Research & Policy Analysis

An essential part of our programming is the conducting of research and policy analysis that frames the important issues facing neighborhoods and communities and assists those communities in making systematic change. As a result, Georgia Stand-Up's research and policy analysis program concentrates in three main areas, framing the debate, strategic campaigns and community participatory research.

Framing the Debate

Research and policy analysis dealing with overall trends in the region's political economy for the purpose of understanding the systematic effect those trends have on the lives of residents. This research and analysis includes issues related to housing, employment, wages, public transportation, environmental concerns, public health, and more.

Strategic Campaigns

Research and policy analysis dealing with a specific economic development project or policy of the communities that are targeted. This research and analysis may examine how a specific project is to be implemented or the effects of that project on a specific neighborhood.

Community Participatory Research

Research and policy analysis conducted by community and neighborhood leaders with the assistance of staff and interns. This research is often conducted in the community research room, where leaders come into our office to use computers, conduct shared research about their neighborhoods, gain advice on development issues in their communities, and to hold meetings with other members of the Stand-Up Alliance and key stakeholders in their communities. A copy of all research conducted is placed in the community research library which contains notebooks on the targeted neighborhoods in the city. These in-house resources have become places where leaders can build their research skills and utilize existing research to strategize around issues facing their communities.