Plan. Key sessions featured U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and panels on topics ranging from homelessness to local government leadership, featuring:

- Katie Cristol, CEO, Tysons Community Alliance

- Hon. Alyia Gaskins, Mayor, City of Alexandria

- Randy Clarke, GM & CEO, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

- Hon. Phyllis Randall, Chair, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors

- Hon. Jeff McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

The LINK trip offered invaluable lessons that will help shape how Metro Atlanta, and North Fulton in particular, approaches growth, connectivity and community development.

Earlier this month, True North 400 Executive Director, Kristin Winzeler and Director of Development and Government Affairs, Alex Battle attended Roswell Inc’s EDA Luncheon at Ferrari of Atlanta.

The event spotlighted Roswell’s economic growth and featured insights from Bo Scott, owner of Regal Nissan and Regal INEOS Grenadier, and current Board Chairman of the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association. Scott shared his perspective on both the local and statewide auto industry, offering a unique look at the sector’s role in driving Georgia’s economy.

And for a memorable finish, attendees got the chance to test drive Ferraris on-site!

On August 15, the Council for Quality Growth hosted more than 500 attendees at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Theater for its fifth annual INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference. The event, produced by the Council’s education arm, the Quality Growth Institute, brought together public policy and private business leaders from across the region to discuss critical issues facing Metro Atlanta.

The 2025 theme, “Infrastructure and Investment”, built on last year’s conversations while highlighting the challenges of funding infrastructure at local, state and national levels. Doug Hooker, former Executive Director of the Atlanta Regional Commission, served as master of ceremonies.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber has created the Alpharetta Business Council, marking the transition of the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce into a new structure. The council preserves Alpharetta’s unique business identity while giving members access to the broader resources of the five-star accredited chamber.

Modeled after the Milton Business Council, the shift aims to strengthen support for local businesses and drive continued growth. Current members have been automatically transitioned, with board nominations opening this fall.

Haynes Bridge Road may be just five miles long, but its history runs deep in North Fulton. Once home to pioneer families like the Haynes and Mayfields, the road traces back to farmland that would eventually becomes today’s North Point Mall. Over the years, it has connected communities, hosted family farms and even inspired local stories passed down through generations.

Today, Haynes Bridge Road remains a significant connector between Alpharetta and Johns Creek, though its origins are not widely known.

In addition to its historic significance, the area also reflects modern enhancements. True North 400 partnered with the City of Alpharetta on the Haynes Bridge Interchange Landscaping project, a beautification effort that added landscape and hardscape features to create a welcoming “gateway” into the community. The CID continues to maintain the interchange, ensuring it remains both a functional connector and a visual landmark.

Northside Hospital has begun construction on a new 5,278-square-foot outpatient medical building in Milton. The facility will replace an existing primary care office across the street and is slated to open in early 2026.

Developed by Stonemont Financial Group with May Architecture as design lead and Structor Group as general contractor, the project will expand access to healthcare for Milton residents while enhancing Northside’s presence in the community.

Two new murals now brighten Alpharetta’s Alpha Loop, unveiled during a ceremony on August 4. Painted on bridges near the Alpharetta Branch Library, the artwork includes a school of koi fish and a flock of birds, created by artist Alice Stone-Collins and inspired by the natural beauty of the trail.

The project was funded by City Councilman Donald Mitchell, who dedicated more than $20,000 of his council stipend to bring the murals to life. The pieces are already drawing attention from walkers and adding to the growing cultural landscape along the Alpha Loop.

Alpharetta’s 20th Scarecrow Harvest will take place October 8 – November 2 in downtown Alpharetta, showcasing more than 150 creative scarecrows from local schools, non-profits, families, neighborhoods and business.

All scarecrows are eligible for the community competition, with judging on October 14 in categories like Laugh out Loud Crow, Spookiest Crow and Best in Show. Winners will be announced at Boo Bash on October 18 at The Grove, featuring food, games, crafts and kids’ activities.

Applications to create a scarecrow open August 12, and all family-friendly designs are welcome.