NEWS & OPINIONS
A look back at everything we accomplished together in 2022
As 2022 comes to a close, let’s take a moment to share some of the many accomplishments the Georgia Center for Opportunity achieved with your help this year. Each of these wins contributes to our enduring legacy of helping fellow Georgians live a better life through the power of work, education, and family.
What will 2023 hold for educational opportunity in Georgia?
That’s because a new lineup of leadership in the Georgia Legislature increases the likelihood that our state will soon see new and innovative ways for parents to access the right and best educational option for their child.
Q&A with Amber Gorman at BETTER WORK Columbus
Amber Gorman joined the BETTER WORK Columbus team in October, 2022 as a program specialist. We recently had a chance to sit down with her and hear more about her background and what brought her to BETTER WORK.
Wishing you an abundant Thanksgiving
But one thing stands out to me when thinking about the stories of the men and women we serve everyday here at the Georgia Center for Opportunity — and that’s being thankful for a second chance.
Q&A with North Georgia Works
In this interview, we sat down with Michael Giddens, executive director of North Georgia Works, to hear more about his organization, the good work being done in the community, and how GCO is helping to advance their mission.
The midterm election is over (sort of). What’s next?
While who holds the reins of power in Washington and Atlanta does matter, ultimately it’s in local communities where the true change happens that leads to human flourishing.
Nearly half a million Georgians have given up on work
A new analysis from the Georgia Center for Opportunity shows that around 454,100 Georgians are missing from the labor force. This figure comes even as pundits celebrate a statewide and national unemployment rate that remains at historic lows.
Key Policy Takeaways from 30 years of Child Poverty Decline
Childhood poverty leads to worse educational attainment, worse future labor market outcomes, worse mental and physical health and development, and increased risk of engaging in delinquent behavior.
Eddie’s story: Moving from homelessness to a housing and a stable job
Fortunately, Eddie was able to get connected at a new job with the Marriott Hotel, where he’s happily employed and thriving.
Despite the fanfare, inflation is not conquered
In September, President Joe Biden prematurely declared victory over inflation as he held a celebration event over the party-line passage of the Inflation Reduction Act that required the Vice President of the United States to cast the deciding vote in the Senate.
We must rein in violent crime to help those who need economic opportunity
Businesses are moving out of cities and neighborhoods with rising crime rates. By abandoning these high-risk locations, these businesses take with them any job opportunities they provide to poorer residents.
GCO welcomes Josh Crawford as senior fellow focused on criminal justice reform
The Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) is excited to announce a new addition to our team! Josh Crawford joins us as senior fellow focused on criminal justice reform.
MEDIA MENTIONS
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...
Getting Serious about Juvenile Violence in Boston
In many circles across the country, Boston is heralded as the model of violent crime reduction. Home to the “Boston Miracle” in the 1990s, many of the nation’s best practices in policing originated in this city and then spread across the country over the last two...
The Lars Larson Show: Special Guest Joshua Crawford
Get ready for an insightful evening on 'The Rod Show'! Josh Crawford from the Georgia Center for Opportunity shares eye-opening insights about rising homicide rates in progressive-led cities. Don't miss a moment of thought-provoking conversations!" Listen to the full...
Josh Crawford Talks What’s Behind The Crime Rise, Airhorn For Crime, Moment of Biden and more by Leland Conway
Tune in to the latest episode of the Lealand Conway Podcast as we dive deep into a crucial and timely discussion about the rise in crime sweeping across the nation. Joining Leland is none other than Josh Crawford, Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives, a renowned...
How programs to help the poor can harm upward mobility – Sutherland Institute
Imagine you’re offered a raise that, if accepted, would actually make your family worse off. This is the experience of some families in poverty when they hit something called the benefits cliff. This “cliff effect” is triggered when a family’s increase in earned...
Homicides Are on the Decline—Except Where Progressives Reign Supreme | Opinion
The Council on Criminal Justice has released their mid-year crime report for 2023. It shows two major things: Homicides appear to be declining nationally, but the trends in individual cities are vastly different. In the first six months of 2023, homicides were down 9...
Alstott ’25 | Georgia Center for Opportunity
This summer, I had a tremendous opportunity to intern for Georgia Center for Opportunity. Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) is an independent, non-partisan policy research and solution delivery organization. GCO researches and develops solutions that address...
Opinion: Georgia needs to widen schooling choices in 2024
By Buzz Brockway The year is only half over, but 2023 has already been a banner year for the expansion of educational opportunity for students in other states across America. Georgia was so close to being one of them, but we fell short. More on that later. Seven...
