MAC employees joined volunteers from across metro Atlanta to help transform public spaces and strengthen a shared commitment to Downtown Atlanta.
As Atlanta prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026™, MAC employees joined hundreds of volunteers for the 2026 Together for Downtown Community Day. The effort, led by the Arthur Blank Family of Businesses in partnership with Hands On Atlanta, brought together volunteers from across metro Atlanta to spend the day working across downtown.
More than 600 volunteers spread across 25 blocks of downtown, painting new murals, adding color and greenery through landscaping, and working block by block to clear litter and remove graffiti. By the end of the day, volunteers delivered 3,000 hours of service and an estimated $105,000 in community value, with visible changes across some of the city’s most traveled corridors.
On the ground, the changes showed up in simple but meaningful ways — cleaner sidewalks, brighter corners and public spaces that felt more cared for. While the timing connects to a global event, the day was about a bigger commitment than just the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Event organizers made a commitment for this community day to focus annually on Downtown Atlanta, continuing to build on work that has been underway for years.
The effort reflects a bigger movement already underway across downtown. Public and private groups — from businesses and community organizations to developers and city leaders — are each contributing to a shared long-term vision for Downtown Atlanta. Some are focused on enhancing shared spaces, while others are introducing new destinations that bring fresh energy into the area.
With an estimated 300,000 out-of-state visitors expected during the World Cup and the global spotlight on Atlanta there is an added urgency. But it builds on something already in motion: a long-term push to shape a downtown that feels more connected and more welcoming well beyond the tournament.
