Business| Community | Leadership

Program evaluation is a crucial process that helps organizations assess the effectiveness of their initiatives and make informed decisions for improvement. However, like any undertaking, program evaluation can encounter several pitfalls that, if not addressed, can compromise its success. There are more than thirty pitfalls that can occur during an evaluation. In this article, I explore some of the common pitfalls I’ve come across in program evaluation and provide guidance on how to avoid them. One of the most critical aspects of a successful program evaluation is defining its scope accurately. Failure to do so can result in two common pitfalls: a scope that is too broad or one that is too narrow. When the scope is too broad, it can lead to unnecessary costs, extended timelines, and an overwhelming amount of data to collect and analyze. Conversely, a scope that is too narrow may result in superficial assessments, where boxes are checked off without a thorough examination of the program...

 Albany, GA has emerged as a focal point of discussion in workforce and economic development circles. However according to census data, 61% of jobs in Albany are occupied by individuals residing outside Dougherty County. This underscores a critical disconnect between local employment opportunities and the resident workforce, highlighting an urgent need for a strategic recalibration of how we approach community growth and workforce development. The cornerstone of sustainable economic development hinges on the principle of 'localism', which emphasizes the nurturing and utilization of a local workforce. When over half of the employment opportunities are filled by commuters, the local economy experiences a 'leakage' that results in diminished economic activity and communal investment. This is not just a question of economics; it's a matter of public administration justice. Our governance structures must prioritize policies and initiatives that encourage businesses to hi...

(Pictured Above: Chief Judge Willie C. Weaver, Sr. and the AW! 3rd graduating class.)  In Southwest Georgia, the city of Albany grapples with significant societal challenges. As my hometown, I've witnessed firsthand the struggles related to poverty, low educational attainment, and high recidivism rates among minor offenders. According to Census data, 34% of Albany’s adult population is considered uneducated or undereducated. The city has frequently ranked among the top ten most impoverished communities in the nation and is recognized as one of the most distressed communities in Georgia. The crime index of Albany is a mere 2 out of 100 according to crime statistics data indicating that there are only 2% of U.S. cities that are deemed safer than Albany, GA. This figure emphasizes the direct correlation between low education attainment and higher crime rates. However, beneath these daunting statistics lies a resilient community, determined to uplift its citizens, and break the cycle o...

The impact of local government on our everyday lives cannot be underestimated. Often, people overlook the significance of policies, ordinances, and decisions made by local council members, failing to see the direct connection to the health and struggles of our communities. However, it is crucial to understand how leadership, whether good or bad, can profoundly influence the prosperity or decline of a community.  One significant consequence of ineffective leadership is the potential for increased migration out of a community. Poor decisions made by the local government can lead to unfavorable conditions, such as a lack of job opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, or limited access to essential services. As a result, individuals and families may seek better living conditions elsewhere, causing a decline in the community's population and economic growth. Crime rates are another area directly impacted by local government decisions. When leadership fails to prioritize or fund public...

  Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius said, “Poverty is the mother of crime.” Albany, GA’s crime rates, compared to the state and the nation, are relatively higher. Albany, GA’s crime rate is 2.6 times greater than the U.S. Average (Crime Rate in Albany, GA, 2023) and has a crime index of 2 out of 100 according to data published by Neighborhood Scout (Albany, GA Crime Analytics, 2023). This means that Albany, GA is only considered safer than 2% of all of U.S. cities. Furthermore, Albany’s crime rate exceeded the state average in five (robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, and auto thefts) of the eight categories for the past three years. And while Albany has experienced a slight decrease in the categories of burglaries, robberies, and theft from 2018 to 2020, the crime rates in these categories still fall well above the state average. A colleague recently said to me, “Every criminal is someone’s child who the system forgot or failed.” Those words struck me like a bolt of lightning. Wh...

 Spring is just a few weeks away, and while most of us are excited about the warmer weather and longer days, it may also mean it’s time to stock up on allergy medicine. Allergies have become a major concern for many people in recent years. The number of people suffering from allergies is increasing at an alarming rate, and it has become a major public health issue. According to an article by Heartline, asthma increased by 28% within a ten-year span, and asthma in black children has doubled. While there are many factors that contribute to the rise in allergies, one of the most surprising causes is the decision made by urban planners to plant an abundance of male trees. Yep, you read that right. In 1949 the USDA published a yearbook on urban tree planting and strongly recommended planting male trees over female trees in cities because they didn't produce fruit and would be more aesthetically appealing to the eye.  Unfortunately, they didn't realize the unintended consequences of...