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.

October 30, 2024 / Environment

Understanding Georgia’s Carbon Emission ChallengesImage

Drawdown Georgia is an initiative leading the charge to make the state net zero in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This ambitious target aims to decrease emissions from 156 megatons to just 67 megatons through strategies such as expanding solar energy, promoting electric vehicles, enhancing public transportation, and reducing food waste.

On their research blog, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) shared some key data insights about Georgia’s carbon footprint, according to Drawdown Georgia’s GHG Emission Tracker:

  • Georgia’s carbon dioxide emissions decreased from 55.6 million metric tons in 2022 to 50 million in 2023, translating to approximately 9,839 pounds per person.
  • Transportation’s share of total emissions rose sharply from 44.1% in 2013 to 55.6% in 2023, indicating increased vehicle usage and urban sprawl, while residential and commercial emissions declined.
  • The analysis reveals that the Atlanta metropolitan area is the primary source of emissions, driven by dense populations, industrial activities, and extensive transportation networks.
  • The reductions in residential (from 31.5% to 26.0%) and commercial emissions (from 24.4% to 18.4%) suggest progress in energy efficiency and sustainable building practices over the past decade.

Read the full blog post here.

September 27, 2024 / Economics, Equity

Black-owned Businesses Improve Neighborhood Well-BeingImage

A recent Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative (AWBI) brief outlines how supporting Black-owned businesses can significantly improve neighborhood well-being.

Key takeaways:

  • Black-owned small businesses in Atlanta contribute significantly to neighborhood well-being, including a measurable increase in child well-being scores.

  • Black-owned businesses in Atlanta are disproportionately affected by rising commercial rents, making commercial affordability a significant barrier.

  • There are seven Black-owned small businesses for every 1,000 Black residents in Atlanta, but these businesses earn only $0.17 for every $1.00 earned by other small businesses.

  • The majority of Black-owned businesses in Atlanta have fewer than 20 employees and face challenges accessing capital due to systemic barriers.

  • Commercial rents in majority-Black neighborhoods have increased at a faster rate than in majority-white neighborhoods, contributing to the displacement of Black-owned businesses.

The brief advocates for policies that facilitate access to capital and resources for Black businesses, emphasizing that equitable support can lead to broader community improvements.

Read the full brief on AWBI’s website.

September 27, 2024 / Health, Mental Health

Addressing Parental Stress: A Call for ActionImage

In a recent New York Times opinion piece, the Surgeon General highlights the growing stress faced by parents in today’s society. Here are some key insights:

  • High Stress Levels: A study found that 48% of parents say most days their stress is completely overwhelming, compared with 26% of other adults who reported the same.
  • Mental Health Risks: There is a correlation between parenting stress and increased rates of anxiety and depression among parents, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources.
  • Impact on Children: Stress in parents can adversely affect child development, with studies indicating that children of stressed parents are more likely to experience emotional and behavioral issues.
  • Support Networks: The piece suggests that fostering strong community networks can significantly alleviate stress, as parents who engage with others report feeling less isolated and more empowered.
  • Policy Implications: Advocating for family-friendly policies, such as paid parental leave and accessible mental health services, can create a healthier environment for both parents and children.

For a deeper dive into this pressing issue, read the full article here.

August 27, 2024 / Education

Student absenteeism in Georgia has doubled since 2019Image

In a recent presentation, the Get Georgia Reading Campaign (GGR) showcased data about student absenteeism in Georgia as reported by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA). The data shows chronic school absenteeism has doubled for all grades since 2019.

Key takeaways:

  • While absenteeism of less than five days per school year has decreased since 2019, the percentage of students absent six days or more per school year has increased.
  • Chronic student absenteeism – the percentage of children missing school more than 15 days per school year – has doubled since 2019.
    This is true for every grade (pre-K to 12th) but is more dramatic for lower grades.
  • By the end of the third grade, about 25% of Georgia students have missed at least 75 days of school – two and a half months.
  • By the end of the fourth grade, almost 25% of Georgia students have missed at least three months of school.

See the data slides here.

August 22, 2024 / Early Childhood, Economics, Education

The cost of summer child care for Atlanta familiesImage

In June, Atlanta POV asked residents about summer childcare and the related needs of Atlanta families, whether they are being met, and how they impact their budget.

A total of 293 residents from Metro Atlanta responded to the survey, providing key insights to understand how families deal with the costs and planning related to their children’s summer programming.

Key takeaways:

  • Finding adequate child care during summer is a significant challenge for most families.
  • Finding and paying for summer programs for children is an economic stressor for families and their budgets.
  • Workforce participation and productivity of households with children are impacted by the lack of availability and affordability of program options during the summer months.

See the full survey report here.

July 30, 2024 / Basic Needs, Housing

Results from 2024 PIT Count for the City of AtlantaImage

The PIT Count takes an annual, unduplicated census of people experiencing homelessness on a one night in the last 10 days of January. Note that the PIT Count covers only people who are either in shelters or unsheltered. Therefore, it should not be viewed as an exact number of people experiencing homelessness. However, it is a useful tool that can be used to estimate characteristics of the City of Atlanta population of people experiencing homelessness and gauge changes over time.

Of the 2,867 persons counted through Atlanta’s 2024 Point-In-Time survey:

  • 92% of families experiencing homelessness are Black.
  • 35% of adults experiencing homelessness are over the age of 55.
  • 61% don’t earn any income of any kind, and 72% of them don’t receive benefits or additional support.

Read the full report here.