Research Atlanta¹
at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

Research Atlanta is a private not-for profit public policy research organization that studies public policy issues affecting the metropolitan Atlanta region. It represents a unique collaboration between the private sector, which supports the research and sets the research agenda, and the Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, which administers the organization and oversees the research process. For thirty years, Research Atlanta, Inc. has investigated the causes of and analyzed the alternative solutions to problems that affect the quality of life in metro Atlanta. Research Atlanta advances sound public policy, not a political agenda. Deborah McCarty is the Director of Research Atlanta.

Research Atlanta enjoyed yet another successful year in 2001. The four major studies released this year generated significant discussion among citizens and key leaders about issues as diverse as philanthropy, social capital, and city services. More than simple presentations of data to describe situations, Research Atlanta reports explore the factors responsible for the problems, and then detail a range of solutions and issues to consider when crafting policy responses.

Sound public policy requires more than simply informed policy makers. It also demands an informed citizenry engaged in the debate about the issues. To engage citizens in such debate, Research Atlanta maintains an extensive website, provides technical assistance and education to community groups and collaborates with other organizations to present special programs. In 2001, Research Atlanta continued to partner with Access Atlanta to enhance its Internet presence by offering online bulletin board chats and polls on policy issues. Research Atlanta also posted more information from its reports and continued to use a search engine to its website to make it easier for individuals to educate themselves about community problems.

Research Atlanta took steps to reach out to the community in an effort to continue building its name by celebrating its 30 Year Anniversary. Over 200 people attended the event, which was held at the Cherokee Town Club in Atlanta on November 13, 2001. In attendance were board members, board presidents, and executive directors from throughout the past 30 years. There was strong community attendance from the public as well. Major sponsors of the event included SunTrust, Equifax Inc., Jordan, Jones & Goulding, Inc., Georgia-Pacific Corp., Cecil D. Conlee, Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, Alston & Bird LLP, RTM Restaurant Group, Schapiro Research Group, Inc., Deloitte & Touche, Long Aldridge & Norman LLP, and the G.S.U. Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. The highlight of the evening was a short film summarizing the last 30 years of Research Atlanta's existence from year one to current times. The event was viewed as a success by the board and generated a lot of continuous interest from the community in Research Atlanta.

Research Atlanta believes that an informed citizenry engaged in serious debate about the problems affecting their community is essential for making sound policy. More than a "think tank," Research Atlanta engages the public in the kind of discussions needed to resolve issues. In partnership with Georgia Public Television, Leadership Atlanta, the League of Women Voters of Atlanta-Fulton County, Regional Leadership Foundation, and the Atlanta History Center, Research Atlanta has presented Take Issue Atlanta, a series of town hall style programs on metro Atlanta issues. Steps were taken in 2001 to continue this tradition and plan for forums to take place in 2002 over topics covered in 2001. Past forums have addressed regional decision-making, private management of public schools, the impending water crisis, air quality and attracting the middle class back to the central city. Take Issue Atlanta has aired on Georgia Public Television, which ensures statewide community involvement. Videotapes of several programs are available by calling Janice Ransby at 404-651-1815 or email prcmjr@langate.gsu.edu.

Research Atlanta has a wealth of information available on our website at www.researchatlanta.org. Reports cover metro Atlanta issues as diverse as air quality, public service delivery, governance, public finance, education, housing, and poverty. Particularly valuable reports for today's policy debates include "Promoting Parental Involvement in Middle School," "Models of Regional Decision Making," "Barriers to Education Change," and "Is It Better for Michael and Maya?" (contains an excellent discussion of accountability applicable to the current education reform proposal).

Research Atlanta's work consistently garners media attention. Research Atlanta received excellent press coverage that resulted from both the social capital and the city services study. The Research Atlanta publication, "What is Social Capital and Why does it Matter?" fueled an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on March 1, 2001 titled, "Survey says Atlantans have Low Trust Level," which discussed the social capital concept. The Research Atlanta publication, "Reinventing Municipal Governance: Programmatic Innovations from the New Generation of Big-City Mayors," made headlines in the "Group to Give Mayor Ideas on City Issues" article of the Atlanta Journal Constitution on November 14, 2001. Prominent news reporters such as Maria Saporta of the AJC are regular attendees of Research Atlanta events.

Projects

Philanthropy in Atlanta. David M. Van Slyke and Arthur C. Brooks. This report responds to the question of what Metro-Atlanta nonprofit leaders know about why individuals give to charity. Specifically, there are several questions that are fundamental to this initial study. They include: Who is giving? What motivates individuals to give? How much is being given? Where is the giving being directed?

Social Capital. John Thomas. This report included a definition of social capital and explanation of why it may be important, a description of the survey instrument and sample, an examination of the levels of social capital in Atlanta as compared to similar communities, an analysis of how levels of social capital vary among different groupings within the Atlanta sample, a summary of the principal findings and their possible implications and additional detailed information on the research is presented in several appendices. March 1, 2001.

The Metro Atlanta Statistical Profile (formerly The Atlanta Report Card). This profile presents statistics on recent developments in metro Atlanta in six areas: education, housing and real estate, transportation, health and environment, economics, and population and public safety for the last decade. Available on the Research Atlanta website. May 2001.

City Services Best Practices. John Thomas. This study focuses on pinpointing improvements and innovations made in America's big cities by the mayors and administrations. Presented to Mayor Elect Shirley Franklin. Printed copies now available. Available on the Research Atlanta website. November 2001.

In Process

School Governance. Catherine Freeman. Examines the expected and actual roles of boards of education in governing public school systems in urban communities. Under review.

Public Housing Conversions. Harvey Newman. Evaluates the effect on residents and communities of converting traditional public housing projects to mixed income developments by analyzing four cases in Atlanta. Under review.

Education Best Practices. Catherine Freeman. In development.