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 Andrew Young School, which administers the organization and oversees the research process. For twenty-nine 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. Its aim is to advance sound public policy, not political agenda. Deborah McCarty is the director of Research Atlanta.

Research Atlanta enjoyed another successful year in 2000. The four major studies released during the year generated significant discussion among citizens and key leaders about issues as diverse as arts, water, etc. The reports not only presented data to describe situations, but explored the factors responsible for the problems, and then detailed ranges of solutions and issues to consider when crafting policy responses. The 2000 distribution for each new release went to 91 government agencies and elected officials, 47 academic and community libraries nationwide, and 102 media contacts. In total, Research Atlanta distributed 1,100 full reports and 1,740 executive summaries to business and civic leaders during 2000.

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 maintained an extensive website, provided technical assistance and education to community groups and collaborated with other organizations to present special programs. During 2000, Research Atlanta made 2,060 notices of availability to citizens, community groups, researchers, and others.

Research Atlanta maintained a wealth of information available to the public on its website at www.researchatlanta.org. Reports covered metro Atlanta issues as diverse as air quality, public service delivery, governance, public finance, education, housing, and poverty. 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 added a search engine to its website to make it easier for individuals to educate themselves about community problems. 58 reports were sold through the Research Atlanta website during 2000.

Research Atlanta engaged 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 presented "Take Issue Atlanta," a series of town hall style programs on metro Atlanta issues. 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" aired on Georgia Public Television, which ensured statewide community involvement. (Videotapes of several programs are available by phone at 404-651-1815 or via email at prcmjr@langate.gsu.edu.)

Research Atlanta's work consistently garners media attention. Research Atlanta received significant press coverage resulting from both the arts and water studies. The Research Atlanta publication, The Arts Economy in 20 Cities: Where Does Atlanta Stand? made headlines on the Sunday front page of the Atlanta Journal/Constitution on November 12, 2000. On April 6, 2000 it was featured on the CBS Evening News with Robolo and Hughes on Channel 46. Correspondent Kathy Murphy reported a story live from Fairlie Poplar on Research Atlanta's report, A Cultural District for Downtown Atlanta. Both Arthur Brooks and former Associate Director of Research Atlanta, Inc., Sam Marie Engle, were interviewed.

Projects

Individual Philanthropic Patterns and Charitable Giving in Metropolitan Atlanta. David Van Slyke, Arthur Brooks, and Charlotte Steeh. This project, funded by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, is currenty under review, and is scheduled to be released in February 2001. Current work includes building alliances with other organizations to disseminate results, including several meetings held with the Community Foundation and community representatives in November and December. ($80,431)

Social Capital. John Thomas. This report, funded by the Community Foundation, analyzes and interprets data collected by a national firm as part of a Harvard national project. It examines the level of citizen involvement in community issues and the capacity to act for the community good, and allows local analysis and comparison with national average and other cities and rural areas. Surveying is underway, with plans to receive data in January for a spring 2001 release date.

Publications

A Cultural District for Downtown Atlanta. Arthur Brooks and Roland Kushner. A special project with external funding by the Fulton County Arts Council. The report examines the experiences of comparable U.S. cities with cultural districts to consider the feasibility of developing a cultural arts district in downtown Atlanta. The publication explores issues of leadership, management, funding, and programming; defines the optimal location for a cultural district in downtown; and presents a five-year timeline for developing a district. It analyzes policy-making strategies, including those related to zoning, financial incentives, and promotion. April 5, 2000.

Regional Water/Wastewater. James E. Kundell, Terry A. DeMeo and Margaret Myszewski. This report identifies options for Georgia to use in comprehensively planning for the management of Georgia's water resources. This is the first review of the water management planning activities of all 50 states and will provide an excellent resource for future efforts in Georgia. November 2000.

The Arts in Atlanta. Roland Kushner and Arthur Brooks. Funded by the Fulton County Arts Council - Arts Think Tank and Actors Express. This report provides a better understanding of the factors impacting arts organizations in the region. The study compares Atlanta to nineteen of its peer cities and examines what can be learned from other communities. The following characteristics were evaluated: Economic and demographic characteristics, Number and financial status of nonprofit arts organizations, Level of federal support and overall private support, The affiliation of the arts with national trends and higher education, and Physical arts infrastructure. This project has inspired intense interest from the media, both local and national. The Arts Think Tank sponsored a community forum in December 2000, with Arthur Brooks presenting the study. November 2000.

In Process

Atlanta Report Card. David Sjoquist, Carmen Chelariu,* Michele McIntosh* and Vivek Rawat.* This report provides a one volume statistical profile of metro Atlanta by updating and extending a series from the late 1980s, forthcoming.

Assessing the Role of Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport in Meeting Aviation Needs of Metro Atlanta. Atef Ghobrial. Maps the region's demand for business, leisure, and cargo air service, i.e., origin and destination within metro area to determine different levels of demand (and economic impact) by geographic areas, over time. Under review. ($12,500)

School Governance. Sam Engle and Kathleen O'Neill. Examines the expected and actual roles of boards of education in governing public school systems in urban communities, in progress.

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, in progress.