What’s happening?
THE STUDY
Observing how local economies function in real time.
WHAT WE're STUDYing
FLOW
How people move through streets, storefronts, and shared spaces.
OPERATIONS
The behind-the-scenes systems that keep local businesses running.
BEHAVIORS
The choices customers make in real time and what shapes those decisions.
ALIGNMENT
Where community needs, business goals, and public investment meet...
or miss.
SPACES
How physical layouts and designs support or block economic activity.
WHERE WE’RE LOOKING
CLAYTON
FULTON
COBB
GWINNETT
DEKALB
HENRY
DOUGLAS
ROCKDALE
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
We’re in conversation with people operating inside local economic systems, embedded in the establishments and environments that shape them.
Our study period:
April 2026 to September 2026.
By sharing what you’re seeing firsthand, you’re contributing to a clearer understanding of how economic and commercial life actually functions across communities, what’s working, what’s missing, and where opportunity exists.
Your input becomes part of a larger body of work that informs strategy, shapes local conversations, and supports more effective decision-making.
WHAT COMES OUT OF THIS
We will present insights in a five-part publication to inform community decision-making.
Key business information will remain protected while we share patterns and strategies from our findings.
SPOTLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES
One advocate per city will be selected to represent their community in conversations with local decision makers.
Participants who are comfortable being highlighted will be invited to join these discussions as county advocates.
WHY YOUR PERSPECTIVE MATTERS
Every contribution helps create a map of economic flow, business opportunities, and actionable insights for the areas we study.