Atlanta Airport Forfeits $37.5M in FAA Grants Over DEI

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has forfeited about $37.5 million in FAA grant funding after refusing to sign Trump administration–mandated grant language that would require recipients to disavow diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. The forfeited funds were part of a roughly $57 million FAA package earmarked for restroom renovations, taxiway pavement replacement, sustainability and emissions projects, and other safety and capital work. City officials say federal dollars represent less than 10% of the airport’s six-year capital program and that they will pursue alternative financing so projects won’t disrupt passengers or service providers. The FAA confirmed the money was not released but indicated some funding could be available if Atlanta signs the grant agreement next fiscal year; officials say about $19.6 million could be recouped by amending policies. The dispute comes as the Trump administration has pushed broader limits on DEI initiatives—prompting legal challenges from other cities—and Mayor Andre Dickens says Atlanta is weighing how to align its inclusion and minority-contracting programs with federal law while defending the city’s commitment to diversity.