House Committee Examines House Bill 812, A Two Part Bill with Big Implications

Lawmakers held a rare off-season hearing on HB 812, a bill that could shift how cities adopt local building code amendments and review land disturbance permits. The hearing signaled a contentious debate ahead as lawmakers balance housing pressures with community needs and local control.

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2025 City Fiscal Conditions
This Week in D.C.

GMA Engages White House and Key Federal Agencies on City Priorities

This week, GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson and Federal Relations Manager Molly McLoughlin met with high-level staff at the White House, FEMA, EPA, and DOT to share Georgia cities’ federal policy and regulatory priorities.
Events

Cities United Summit

GMA's Cities United Summit will take place at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park from January 23-26, 2026. Join other city officials for unmatched training opportunities, hear from candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and attend the Capitol Connection Breakfast followed by a “Cities United” trip to the Gold Dome.
Updates

Georgia Cities Foundation Awards Placemaking Grants to Nine Communities

The Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF) has awarded $15,000 in 2025 Placemaking Grants to nine Georgia communities, supporting more than $65,000 in public space enhancements across the state.

Upcoming Events

Dec
18
TIUT: Unlocking the Goldmine of Entertainment Tourism in Georgia
Dec
29
Georgia Ethics Commission: Ethics Reporting Requirements
Jan
13
Districts 6 & 8 Clerk Lunch & Learn 2026
Warner Robins
Jan
23
2026 Cities United Summit
Atlanta
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In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Workforce Development

Municipal Workforce Learning Lab

City governments face significant workforce challenges that threaten their ability to provide services to their residents and limit overall economic growth in communities. NLC is partnering with the American Institutes for Research to launch the Growing and Retaining Our Workforce (GROW) Learning Lab. Deadline: January 16, 2026
Article | Finance

NLC Report Highlights Shifting City Fiscal Conditions

November 24, 2025
As cities move beyond the rapid post-pandemic rebound, the National League of Cities’ 2025 City Fiscal Conditions report shows that municipal governments are entering a new phase; one shaped by tighter budgets, slower growth, and increasing uncertainty.

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.

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City Spotlight

Buena Vista, located in GMA's District 8, was incorporated in 1920 and is home to a population of about 1,585. The town is known for being the hometown of legendary baseball player Josh Gibson and for its artistic environment. The historic downtown features murals and antique shops. The lively setting becomes the hub for the Rural American Festival on the Town Square.
Fun Fact: Buena Vista is home to the internationally acclaimed art gallery Pasaquan, created by the Wizard of Buena Vista, Eddie Owens Martin.