Norfolk Southern commits $2 million to a safer Atlanta

Oct 15, 2025

Group photo of Team NS at Crime Is Toast Awards Breakfast

Atlanta’s business, civic, and community leaders recently gathered for Atlanta Police Foundation’s 21st Annual Crime is Toast Awards Breakfast to celebrate the people and partnerships shaping the city’s future of public safety. At the event, Norfolk Southern announced a $2 million donation to the Foundation’s Safest City Campaign to support the operations of the @Promise Youth Centers, which strives to make Atlanta the safest large city in America.

Mark George, Norfolk Southern President and CEO, who also serves as Crime is Toast chairman, delivered opening remarks at the breakfast, highlighting the evolution of public safety in Atlanta and the shared responsibility of building a stronger city.

NS CEO Mark George speaks at Crime Is Toast Awards Breakfast

Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George speaks at Crime is Toast. Photos are courtesy of the Atlanta Police Foundation.

Why it matters: This investment advances prevention, innovation, and training programs that protect the people who keep Atlanta moving, from first responders to families and businesses across the community.

How we’re supporting Atlanta’s future: NS’ partnership with the Atlanta Police Foundation reflects a long-term investment in programs, facilities, and initiatives that strengthen safety and community connection across the city. Since 2023, we’ve contributed a total of $3.8 million to support this shared mission:

Training and readiness: Advancing the development of the Public Safety Training Center, where first responders will gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.
Safety initiatives: Helping build a new fire station and donating a Safety Train for first responder education.
Youth engagement: Providing $50,000 annually to support the Foundation’s @Promise programming, which mentors and empowers young Atlantans.

What they’re saying

“The Safest City Campaign is a transformative vision for Atlanta’s future—one that demands bold leadership and deep investment. That’s why I’m proud to announce that Norfolk Southern is contributing $2 million to the campaign specifically to support the ongoing operations of the four @Promise centers that serve Atlanta’s youth. This gift builds on our longstanding partnership with the Atlanta Police Foundation and reflects our commitment to helping make Atlanta the safest large city in America.” – NS President and CEO Mark George