Roswell could receive an estimated $98.2 million for transportation projects after Fulton County voters narrowly renewed the county's sales tax for roads and trails on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, known as TSPLOST, survived by just 3,866 votes, Appen Media reporter Jim Bass first reported. The unofficial tally: 129,283 voters (50.76%) in favor, 125,417 (49.24%) against.
The vote was close. But for Roswell residents who walk, bike or drive the city's busiest corridors, the result unlocks real money. An estimated $41.4 million of the city's share will go toward pedestrian, bicycle, streetscape and landscape work, according to county records cited by Appen Media.
Trail and sidewalk projects on the list
Four projects under Mayor Mary Robichaux's administration stand out among the pedestrian and bike spending:
- Norcross Street Multi-Use Trail
- Vickery Creek Trail rehabilitation
- East Roswell Loop Multi-Use Trail
- Atlanta Street (State Route 9) sidewalk improvements
The remaining TSPLOST dollars cover other transportation priorities across the city, with revenues split among Fulton County municipalities by population.
How the tax works
TSPLOST charges three-fourths of a penny on each dollar spent, a 0.75% sales tax that funds road and trail work across Fulton County outside Atlanta, which has its own version. Voters first approved the tax in November 2016. They renewed it in 2021. This latest renewal extends it through 2032 and is expected to generate more than $650 million countywide, according to Appen Media's reporting.
Context across north Fulton
Fulton County’s revenue forecast estimates $98.2 million for Roswell, $112.3 million for Sandy Springs, $86.4 million for Johns Creek, $71.6 million for Alpharetta and $44.2 million for Milton. These estimates depend on collections and are not guaranteed.
The renewed tax takes effect after the current TSPLOST program expires and runs through 2032.
