About the Region


The Atlanta region has enjoyed tremendous growth doubling its population to 4.1 million between 1980 and 2000. Today, close to 5 million people call the 28 county Atlanta region, home.

Businesses have also followed suit. Between 1990 and 2000 an estimated number of 671,100 jobs were added to the region.

Atlanta's growth, nonetheless, has been accompanied by a series of challenges.

Congestion has become a primary issue to the region with Atlantans traveling more vehicular miles per capita than residents of any other U.S. city according to Georgia Tech's Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development.

Research by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District has also raised concern about the sufficiency of water resources for its growing population come 2030.

Air Quality, and Land Use are two other growing concerns that have stemmed from Atlanta's dramatic growth over the past two decades.

The RBC has carefully considered the impact of these issues on the economic vitality of the region, and vigorously works in partnership with 15 chambers of commerce to advocate for positive, regional solutions.