Atlantans will give more than their input on who should be the next president of the United States when they go to the polls Nov. 8.

They’ll also choose whether to bump up the city’s sales tax by almost a penny to pay for improvements to MARTA train stations, synchronize traffic signals, buy the remaining right of way for Atlanta BeltLine and put more buses on roads.

The city and MARTA will ask for the tax increase in two separate ballot questions. MARTA wants to increase taxes by half a penny to raise $2.5 billion over 40 years while the city is seeking a four-tenths of a penny increase to raise more than $300 million over five years.

There's a lot at stake say those who study population growth. For more, see here.

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Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com