Real-Time Insights - Page 2 of 8

October 24, 2025 / General

Housing affordability overtakes traffic as metro Atlanta’s top concernImage

Housing affordability has emerged as the top concern for metro Atlanta residents in the 2025 Metro Atlanta Speaks survey. Nearly one in three respondents cited housing costs as the region’s biggest problem, surpassing traffic, crime, and the economy. The survey also highlights growing financial strain, pessimism about the region’s future, and new concerns around technology and economic opportunity.

Metro Atlanta Speaks is the Atlanta Regional Commission’s annual survey tracking residents’ top concerns and priorities across 11 metro counties.

Key takeaways:

28% of residents said housing affordability is the region’s biggest problem, followed by traffic (24%) and crime and the economy (13% each).
62% of respondents reported they couldn’t afford to move within their own neighborhood.
44% blame developers for building homes that are too expensive; 35% point to investors buying up properties to rent.
61% believe AI will increase productivity, but 73% worry it will reduce available jobs.
53% say it’s a bad time to find a well-paying job, up from 41% last year.
Nearly 47% expect living conditions in metro Atlanta to worsen over the next 3–4 years.

Read more about the survey and results here.

October 24, 2025 / General

Georgia Nonprofits Face Rising Demand Amid Financial Strain and Staffing ChallengesImage

A new state analysis from the Nonprofit Finance Fund’s 2025 State of the Nonprofit Sector Survey reveals both the resilience and strain within Georgia’s nonprofit community. Drawing on responses from 323 organizations statewide, the report offers a snapshot of how nonprofits are navigating inflation, workforce shortages, and delayed funding, while continuing to anchor local economies and community well-being.

Nonprofits in Georgia are serving as critical infrastructure across rural, suburban, and urban regions. However, many are doing so on increasingly fragile financial footing, underscoring the need for stronger, more reliable investment from both public and private funders.

Key takeaways:

85% of Georgia nonprofits saw rising service demand in 2024 and expect another increase in 2025.
38% ended 2024 with an operating deficit, and 56% had three months or less of cash on hand.
71% rely on government funding, and many report late payments and low indirect rates, with one-third (33%) able to charge only 0–5%.
79% receive foundation funding, but fewer Georgia nonprofits than the national average reported seeing more flexible or supportive grant practices since 2022.
Workforce strain is high: only 35% of organizations can pay full-time staff a living wage, and many report burnout, hiring challenges, and limited benefits offerings.

Read the full Georgia report here.

October 24, 2025 / General

The Federal Shutdown Could Deepen Nonprofit Financial StrainImage

A new Urban Institute article warns that a prolonged federal government shutdown could compound existing financial instability among nonprofits nationwide. When federal grants, payments, and reimbursements pause, nonprofits may have to scale back or suspend essential community programs.

The post highlights that even before the shutdown, many nonprofits were already facing significant funding disruptions and rising demand, leaving little room to absorb additional shocks.

Key takeaways:

Two-thirds of U.S. service-providing nonprofits receive at least one government grant or contract, making them highly vulnerable to federal funding pauses.
On average, 28% of nonprofit funding comes from government sources (9% federal, 11% state, and 6% local).
Without government funding, 60–80% of affected nonprofits would be unable to cover their expenses.
In early 2025, one-third of nonprofits experienced funding cuts, freezes, or stop-work orders, leading to staff and program reductions.
Two in three nonprofits anticipated higher demand for services in the next year, a trend likely to accelerate as 620,000 federal workers face missed paychecks during the shutdown.

Read original post here.

October 24, 2025 / Economics, Workforce

Fewer Than Half of U.S. Workers Have a Quality JobImage

A new national survey from Gallup, Jobs for the Future, the Families and Workers Fund, and the W.E. Upjohn Institute reveals that only 4 in 10 U.S. workers hold jobs that meet key indicators of quality. Based on responses from 18,000 workers across industries, the American Job Quality Study (AJQS) is one of the most comprehensive looks yet at how people experience work in America, offering data often missing from traditional labor measures.

Researchers define a “quality job” as one that meets thresholds in at least three of five areas: financial well-being, workplace culture and safety, growth and development, agency and voice, and work structure and autonomy. The findings highlight how improving job quality is not only vital for worker well-being but also for business success and economic resilience.

Key data insights:

Only 39% of W-2 employees hold quality jobs, compared to 46% of independent or self-employed workers.
Job quality varies by region — highest in the West (44%) and lowest in the Midwest (36%).
71% of employees have autonomy over how they do their work, but 62% lack stable, predictable schedules.
Nearly 7 in 10 workers feel they have too little influence over their pay and benefits.
Half of employees earn at or below 300% of the federal poverty line, and 29% say they’re “just getting by.”
Employees in quality jobs report far greater job satisfaction (58% vs. 23%) and better overall health and life satisfaction.

Read the full study here.

August 25, 2025 / Civic Engagement, General

Nonprofits Face Rising Demand Amid Shrinking Financial StabilityImage

The Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) has released the 2025 State of the Nonprofit Sector Survey. This year’s report draws on responses from 2,206 nonprofits nationwide, providing a rare, detailed look into their programmatic, operational, and financial health from 2024.

The survey tracks both the pressures nonprofits face—like rising service demand, inflation, and funding instability—and the investments needed to secure their long-term futures. For policymakers, funders, and nonprofit leaders alike, the findings serve as a guide for smarter decisions about how to strengthen the organizations that make up our community infrastructure.

Key insights:

Tension between demand and financial strain: 36% ended 2024 with an operating deficit—the highest in a decade of survey data. 86% say inflation has hurt their organizations and the people they serve.
Nonprofits as economic engines under pressure: Only 41% can pay all full-time staff a living wage.
Deep community roots and adaptive responses: 62% focus on building community wealth and well-being; 54% prioritize tackling economic inequality.

Read the full report here.

August 25, 2025 / Basic Needs

45% of Georgia Families Live Below the ALICE ThresholdImage

The 2025 ALICE Report from United Way of Greater Atlanta shines a light on the growing number of Georgia households struggling to make ends meet. ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but still fall short of affording basic needs like housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care.

When combined with households living below the Federal Poverty Level, nearly half of all households in Georgia (45%) were living below the ALICE Threshold in 2023. That means more than 1.8 million Georgia households face impossible choices every day: pay rent or cover child care, buy groceries or fill a prescription. These families represent every demographic and county in the state, and many of them hold the jobs that keep our communities running.

Key findings:

In 2023, 14% of Georgia households lived below the Federal Poverty Level, and 31% were ALICE. Together, 45% of households fell below the ALICE Threshold.
The ALICE Household Survival Budget averaged $31,920 for a single adult and $76,884 for a family of four—more than double the federal poverty line. Costs varied significantly by county.
Of Georgia’s 20 most common occupations, 13 paid less than $20 per hour, and 35% of workers in these roles lived in households below the ALICE Threshold.
Households below the ALICE Threshold include all demographic groups, but systemic racism, ageism, gender discrimination, and geographic barriers leave some groups disproportionately affected.
ALICE data shows strong links between financial hardship and other well-being indicators, helping policymakers and advocates understand the broader effects on Georgia families.

Read the latest State of ALICE in Georgia here.

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.

August 22, 2025 / Civic Engagement

Atlanta’s Local Elections Are Losing VotersImage

The Center for Civic Innovation’s (CCI) recent Voter Analysis Report aims to help better understand who votes in municipal elections, and who doesn’t. Atlanta has long been a symbol of civic leadership and voting rights progress; yet today, local voter turnout seems to tell a different story.

The report highlights signals that too many Atlantans do not see their voices reflected in local government, don’t feel their participation matters, or lack the information to engage.

Key takeaways from the report:

Turnout is declining in local elections. Since 1981, participation in Atlanta mayoral races has trended downward, even as turnout in presidential and midterm elections has risen.
Representation gaps are persistent. Young voters and Black voters are consistently underrepresented in local contests.
Data challenges limit progress. Inconsistent formatting, incomplete reporting, and discrepancies in how Atlanta’s election data is shared make analysis difficult.
Proactive use of data is critical. Election data shouldn’t only be studied after the fact; it should drive bold, forward-looking voter education and engagement strategies before ballots are cast.

Read the full 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.

July 29, 2025 / Civic Engagement, General

When Inequality Rises, Does Volunteering Fall?Image

Drawing on over a decade of data from the Current Population Survey’s Volunteering Supplement (2002–2015), a new study investigates how both local and national economic conditions shape individual decisions to volunteer. Researchers examined three indicators of local economic context—poverty rates, income inequality, and economic growth—and also considered the national shock of the Great Recession.

Volunteering is often seen as a local solution during times of need. This study shows that when economic hardship hits, it may actually erode the capacity for local, volunteer-led responses, particularly in communities already facing disadvantage.

Key takeaways:

Disadvantage and inequality suppress volunteerism. People living in communities with higher poverty and greater income inequality are less likely to volunteer than those in more economically stable, equitable areas.
Recession impacts weren’t equal. The Great Recession dampened volunteering overall—but most sharply in communities with stronger pre-recession growth and more income equality, suggesting that sudden shocks may undermine civic behavior even in better-off areas.
Rural volunteerism has declined. Prior to the recession, rural residents were more likely to volunteer than their urban counterparts. After the recession, that gap disappeared—another sign of how deeply economic disruptions have affected community participation, even in places traditionally seen as civic strongholds.

As policymakers and community organizations increasingly rely on volunteers to meet growing social needs, understanding how economic context shapes civic behavior is more urgent than ever.

Read the publication 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.

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.

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