At its Feb. 25, 2021 meeting the Savannah City Council adopted a resolution to increase the City’s hotel/motel tax from 6 to 8%. As part of this increase, they have allocated $17 million in funding for trails, sidewalks and other connections between westside neighborhoods, the Historic District and the new arena, and $10 million in funding for to expand the Tide To Town urban trail system. Now the Georgia General Assembly must vote approve the resolution, which could will likely happen on March 16.

We support this legislation for quite a few reasons:

  • The completion of the roughly 30-mile core loop of Tide To Town would result in almost 60% of Savannah neighborhoods being within a 1/4 mile or 5 minute walk of the loop, and serve over 100,000 Chatham County residents who live within a 3/4 mile biking distance.
  • This is a project for all Savannahians: nearly 75% of neighborhoods within the Core Loop walking distance are majority-minority.
  • 10 neighborhoods that include Savannah Chatham County Public School System’s Title I schools are within the Core Loop walking distance.
  • According to 2016 U.S. Census Bureau data, 13.7% of Savannah residents lack access to a motor vehicle. These residents rely on walking, using public transportation and biking to get to their jobs, doctors appointments, grocery stores, etc., and providing direct access to dedicated facilities like the Tide To Town Urban Trail System will only further help them.

While the funding is for tourism related projects, we know that Savannah and Chatham County residents of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy every single project on the list. Unfortunately, several elected officials have not yet indicated they support the measure and without them, it will fail. If you want to see the Tide To Town network expand, please consider contacting these elected officials today and let them know how important it is to you and and the entire community. Contact information:

Sen. Lester Jackson: lester.jackson@senate.ga.gov
Corrinna Edwards (Staff): corrinna.edwards@senate.ga.gov
(404) 463-5261

Rep. Derek Mallow: derek.mallow@house.ga.gov
Ronny Pouliot (Administrative Asst.): ronald.pouliot@house.ga.gov
(404) 656-0298

Rep. Carl Gilliard: carl.gilliard@house.ga.gov 
Vanessa Compton (Administrative Asst.): vanessa.compton@house.ga.gov
(404) 656-7859