Program adopted by Council seeks to grow middle-wage jobs in Atlanta
Plan creates Equitable Growth Grant
The Atlanta City Council took steps aimed at building a more equitable economy during this year’s budget process, including adopting a budget amendment introduced by Post 2 At-Large Council member Matt Westmoreland to launch an Equitable Growth Grant program.
As part of the amendment, the Fiscal Year 2021 budget includes $1.6 million for Invest Atlanta to begin the grant program, which will focus on the creation and attraction of high-quality, middle-wage jobs in Atlanta.
“Atlanta has among the highest income inequality rates in the United States, and has continued to grow more unequal over the past decade,” Westmoreland said. “This program is an important step in strengthening and growing Atlanta’s middle class so residents across the income spectrum can call our city home.”
During the Council’s meeting on Sept. 8, Westmoreland introduced legislation to begin the process of determining how the funds will be deployed. The launching of the program coincides with Invest Atlanta’s development of the city’s first economic mobility strategy, a comprehensive and inclusive plan aimed at furthering economic development and mobility for all Atlantans.
Several studies, including one by the Brookings Institute, have indicated that Atlanta exhibits the highest rates of income inequality among major cities.
Westmoreland noted that the funds from the grant program will allow Invest Atlanta to pursue much needed middle-wage jobs that are key to fostering equitable growth in the city.
“In recent years, Atlanta has seen a hollowing out of middle-wage jobs and our economic recovery since the global financial crisis has been characterized by the creation of large numbers of low-wage jobs and high-wage jobs,” he said.
