August 25, 2025 / Basic Needs, Policy

Baby bonds could create $1.4 billion in new wealth per generationImage

Kindred Futures’ latest policy report, Securing Georgia’s Future: How Baby Bonds Can Build Wealth and Transform Communities, highlights how a state-level baby bonds program could reshape economic opportunities for children across Georgia, particularly in rural and low-wealth communities. Baby bonds are publicly funded trust accounts for children that invest more in those born into lower-wealth households, aiming to narrow racial and geographic wealth gaps and support long-term economic mobility.

Georgia’s economy may be growing, but prosperity is unevenly distributed. In Forsyth County just north of Atlanta, the median household net worth exceeds $720,000, while nearby rural Chattahoochee County is closer to $15,000. These disparities reflect generations of unequal access to wealth-building opportunities and limit the ability of children born into low-wealth households to climb the economic ladder.

Some key insights:

  • $1.4 billion in new wealth per birth cohort: A universal baby bonds program in Georgia could generate substantial new assets for children.
  • Up to $16,000 per child by age 18: Eligible children could access funds to invest in education, homeownership, or other wealth-building opportunities.
  • Rural communities would benefit most: South and Central Georgia counties, where low-wealth births are higher, stand to gain the most from a universal baby bonds program in Georgia.
  • Advances economic mobility: Baby bonds could reduce future reliance on public assistance and help close Georgia’s racial wealth divide.

Read the policy report here.

 

July 29, 2025 / Aging, Workforce

More U.S. workers now care for aging parents than for young children.Image

For the first time in U.S. history, more working adults are caring for aging parents than for young children. Nearly 23 million people in the workforce now provide eldercare, surpassing the 21 million caring for preschoolers. This shift, highlighted in a recent Harvard Business Review article, marks a major turning point for families, workplaces, and public policy.

With adults aged 65 and older now the fastest-growing age group in the country, caregiving responsibilities are increasingly falling on mid-career professionals, many of whom are at the height of their earnings and leadership roles.

Key takeaways:

  • Eldercare now exceeds childcare among working adults, with 23 million workers caring for an aging parent.

  • 14% of the U.S. workforce are elder caregivers—and that number is growing quickly.

  • Nearly half (45%) of these caregivers are between ages 45–64, often juggling career and family responsibilities at once.

  • 92% of surveyed elder caregivers say they want more support from their employers.

  • Georgia and other states still have time to modernize “two-gen” workforce and family programs to include eldercare—not just childcare.

Read the article here.

June 27, 2025 / Basic Needs, Early Childhood, General

Georgia Falls to 39th for Child and Family Well-BeingImage

Are children and families thriving in Georgia? According to the 2025 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, Georgia now ranks 39th out of 50 states—its lowest position in seven years. The report, released by Georgia Family Connection Partnership (GaFCP) and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, tracks 16 indicators across four key domains: health, education, economic well-being, and family and community. While some areas have seen progress, the data shows Georgia continues to face persistent challenges—from rising child poverty to increasing teen death rates and limited improvement in maternal and child health.

Key takeaways:

  • Child poverty rises: 18% of Georgia children lived in poverty in 2023—50,000 more than in 2022, totaling 461,000 (5th highest in the U.S.).
  • Housing burden increases: 66,000 more children live in homes spending over 30% of income on housing—an 11% rise since 2019.
  • Education concerns: 70% of 4th graders read below proficiency (up from 68%), and 76% of 8th graders scored below proficient in math—10% worse than in 2019.
  • Health challenges: Georgia ranks 47th for low birthweight (10.2% vs. 8.6% nationally), while uninsured children remain at 6%, but absolute numbers grew by 5,000 in 2023.

See the full report here.

June 27, 2025 / Equity, General

Acceptance Is Up, But LGBTQ Communities Still Report High Rates of DiscriminationImage

June 26, 2025, marks 10 years since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. A new Pew Research Center survey of nearly 4,000 LGBTQ adults reflects on how much has changed—and what challenges remain.

The survey reveals that support for same-sex marriage has climbed from 31% in 2004 to 63% in 2023, and two-thirds of LGBTQ adults say the Obergefell ruling improved social acceptance—but many still experience discrimination. Nearly 3 in 4 gay or lesbian adults, and 68% of transgender adults, report being targeted by slurs or jokes.

Key findings:

  • Many LGBTQ adults knew their identity early but delayed coming out. Younger adults tend to come out earlier than older ones.
  • People who identify as bisexual are the least likely to have disclosed their identity to family, friends, or coworkers.
  • Gay and lesbian adults report more family support than bisexual or transgender individuals.
  • 42% say their LGBTQ identity is central to who they are, but only 23% feel strongly connected to the broader LGBTQ community.

Read the full report here.

May 27, 2025 / General

NCRC: Atlanta experienced the most intense gentrification of any U.S. city between 2000 and 2012Image

A new report from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) highlights how gentrification has reshaped parts of Atlanta over the last four decades. Among major U.S. metro areas, Atlanta saw the second highest number of Census tracts transition from majority-Black to majority-white between 1980 and 2020—reflecting broader patterns of demographic and economic change driven by rising incomes, property values, and education levels.

Key takeaways:

  • Second in the nation: Atlanta had the second-highest number of Census tracts shift from majority-Black to majority-white between 1980 and 2020—only Washington, D.C., saw more.

  • Most intense gentrification (2000–2012): By NCRC metrics, Atlanta experienced the most intense gentrification of any U.S. city during this 12-year span.

  • Neighborhood shifts: Nine tracts flipped to majority-white, including parts of Old Fourth Ward, East Atlanta, Reynoldstown, Kirkwood, Edgewood, and Grant Park; four others became racially mixed.

  • Population impact: Atlanta lost approximately 22,000 Black residents between 1980 and 2020—the fifth-highest loss among U.S. metro areas.

Read more about the report here.

April 28, 2025 / Education

Foster Youth in Adult Education Face Higher Barriers to Employment and StabilityImage

A new report from Georgia State University’s Child & Family Policy Labs analyzes how young adults with foster care backgrounds engage with Georgia’s public adult education system between July 2017 and June 2023. Using administrative data, the study compares foster youth and non-foster youth under 24, examining their demographics, education experiences, and outcomes. Although adult education programs — supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act — offer important pathways to high school equivalency credentials, postsecondary education, and jobs, foster youth face additional barriers that impact their success rates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Only 2.7% of young adult learners in Georgia’s adult education system reported a foster care background between 2017–2023.

  • Foster youth face more severe barriers to education and employment, including higher rates of low academic assessment, single parenthood, homelessness, and criminal justice involvement.

  • More than a third of foster youth learners in Atlanta-area counties attend classes provided by public school systems, rather than technical colleges or community organizations.

  • Despite attending a similar number of class hours, foster youth are less likely to earn a high school equivalency credential than their peers.

Read the full publication here.

April 28, 2025 / Basic Needs, Equity, Food

Cuts to Federal Funding Could Deepen Poverty in Rural and Low-Income GeorgiaImage

A new analysis from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) warns that proposed federal budget cuts could severely harm rural communities, low-income families, immigrants, and Georgians of color. Federal programs that help close long-standing gaps in access to health care, education, food, and economic security are now at risk as Congress debates budget reconciliation and appropriations bills ahead of a September 30, 2025 deadline.

Cuts to vital programs like SNAP, education funding, and rural health care are expected to hit hardest in Georgia’s poorest and most vulnerable communities, exacerbating hunger, poverty, and inequality across the state.

Key Takeaways:

  • Georgia ranks 14th in U.S. poverty rates, putting its rural and low-income populations at greater risk if federal funding is slashed.

  • Over 15% of Georgians living in poverty are either Black, Latino, or under 18, meaning federal cuts would disproportionately harm these communities.

  • Programs like SNAP are at risk, threatening food security for thousands of Georgians already living in rural food deserts.

  • Cuts could cost thousands of jobs statewide, particularly in education, health care, and social services sectors.

  • Tracking federal spending impacts is becoming harder, as the administration reduces public data availability, weakening transparency and accountability.

Read the full report here.

April 28, 2025 / Commuting, Workforce

Long Commutes, Lower Pay: Georgia to #1 in Workplace StressImage

A study measuring workplace stress across the U.S. ranked Georgia as the most stressful state to work in, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CDC, and other federal sources. Researchers from Innerbody Labs assessed factors like employment challenges, income decline, long commutes, and limited work flexibility. Georgia’s rise from 18th to 1st highlights growing financial and commuting strains impacting workers across the state.

Key Takeaways:

  • Georgia now ranks #1 for workplace stress, jumping from 18th place in one year.

  • Worker incomes have declined, with Georgia seeing a 0.52% drop in average weekly earnings.

  • Long commutes are a major issue, averaging 28–29 minutes across the state.

  • Few workers walk or bike to work, increasing transportation-related stress.

  • Southern states dominate the most stressful rankings, with Alabama and Tennessee close behind.

Read their full post here.

March 27, 2025 / Housing

2024 Metro Atlanta Home Sales Hit Half of 2021 LevelsImage

The Research & Analytics Department of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) analyzed five years of metro Atlanta’s housing trends using Parcl Labs data. The post highlights shifts in home sales, prices, size, and age, showing a slowdown in sales but continued price increases.

The analysis, covering 2020 to 2024, explores how the region’s housing market has evolved post-pandemic, offering key insights for policymakers, homebuyers, and industry professionals.

Key takeaways:

  • Metro Atlanta home sales have declined, with 2024 sales totaling just over 65,000—half of 2021’s total.
  • After a brief rise in 2023, median home size dropped again in 2024 to 2,214 square feet, down 5% from 2020, reflecting a shortage of larger new homes.
  • The median year built for sold homes continues to decline, reaching 1991 in 2024, down from 1995 five years ago.

See the full post here.

March 26, 2025 / General

Two-thirds of Georgia nonprofits are at risk of losing government grantsImage

Urban Institute’s new interactive tool provides insights into the financial stability of nonprofits by allowing users to explore funding reliance and risks at the state, county, and congressional district levels.

The tool highlights where nonprofits are most reliant on government funding and which areas would experience the biggest funding gaps, helping stakeholders assess potential risks and advocate for sustained investment.

In 2021 alone, Georgia nonprofits received $5.2 billion in government grants. With ongoing federal funding cuts, many now face growing financial strain.

Key Insights:

  • Nonprofits in Georgia received $5.2 billion in government grants.
  • Two-thirds of Georgia nonprofits are at risk of losing government grants (this does not include contracts).
  • Health and Human Services agencies have the highest risk.
  • Significant cuts to federal grants in Georgia could wipe out the sector’s operating surpluses (~9% on average) and put them into the negative (~-12%).

Explore the data here.

February 19, 2025 / Equity

Predatory Lending Disproportionately Targets Black CommunitiesImage

A new report by Kindred Futures reveals the staggering impact of predatory lending and other financial practices, which drain millions from the local economy and disproportionately harm Black Atlantans. The report highlights how addressing this injustice requires bold policy action to curb predatory lending and expand equitable financial opportunities.

Some Key Takeaways:

  • Predatory Lending Disproportionately Targets Black Communities: 67% of Atlanta’s predatory lenders operate in majority-Black neighborhoods, despite these areas comprising a smaller share of the population.
  • Massive Economic Drain: Title loans alone cost Atlanta $128.2 million annually, leading to job losses and reduced local spending—totaling $1.2 billion in economic damage over the past decade.
  • Racial Wealth Disparities Worsen: With an average Black household net worth of just $5,180 compared to $194,043 for white households, predatory lending exacerbates financial instability and economic exclusion.

Read the full report here.

February 19, 2025 / Safety

Atlanta’s Violent Crime Third-year DeclineImage

The Research and Analytics Division of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) published an analysis of the 2024 violent crime data for the city of Atlanta. In the 33°n blog, they analyze data from the Atlanta Police Department’s Open Data Portal, focusing on long-term trends and variations across different parts of the city.

Here are the Key Takeaways:

  • Historic Low in Violent Crime: After a surge between 2018 and 2021, Atlanta’s violent crime rate has now declined for three consecutive years, reaching a historic low in 2024.
  • Robbery Declines, Homicide Remains a Concern: While robbery rates have steadily dropped since 2009, homicides remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, despite a recent decline.
  • Citywide Crime Reduction: Most areas of Atlanta have experienced a downward trend in violent crime since 2009, with 18 of 25 NPUs seeing a year-over-year decline in 2024.
  • Perception vs. Reality: Despite the data showing significant crime reductions, public perception lags behind, with crime still rated as the top concern by Atlanta residents in surveys.

Read the full post here.

January 30, 2025 / Education

GPEE’s Top Ten Issues to Watch in Education in 2025Image

This edition of the Georgia Partnership’s Top Ten Issues to Watch report addresses both immediate needs and long-term strategies to help Georgia reach its North Star goal. Each issue highlights the benefits of removing barriers that prevent all Georgians from achieving a good quality of life. The report is organized into three key areas: deeper learning, system improvements, and future-focused solutions.

Key Areas:

  • A Recipe for Deeper Learning: For the first time, the Georgia Partnership dedicates a section to accelerating student success through deeper learning. It explores three key factors—attendance, student motivation, and teacher quality—that significantly impact student engagement.
  • Building Momentum to Reach the North Star: This section recommends system and investment changes to support children, youth, and working adults. Topics include early childhood interventions, aligning K-12 staffing with student needs, and expanding post-secondary education access through nontraditional pathways.
  • Investing in the Solutions of the Future: This section looks ahead to 2033 and focuses on workforce readiness, responsible AI integration, and reimagining public education funding and evaluation to foster innovation.

Read the full report here.

January 30, 2025 / Criminal Justice, Economics, Equity

GBPI found disparities across race and income on the ability to pay fines and fees from traffic ticketsImage

Excessive reliance on fines and fees by local governments creates lasting barriers to economic security, particularly for Black Georgians and low-income individuals. The resulting debt can limit access to stable work, housing, and economic opportunities while increasing entanglement with the criminal legal system.

A survey conducted by the University of Georgia’s SPIA Survey Research Center on September 11, 2024, for the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute (GBPI), collected data to better understand the impact of everyday dynamics and historical discrimination on Black communities, which have led to overpolicing and the erosion of their income and wealth.

Statewide trends:

  • Nearly 15% of all Georgians have been unable to afford a traffic ticket at some point in their lives, with the rate rising to over 20% for Black Georgians and those earning $15,000–$49,000 per year.
  • Black Georgians are more than twice as likely as white Georgians to be placed on a payment plan for a traffic ticket they couldn’t pay on time.
  • Georgians of color are more likely to go into debt or face legal consequences, including criminal records, jail time, and misdemeanor probation, due to unpaid traffic tickets.

Read the full report here.

December 17, 2024 / Education

Annual Report: State of Education in Metro Atlanta 2024Image

At the 2024 State of Education in Metro Atlanta, Learn4Life shared data, perspectives, and solutions around three key regional themes:

  1. Stubborn literacy gaps: While 3rd-grade reading proficiency is above pre-pandemic levels, race, economic, and language disparities persist. Scaling efforts like Vision to Learn show promise, as an estimated 40,000 of 138,000 elementary students in underserved metro communities need glasses but lack access.
  2. Depleted teacher morale: Only 59% of Georgia teachers report being likely to remain in the profession in the next five years. The most significant factor is that half report feeling burned out, often (78%) noting a lack of administrative support. 
  3. Students’ limited access to critical supports: The 2024 FAFSA process led to a significant decline in form completion, disproportionately impacting those who need financial aid the most. FAFSA completion is a leading indicator of postsecondary success among low-income students, making this a critical issue.

Read the annual State of Education in Metro Atlanta report and watch the live stream on United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Facebook page.

November 25, 2024 / Health, Housing

Low-income Latinos in Georgia face deplorable and unstable living conditions.Image

The Latino Community Fund Georgia (LCF) and Ser Familia have released the State of the Latino Community Report, a digital publication that combines data from various sources with insights from experts and community members on key issues.

The report’s housing chapter identifies two major challenges for low-income Latinos in Georgia:

  • Deplorable and unstable living conditions, often exacerbated by abusive landlords.
  • The persistent threat of eviction.

Michael Lucas, Executive Director of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF), shares that about 60% of cases at AVLF involve housing repairs tied to health issues, mainly caused by mold and insects that can worsen respiratory problems like asthma.

Read the full report here.

October 30, 2024 / General, Immigration

Atlanta’s population surge is driven by domestic migrationImage

The Atlanta Regional Commission forecasts that the 21-county region will add 1.8 million people by 2050. The analysis is based on the 2018-22 Census Bureau’s State-to-County Migration Flows data, a special tabulation of the American Community Survey. It provides a detailed view into a key component of the region’s growth: domestic migration into the city area.

Key takeaways:

  • By 2050, the Atlanta region is expected to grow to around 7.9 million residents.
  • The largest in-migrations to our region come from Florida, the most populous states (California, Texas, New York), and our closest neighbors (the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Alabama).
  • The top 10 states account for about 54% of the new population in the Atlanta area, indicating a concentrated pattern of in-migration.

See the blog post here.