Urban League of Greater Atlanta: A Local Guide for Residents and Visitors

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) is a long-standing civil rights and community service organization that focuses on economic empowerment, workforce development, youth programs, small business support, and civic engagement—all specifically tailored to the Atlanta metro area.

If you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or are just trying to understand how support services work in the city, the Urban League can be an important resource to know about.

What Is the Urban League of Greater Atlanta?

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is a nonprofit organization that works to help Black Atlantans and other underserved communities gain access to:

• Better jobs and higher wages
• Education and job training
• Small business and entrepreneurship support
• Housing and financial counseling
• Youth leadership and development programs
• Civic participation and advocacy opportunities

It is part of the broader National Urban League movement, but its programs are localized for Atlanta and the surrounding counties.

Where Is It Located?

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s primary offices have historically been located in or near downtown Atlanta, close to major transportation routes and MARTA access, so that residents from across the metro area can reach services more easily.

Because office locations and hours can change, especially after major renovations or shifts in programming, it’s wise to:

• Call the main office before visiting
• Confirm current hours, service days, and whether you need an appointment

You can typically reach the Urban League of Greater Atlanta main line at:

• Phone: 404‑659‑1150

If you’re using GPS, search for “Urban League of Greater Atlanta” and confirm details when you call.

Key Services the Urban League Offers in Atlanta

While exact programs change over time, most services fall into a few core areas that are particularly relevant in the Atlanta area.

1. Workforce Development and Job Training

Atlanta’s job market is competitive and fast-changing, especially in fields like logistics, tech, healthcare, film, and corporate services. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta often helps residents:

• Create or update resumes and cover letters
• Learn job search strategies tailored to Atlanta employers
• Prepare for interviews and workplace expectations
• Get job referrals or leads to hiring events
• Access skills training for in-demand fields

In many cases, ULGA collaborates with local partners such as:

• Goodwill of North Georgia
• Local technical colleges (like Atlanta Technical College and Georgia Piedmont Technical College)
• Atlanta-area employers looking for trained candidates

These programs can be especially helpful if you:

• Have been out of work
• Are changing careers
• Are new to Atlanta and need help understanding the local job market

2. Youth and Young Adult Programs

Atlanta has a large population of students and young adults trying to navigate education, employment, and leadership opportunities. ULGA often runs programs aimed at:

• Teens in high school who need academic support or college/career guidance
• Young adults (often 18–24) who are not in school and need job training or credentials
• Youth leadership programs, including civic and community engagement

These may include:

• Workshops on college applications and FAFSA
• Career exploration events
• Mentoring and leadership development sessions
• Paid or unpaid internships coordinated with local businesses or agencies

Parents, guardians, and young Atlantans themselves can contact the Urban League to ask what youth programs are active this year and how to enroll.

3. Small Business and Entrepreneurship Support

Atlanta has a strong culture of Black entrepreneurship and small business growth. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta often supports:

• New business owners looking for guidance on starting up
• Existing small businesses trying to stabilize or expand
• Entrepreneurs seeking connections to funding, training, or networks

Common services include:

• Workshops on business planning, budgeting, and marketing
• Help understanding business registration, permits, and licenses in Atlanta and Georgia
• Guidance on accessing microloans or small business funding through partner organizations
• Networking opportunities with other Atlanta business owners

This can be useful if you are:

• Starting a business in neighborhoods like Southwest Atlanta, Westside, East Point, College Park, or Decatur
• Trying to shift an informal “side hustle” into a registered business
• Looking for resources tailored to minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the region

4. Housing and Financial Empowerment

Housing and cost of living are major concerns in Atlanta, especially with rising rents and rapid development in many in-town neighborhoods.

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta has historically offered services such as:

• Financial literacy workshops (budgeting, credit repair basics, debt management)
• Pre-purchase homebuyer education
• Referrals or guidance for foreclosure prevention
• Information on tenant rights and resources in the Atlanta area

While ULGA is not a landlord or housing authority, it can connect you to programs that may help with:

• Understanding what you can realistically afford
• Strengthening your credit before house hunting
• Knowing where to look for assistance if you are at risk of losing housing

Residents may also be referred to local partners like:

• Atlanta Housing (AH)
• Atlanta Legal Aid for certain legal housing issues
• Local HUD-approved housing counseling agencies

5. Civic Engagement and Advocacy

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is also active in civic and community issues, which is especially important in a politically engaged city like Atlanta.

Typical efforts include:

• Voter registration and education
• Community forums or town halls on local issues (jobs, policing, education, housing)
• Training residents on how to advocate with city and state officials
• Helping community members understand how policies at City Hall, the Georgia State Capitol, and Fulton/DeKalb County governments directly affect them

If you want to get more involved in shaping Atlanta’s future—especially around equity and opportunity—the Urban League often offers entry points for everyday residents, not just professionals or activists.

Who the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Serves

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is open to anyone in the region, but its focus is typically on:

• Black Atlantans and other communities of color
• Residents with low or moderate incomes
• People who face barriers to employment (such as gaps in work history, limited education, or a criminal record)
• Youth and young adults who need structured support
• Small business owners who are under-resourced or historically excluded from traditional funding and mentorship

You do not always have to live within Atlanta city limits. Many programs serve the broader metro area, including:

• Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, and Gwinnett Counties, among others

When you contact the Urban League, staff can tell you whether you’re eligible for a specific program based on:

• Where you live
• Your age
• Your income or employment status
• Your goals (job, training, business, housing, etc.)

How to Get Help from the Urban League in Atlanta

Step 1: Make Contact

To start, use one of these approaches:

• Call the main office:
  • Phone: 404‑659‑1150
• Ask about:
  • Current active programs
  • Eligibility and requirements
  • Whether they’re accepting new participants
  • How to schedule an intake or orientation

If you prefer not to call first, you can often:

• Visit during posted office hours (though calling ahead is safer)
• Connect through community events, job fairs, or resource fairs where ULGA has a presence

Step 2: Prepare Basic Information

When you connect with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, it helps to have:

• A photo ID (Georgia ID, driver’s license, or other accepted ID)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or similar)
• A basic work history (even if informal)
• Any resumes or documents you already have
• For youth programs, sometimes school information or report cards

Not every program will require all of this, but being prepared can speed up the intake process.

Step 3: Clarify What You Want to Accomplish

You’ll get the most out of the Urban League’s services if you can clearly share your goals. For example:

• “I’m looking for a better-paying job and need résumé help.”
• “I want to start a small business in Atlanta and don’t know where to begin.”
• “My teenager needs support figuring out college or career options.”
• “I’m trying to buy a home in the metro area in the next few years.”

Staff can then direct you to specific programs, workshops, or coaching that match what you’re trying to achieve.

Common Questions about the Urban League in Atlanta

Does it cost money to use Urban League services?

Many of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s services are free or low-cost, especially those funded by grants or public partners.

Some specialized training programs or certifications might have:

• No cost to eligible participants
• Or minimal fees that can sometimes be reduced or waived

When you call or visit, ask directly:

• “Is this program free?”
• “Are there any fees I should know about before enrolling?”

Do I need an appointment?

For one-on-one counseling or job coaching, an appointment is commonly required.

For workshops, orientations, or group sessions, you may be able to walk in or register in advance. Because policies can change, it’s best to:

• Call the 404‑659‑1150 main line
• Ask, “Do I need an appointment for [service]?”

Can I volunteer or partner with the Urban League?

If you’re an Atlanta resident, business owner, or community leader, you can often:

• Volunteer with mentoring, events, or skills training
• Partner as an employer looking for trained candidates
• Collaborate on community events in neighborhoods across Atlanta

Ask the main office how to connect with their volunteer or partnership coordinator.

Snapshot: How the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Can Help

Helpful Atlanta-Area Connections Related to the Urban League

When you’re working with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, you may also hear about or be referred to other local resources that frequently overlap with ULGA’s mission, such as:

• Atlanta Workforce Development agencies (like WorkSource Atlanta) for job training funds
• Atlanta Technical College and other local colleges for technical or academic programs
• Atlanta Housing (AH) and county housing offices for housing assistance options
• Atlanta Legal Aid for legal support in housing or employment matters
• City of Atlanta and Fulton/DeKalb County offices for civic engagement or local programs

The Urban League often acts as a bridge, helping you navigate these systems rather than leaving you to figure them out alone.

When the Urban League Is a Good First Call

You might want to start with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta if you:

• Feel overwhelmed by the number of agencies and programs in Atlanta
• Need a central, people-focused place to talk through your situation
• Want structured guidance instead of just reading information online
• Prefer support that is explicitly focused on equity and opportunity for communities of color in the metro area

By calling 404‑659‑1150 and explaining your goals—whether related to work, education, small business, housing, or civic involvement—you can often get a clear sense of your next steps in Atlanta’s support network.