In recent years, Atlanta appears unable to move from diffuse problem recognition to the framing of a broad program of action, despite major problems associated with a high level of poverty. With its exceptionally fragmented structure of local government, a tradition of business wariness of a strong governmental sector, and continued reliance on personal and informal collaboration, the city has failed to put together a plan to address the city’s social‐investment needs. Atlanta’s once‐vaunted biracial coalition shows signs of a declining ability to adapt to emergent issues and frame purposes accordingly.