StimCities

How effective has the Obama economic stimulus spending been? As one informal measure, we are taking a monthly snapshot of indicators in eight cities of varying size in different parts of the country. As stimulus dollars roll out in coming months, we’ll also visit many of the cities for a firsthand report. So far, we’ve been to Elkhart and St. Cloud.
Local views: What our 40 respondents say about the economy.

atlanta

Atlanta

Population: 439,275
Full census data for Atlanta (State Stimulus Page)

 
11.6,11.8
9.5,9.4
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11.6
Jun '09
11.8
Jul '09
 

Unemployment Rate

Jobs are the bottom line measure of stimulus success. This indicator tracks the city’s unemployment rate calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1688.0,569.0
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1,688
Jul '08
569
Jul '09
 

New Building Permits

Year-to-date construction permits for new residential units, as tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau.

-2370.0,2364.0
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-2,370
Jun '09
2,364
Jul '09
 

JOBS GAINED/LOST (NET)

Jobs gained or lost, month to month

4.2
4.2
Out of 10

POLL ON LOCAL ECONOMY (June 2009)

Average from five local residents (see who) who rate the economy on a 1-10 (bad-good) scale.

1152.0,1142.0
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1,152
Jun '09
1,142
Jul '09
 

Food Bank Activity

Number of families, individuals or meals served at one local food bank (see list).

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Craigslist, ProPublica Survey, and Various Food Banks.

Credits: Sarah Slobin, Scott Klein, Jason Das, Chris Flavelle, Michael Grabell, Jennifer LaFleur, David Epstein and Jeff Larson, ProPublica, and Mary C. Curtis, Politics Daily

Logos

StimCities is a joint project of ProPublica, the radio news program The Takeaway, and WNYC, New York’s flagship public radio station.

Stimulus Spot Check

Coverage Highlights
Stimulus

Investigations of Stimulus Waste, Fraud, and Abuse

Schools Have Trouble Tapping Stimulus Funds 12/24

Stimulus Money Paid Out Now Exceeds Money in the Pipeline 12/23

Thousands of Stimulus Reports Missing, Resulting in Potential Undercount of Jobs Created 12/9

Stimulus Contracts Go to Companies Under Criminal Investigation 10/25

More


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