Economic Development at Atlanta Metropolitan State College

"Connecting the College to the Community"


What is Economic Development?

Economic development is the sustained, concerted actions of policy makers and communities that promote the standard of living and economic health of a specific area. Economic development can also be referred to as the quantitative and qualitative changes in the economy. Such acts can involve multiple areas including development of human capital, critical infrastructure, regional competitiveness, social inclusion, health, safety, literacy, and other initiatives. Economic development differs from economic growth. Whereas economic development is a policy intervention endeavor with aims of economic and social well-being of people, economic growth is a phenomenon of market productivity and rise in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

AMSC Economic Development Objectives:

  • Stimulating a self-sustaining process of economic development
  • Providing employment opportunities with decent wages, benefits, and upward mobility
  • Establishing community partners, partnerships and participation in the economic development process
  • Supporting and stimulating entrepreneurship
  • Enhancing educational opportunities for individuals seeking to improve their education. Education has always played a key role in the economic progress in all communities. Without education, the path to success will be more challenging to obtain

Atlanta Metropolitan State College's Role &
Ways AMSC Strengthens the Local Economy through Economic Development

AMSC has historically included economic development as part of its core mission. The College, serving the Atlanta metropolitan region, continues to be an educational and economic asset to the metropolitan area, and plays a vital role in "Connecting the College to the Community."

AMSC continues to create entrepreneurship systems within the institution to advance economic development by:

  • Raising educational levels to create a quality workforce by enrolling over 3,000 students annually in baccalaureate, associate, certificate and internship programs
  • Providing lifelong learning opportunities to more than 3,000 students annually through continuing education, Adult Basic Education, and the Moses Ector Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (MELELA), just to name a few
  • Create a quality workforce by growing, training, and attracting Georgia residents
  • Supporting and identifying the needs of business and industry by including them on advisory committees for academic and professional programs
  • Offering relevant programs that are uniquely designed to meet the needs of the community
  • Taking strong and visible roles in community initiatives through partnerships that involve both public and private agencies
  • Training and supporting the community where and when needed – through programs such as the AMSC Center for Entrepreneurship
  • Promoting livable communities and employing a diverse workforce
  • Providing assistance to students and local potential business owners on resume writing and business plan development
  • Continuing to develop partnerships with corporate entities and community organizations to promote economic development
  • Supporting the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Business League and other organizations that promote and advocate economic development for the community

Atlanta Metropolitan State College Impacts Local Economy by $102 million

Atlanta Metropolitan State College continues to be a major economic engine in the city of Atlanta, pumping $102 million into the Atlanta metropolitan economy during Fiscal Year 2014, according to a study conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business. The $102 million represents a 2.00% increase for AMSC since the FY 2013 report.

In addition to the $102 million in total economic impact generated by AMSC during FY 2014, the study determined that Atlanta Metropolitan State College is responsible for 1,038 full-and part-time jobs, up from 984 from the previous year. From among these positions, 283 positions, or 27 percent, are on-campus jobs while 73 percent, are private or public-sector jobs.

The report quantifies the economic advantages and significant benefits that AMSC conveys to metropolitan Atlanta and Fulton County. The $102 million represents the economic impact of spending by Atlanta Metropolitan State College, its faculty, staff, and students who attended the institution in FY 2014.

Economic Highlights:

Total Economic Impact: $102 million.
Employment Impact: 1,038 jobs. On average - $1 million in initial spending - generates 14 additional jobs.
Labor Income Generated: $45 million
Personal Services: Faculty/Staff spending supports 398 jobs.
Student Spending: Supports 507 jobs.

Economic Development Contact:

(404) 756-4666
Member: Regents Advisory Committee for Economic Development