SB 33 Guide Now Available

The 2026 General Assembly passed Senate Bill 33, the Homeownership Opportunity and Market Equalization Act. GMA has prepared this guide summarizing the key provisions of SB 33 that affect municipalities, including eligibility requirements, implementation steps, and what city officials should consider before deciding whether LHOST participation makes sense for their community.

Learn More

Updates

Governor Expands Special Session Call to Include LHOST Legislation

Governor Kemp has expanded the call for the June 2026 special session to include local legislation implementing the Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST) authorized by SB 33. City officials may begin hearing from county officials and local legislators soon. Here's what you need to know about LHOST and how it differs from FLOST.
This Week in D.C.

EPA Announces Two Proposed PFAS Rules, Plus Additional Compliance Funding

On May 18, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed two significant revisions to its PFAS drinking water standards and announced new grant funding to support local compliance efforts. The first rule extends the deadline to comply with PFOS and PFOA limits; the second rescinds drinking water limits for four PFAS contaminants.
Events

GMA Annual Convention

Registration is open for GMA's 2026 Annual Convention, June 26–June 30 in Savannah. Join city officials from across Georgia for four days of education, networking, and celebration of Georgia cities shining bright.

Upcoming Events

Jun
09
Certified Downtown Professional Certification 06/2026
Douglas
Jun
09
District 7 Clerks' Lunch & Learn
Washington
Jun
12
Audit Committee Meeting of GMEBS/WSCIF/GIRMA/DC Boards
Jun
16
City Clerks Legal & Legislative Updates
View Full Calendar

In the Spotlight

Article | Community & Civic Engagement

Young Harris Financial Literacy Engagement

June 03, 2026
As a rural and small Southern city conducting their master planning process, Young Harris leaders identified gaps in their community with financial literacy and security. Combining these challenges with a population comprising largely local college students, city leaders wanted to meet the unique needs of students and their community at large.
Grant and Award Opportunities | Community Development

Norfolk Southern Thriving Communities Grant

The Thriving Communities Grant Program is designed to promote sustainability initiatives, workforce development programs, and community resiliency efforts across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network. Deadline: August 03, 2026

Smart Solutions for City Success

Empowering City Leaders with Knowledge and Skills

The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute offers city officials a comprehensive learning experience, covering everything from municipal finance and budgeting to ethics and data literacy. Designed to enhance leadership and expertise in local government, this program is a partnership between GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government—equipping officials with the tools they need to serve their communities effectively.

Learn More

Person receiving training certificate.

City Spotlight

Vidalia, located in GMA's District 9 in Toombs County, was incorporated in 1890 and is home to approximately 10,875 residents. Known as the "Sweet Onion City," Vidalia is famous for producing some of the world's sweetest onions and has built a strong identity around this agricultural legacy.

Fun Fact: Vidalia's famous onions are celebrated throughout the community--from the Vidalia Onion Museum and Onion Fountain to colorful murals and the annual Vidalia Onion Festival. Beyond its signature crop, the city offers a vibrant downtown, rich local history, thriving arts, and community events that bring residents and visitors together year-round.