The Metro Atlanta Equity Atlas (MAEA) is the region’s newest online data tool, designed to connect local stakeholders to timely, accurate data. By examining 8 key areas of community wellbeing, the MAEA (pronounced Maya) offers fascinating insight into the state of our region – particularly as it relates to issues of access and opportunity.
MAEA “well-being” categories include demographics, economic development, education, environment, health, housing, public safety and transportation.
By browsing the site’s nearly 200 maps, it will become increasingly clear how “place matters”. In other words, where you live has consequences for where you end up in life. At Partnership for Southern Equity, we’re committed to undoing this reality through information, collaboration and action. We believe the journey begins with information. The MAEA provides local change makers with the information they need to make the case and trend the change.
History
Our journey toward creating the MAEA began nearly three years ago. After being exposed to an equity atlas developed by groups in Portland and seeing how they were able to use it to enhance regional planning and collaboration, PSE members began to consider the power of a similar tool for Metro Atlanta. In March 2011, a committee was convened and the work began. Over the last three years, more than two dozen regional organizations have contributed to this work. Some of our partners include: Annie E. Casey Atlanta Civic Site, Atlanta Regional Commission, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DeKalb County Board of Health, Emory University Office of University-Community Partnerships, Emory University Initiative for Race and Difference, Enterprise Community Partners, Federal Reserve Bank, Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Tech Community Affairs Office, Georgia Stand-Up, GSTAND, Latin American Association, Mercer University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Neighborhood Nexus, Nexus Research Group, The Center for Working Families, Inc.
Because we wanted to ensure that the MAEA was truly a tool that residents and organizations could use, we carried out a series of community engagement sessions throughout the five core counties. The information gathered from those sessions was then incorporated into the development of the project, particularly as it relates to the information gathered and mapped.
The MAEA launched November 2013 and we at PSE are currently working with our partner organizations to get the word out. The MAEA could potentially be a game changing resource, but that requires that individuals and organizations actually use the data to “make the case” and “be the change”. To share your thoughts on how we might further spread the work, email MAEA Coordinator Erika Hill.
Our Authors
The MAEA Report brings together some of the region’s most renowned experts and up-and-coming social change agents to tell a compelling story of the State of our region. Learn more about our authors.
Sponsors
The Metro Atlanta Equity Atlas would not be possible without the financial support of our national, regional and local sponsors whose investment conveys a commitment to ensuring that regional stakeholders have the information they need to more effectively advance their goals. Our sponsors include:
