Week 1

Connor Barwin’s Civic Season

This week, the all-pro linebacker and citizen activist measures how our civic health stacks up against Atlanta

Week 1

Connor Barwin’s Civic Season

This week, the all-pro linebacker and citizen activist measures how our civic health stacks up against Atlanta

WEEK 1:

Philadelphia vs. Atlanta

Well, we lost a heartbreaker to Atlanta last night on the field, and, as you can see below, we lose to them in terms of our overall civic health, as well. In both football and civics, I like to look beyond the numbers. Today, the statistic that jumps out to me is that Atlanta beats us by a 2-to-1 ratio when it comes to the percentage of residents who have earned bachelor’s degrees—48 percent to 24 percent.

That’s a big difference. But, according to Professor Richardson Dilworth, director of Drexel’s Center for Public Policy, it’s not that surprising. After all, Atlanta stagnated like the rest of the South during Reconstruction and only became an important economic hub in the 20th Century. “Atlanta’s economy is newer and younger, and its major industries are thus more likely to be the kinds that require more college grads,” explains Dilworth. In addition, Dilworth notes that housing is much cheaper in Philadelphia on average, which attracts a lower wage population less likely to possess college degrees.

Next week, I’m psyched to take on Dallas—on the field, and off.

Advertising Terms

We do not accept political ads, issue advocacy ads, ads containing expletives, ads featuring photos of children without documented right of use, ads paid for by PACs, and other content deemed to be partisan or misaligned with our mission. The Philadelphia Citizen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and all affiliate content will be nonpartisan in nature. Advertisements are approved fully at The Citizen's discretion. Advertisements and sponsorships have different tax-deductible eligibility. For questions or clarification on these conditions, please contact Director of Sales & Philanthropy Kristin Long at [email protected] or call (609)-602-0145.

Photo and video disclaimer for attending Citizen events

By entering an event or program of The Philadelphia Citizen, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with The Philadelphia Citizen and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising. By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of you, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media. You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.