NEWS & OPINIONS
Businesses fleeing cities over crime is a warning sign we can’t ignore
Crime is causing businesses to flee communities already experiencing a lack of opportunity. This is having an impact on healthcare, jobs, and social health.
National Police Week: Community Benefits of a Strong Police Force
Along with remembering these local heroes, Police Week is an opportunity to reflect on the role law enforcement has in building vibrant communities where everyone can achieve their potential.
Georgia parents deserve full transparency from state school systems
Key Points Georgia received a waiver from reporting its College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) metrics, including the A-F grading system for schools. The CCRPI metrics assess student performance, including comprehension of class content and preparedness...
Inflation is becoming worse for Americans on a fixed income
Today, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that in April the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.4%, not seasonally adjusted. Year over year, the CPI has gone up 4.9% in the last 12 months. The Georgia Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) take: “Not only has the...
Free the Future Campaign Making an Impact in Columbus
Key Points Free the Future is an initiative of the Mayor of Columbus Georgia’s Commission on Reentry, in partnership with the Urban League of the Chattahoochee Valley. The Georgia Center for Opportunity’s BETTER WORK Columbus program director, Kristin Barker, is...
Navigating the current economic crisis: A guide to surviving the job market
Key Points As of March 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a nationwide unemployment rate of 3.5%. Well-known companies are conducting large-scale layoffs—in some cases, laying off tens of thousands of employees. The BETTER WORK program can help you take...
Why parental involvement is key to a child’s health
Key Points Parental involvement makes a big difference in children's development. Students with involved parents have better attendance and behavior, get better grades, demonstrate better social skills and adapt better to school. Parents need access to tools, which is...
Education successes from the 2023 Georgia legislative session
We have much to celebrate as the 2023 Georgia legislative session comes to a close. At the same time, there is still much work to be done. That’s what this blog post is all about. First, we’ll take a look at recent victories in the area of education during the...
Lyft and BETTER WORK Unite
Key Points Transportation is a barrier for some when it comes to maintaining employment. Lyft saw a need in the community and stepped in to fill the gap. Lyft’s free rides have assisted BETTER WORK participants and given them time to make a plan. “You’re hired!”...
Georgia is poised to expand workforce opportunity
Key Points Georgia General Assembly, lawmakers unanimously approved House Bill 155, which creates a pathway for thousands of Georgians who might face roadblocks to getting an occupational license to smooth the path for doing so, provided they held a license One in...
BETTER WORK has resources for high school students
Key Points Not every high school graduate will attend college. There are strong career paths available for those who are ready to learn. Jobs in the water industry are plentiful. In addition to excellent pay and stability, careers in the water field offer...
The GCO 2022 year in review
Curious about our projects. progress, and achievements over the past year? The Georgia Center for Opportunity 2022 Annual Report is now available online. This year-in-review consolidates the most crucial information about where we’ve been and where we’re headed, all...
MEDIA MENTIONS
Benefits Cliffs in the Aggregate: Consequences for Welfare and Business Cycles
Benefits cliffs - sudden decreases in public benefits that may occur with a small increase in earnings - may inhibit upward mobility. I study the effect of a multitude of cliffs across the universe of benefit programs in nine southern US states on intensive-margin...
Opinion: New Missouri law will help residents escape safety-net cliffs
This new law will help more Missourians escape from an entrapping safety-net system and experience the dignity and opportunity of work.
Group offers recommendations to address Atlanta’s spike in violent crime
A Georgia public policy group has released a report offering suggestions on mitigating Atlanta’s uptick in violent crime. The Georgia Center for Opportunity suggests the city focus on disrepair by expanding cleanup efforts, addressing abandoned buildings and...
Steve Gruber Show: Josh Crawford, NEW Landmark Study on Reducing Crime
September 20, 2023 Josh Crawford is an attorney, criminologist and a director at the Georgia Center for Opportunity. NEW Landmark Study on Reducing Crime Listen to the interview
The Shelley Wynter Show Special guest Josh Crawford
Listen to the Shelley Wynter Show, September 18, 2023, for a thought-provoking and crucial discussion on the pressing issue of rising crime in our cities, public safety, and effective public policy solutions. We are thrilled to have our own Josh Crawford as a special...
Lilly grant will bring the Parents First Initiative to Lawrenceville, enabling families to thrive
Lawrenceville, Ga. - Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded an endowment grant to Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church. The grant will enable the church to facilitate the Raising Highly Capable Kids parenting program — called the Parents First Initiative — across the...
New report seeks to ease spike in Atlanta crime, restore community safety
The Georgia Center for Opportunity is releasing a new report on violent crime in Atlanta, which highlights the city’s recent spike in violent crime and how to mitigate it. Josh Crawford, Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at GCO, developed the report, along with...
The Steve Gruber Show: Joshua Crawford, Homicides Are on the Decline—Except Where Progressives Reign Supreme on Apple Podcasts
Dive into the latest episode of 'Criminal Insights' with guest Joshua Crawford, Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Georgia Center for Opportunity. Explore the surprising correlation between declining homicides and progressive policies, as Josh uncovers...