Research Atlanta (Firm)

Research Atlanta, established in 1971, was a private, not-for-profit public policy research organization that studied public policy issues affecting the metropolitan Atlanta region. The organization developed out of the work of Good Government Atlanta, a public interest lobby that grew out of the Atlanta Commission on Crime and Juvenile Delinquency, which existed in the mid-1960s. Research Atlanta investigated the causes of and analyzed alternative solutions to problems that affect the quality of life in metro Atlanta, issued its findings in published reports, and held forums to encourage community involvement and interaction. Issues included annexation, consolidation and reorganization of government entities; housing; economic development; education; government finance and taxation; physical development, which included infrastructure and water resources; social services; and transportation. In the early 1990s Research Atlanta became an administrative unit of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. Research Atlanta merged with the Atlanta Metro Group and the Regional Leadership Forum in late 2005 to create the Civic League for Regional Atlanta, which maintains an independent affiliation with the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.

From its inception until the merger in 2005 Research Atlanta was governed by a Board of Directors through a series of working committees and monthly meetings. The organization was originally staffed by an executive director, administrative secretary and four full-time researchers. Staff terms were set at three years to guarantee a constant infusion of new ideas and energy and to prevent staff from becoming overly concerned with job security and benefits. Financial support was generated from contributions and fund-raising campaigns.

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