Discourse Framing Educational Policies in News Articles: The Atlanta Beltline Tax Allocation District

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Education Policy Making Ranging From Cities, States, and Presidents

Abstract

This study analyzes 36 news articles about a public redevelopment project in Atlanta, Georgia funded by a Tax Allocation District (TAD) that captures increases in property taxes intended to fund the local school district. The project (Atlanta Beltline) is a 22-mile walk/bike path around the city aimed at increasing green space and neighborhood revitalization. Findings reveal that discourse in news articles featured dramatized spectacle between policy actors contrasted with notions of compromise/collaboration. Analysis of news articles indicated that while helping students was a theme, ultimately articles emphasized investing in the development project over investing directly in local schools as a means to achieve increased prosperity. Implications consider how public discourse frames educational policies impacting local tax bases.

Author

• Anne E. Martin, Georgia State University