Most Atlanta residents favor trying new ideas and solutions, even if the outcome will have an uncertain impact on the economy, community and quality of life in the region.  Yet, two-thirds believe their local area is headed in the right direction and most are positive about population growth, according to a new poll released today by The Allstate Corporation and National Journal.

The Allstate/National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll explores Atlanta residents' perspectives about their city's innovation, employment, education, housing and quality of life. The poll also takes an in-depth look at how residents are seeking innovative ideas and solutions, particularly in local communities, to keep their city moving forward.

To recognize local innovators, Allstate and Atlantic Media have launched The Renewal Awards, a new program that spotlights and rewards innovators across the country who are taking creative approaches to retaining local talent; attracting businesses to their areas; creating social change; and improving neighborhoods. The Renewal Awards are highlighting five cities, including Atlanta, which are finding solutions to the most pressing challenges facing their communities.

"I'm proud of the local innovators who have helped build Atlanta's economy and established a strong foundation for the city's future," said Bob Holden, Field Senior Vice President, Southeast region, Allstate. "This region has a unique culture of civic engagement, business leadership, community partnership and innovation.  It epitomizes the spirit of The Renewal Awards and is a testament to all Atlanta has to offer. As our community continues to grow, building on that culture will help Atlanta's economy maintain its forward momentum."

In terms of economic growth, Atlanta-area residents have a mixed outlook on the economy and local leadership, though they are supportive of renewal efforts and innovation: 

• Residents who live outside the city limits are more optimistic about their economy (53 percent excellent/good), compared to their city resident counterparts (36 percent excellent/good).

• Looking 10 years into the future, 61 percent say the Atlanta economy will improve, while 21 percent believe it will be about the same. Only 13 percent say it will become worse.

• City residents are more optimistic for the future, with 71 percent saying the Atlanta economy will improve in 10 years, while only 58 percent of non-city residents share the same optimism.

• Three-quarters (75 percent) would prefer "trying new ideas and solutions, even if the outcomes may be uncertain," rather than "relying on tried and tested idea, even if it means a lack of new thinking" (17 percent).

• When asked where progress on innovation in Atlanta is being made, 41 percent cite the state and local level, and 35 percent cite the national level. The perception on local progress is lower than other Heartland surveys conducted earlier this year in Austin (44 percent), Detroit (49 percent) and Denver (63 percent) and nationally (64 percent).

• On an open-ended question in which respondents could name the best example of a prominent Atlantan, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter led (14 percent), followed closely by Tyler Perry (13 percent), former Mayor Andrew Young (12 percent) and Ted Turner (10 percent).

Atlanta residents have positive sentiment about the impact that a growing population will have on their local area, though, they have mixed feelings on whether the area is prepared for growth:

• Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of Atlanta metro residents are enthusiastic about the growth, whereas 32 percent view it as a negative.  

• More than seven-in-ten (73 percent) of Atlanta city residents agree that the population growth will have a positive impact, whereas non-city residents are more cautious (58 percent positive).

• Younger men (74 percent) and younger women (64 percent) are more hopeful about growth than their older counterparts (58 percent and 47 percent, respectively).

• Transportation (22 percent), health care (20 percent) and film/television (19 percent) are considered the most important industries for Atlanta's economic future.

"In this dynamic region, the latest Heartland Monitor shows a clear optimism about the area's future, but also finds notes of concern about whether the region and its leaders are prepared to handle the challenges of growth," said Atlantic Media Editorial Director Ronald Brownstein. "As we've seen in other cities we've explored, there's a hunger in this poll for new ways to tackle the familiar challenges facing American communities."