Why It Matters

Federal infrastructure funding has become increasingly unreliable for Atlanta, forcing the city to overhaul its lobbying strategy. The airport forfeited $37.5 million in FAA grants in September 2025 over DEI policy disputes, while MARTA risks losing up to $280 million due to misalignment with federal priorities. Even the Atlanta Beltline’s $25 million RAISE grant remains in legal limbo.

By hiring theGROUP DC LLC—specifically leveraging lobbyist Estefania Lorena Rodriguez-Argote’s experience as chief of staff to former Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA-7)—the city is betting that insider access to the Georgia delegation is essential for securing FY2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act funding.

By the Numbers

The City of Atlanta paid theGROUP DC LLC $90,000 in the third quarter for federal advocacy. Since 2004, Atlanta has spent approximately $5.75 million across seven firms, filing 116 lobbying disclosures.

Current lobbying portfolio:

Rodriguez-Argote and Joseph Kwabena Nsiah lead Atlanta’s team. Both bring significant Capitol Hill experience, including senior roles with Reps. Hank Johnson, Xavier Becerra, and Cedric Richmond.

The Agenda

The City of Atlanta is lobbying on Budget/Appropriations, Transportation, and Environmental/Superfund issues, focusing on securing federal funding for water, transportation, and infrastructure priorities.

The city’s priorities have remained consistent for two decades: aviation funding for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, transportation grants for projects like the Atlanta Beltline, and water infrastructure funding. Atlanta is monitoring the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2026 as the primary vehicle for federal appropriations and Community Project Funding.

The city has also identified the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025 as a potential alternative financing tool for large-scale projects.

Broader Context

Atlanta’s lobbying intensifies amid unprecedented federal infrastructure funding volatility. The Trump administration paused $11 billion in Army Corps of Engineers projects, creating sector-wide uncertainty. The FY 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act remains in legislative flux under a continuing resolution through January 30, 2026.

This political volatility makes Atlanta’s strategic investment in theGROUP DC’s appropriations expertise essential rather than discretionary as federal funding becomes increasingly contested.

Between The Lines

The Georgia delegation remains engaged on infrastructure needs. Representative Lucy McBath secured a $5 million INFRA grant for the Akers Mill Ramp project and is accepting federal funding requests for Fiscal Year 2026. Representative Hank Johnson has raised concerns about FAA funding delays.

The proposed National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025 could provide alternative long-term financing, though it remains in early legislative stages.

The Bottom Line

Atlanta is intensifying federal advocacy amid challenging funding conditions. The $90,000 investment in theGROUP DC reflects the city’s need for specialized expertise navigating volatile federal funding.

The city’s multi-firm approach—Holland & Knight for aviation, Kaplan Kirsch for FAA reauthorization, and theGROUP DC for appropriations—represents a strategic response to federal policy uncertainty rather than opportunistic advocacy.

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