Making AI Work for Your City: A 2026 Budget Planning Guide

Cities that invest strategically in AI stand to save staff time, strengthen cybersecurity, and better serve residents. This guide breaks down the seven areas where your technology dollars will go furthest.

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American Rescue Plan Act | ARPA

2026 ARPA Reporting Guide & FAQ

As the April 30, 2026 annual reporting deadline for the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) approaches, many local governments have questions about the report and how to best prepare. This guide and frequently asked questions assists cities with the reporting process.
This Week in D.C.

Bipartisan BASICS Act Introduced to Transform Transportation Project Delivery

H.R. 7437, the Bridges And Safety Infrastructure for Community Success Act (BASICS Act), is a new bipartisan transportation bill recently introduced in Congress that makes targeted updates to existing federal transportation programs to improve accountability and speed in delivering local and regional transportation projects.
Updates

Renaissance and Starr Award Nominations Now Open

The Georgia Cities Foundation is accepting nominations for two awards that honor outstanding contributions to downtown revitalization across Georgia.

Upcoming Events

Mar
03
2026 Municipal Revenue Administration Certificate (MRAC)
Americus
Mar
03
RMEBS Nominating Committee Meeting
Mar
10
Certified Downtown Professional Certification 03/2026
Fayetteville
Mar
10
ADA Regulations and Meeting Website Compliance
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In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Public Works

Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program

The Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program of the USGS is offering a cooperative agreement funding opportunity to States, federally recognized Native American Tribal governments, or local water-resources agencies that collect groundwater data to participate in the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network. Deadline: March 26, 2026
Article | Children & Youth

How Quality Child Care Translates into an Economic Development Tool

February 19, 2026
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson didn't always see child care as an economic issue, but now the city is taking concrete steps to make quality child care more affordable and accessible for working families.

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

Sharon, located in GMA's District 7, was incorporated in 1884 and is nestled in Taliaferro county with a population of 104. The city quiet town is known for its deep history, featuring homes built in the early 1800s, several historic churches and the Sharon-Raytown Garden Club. Most notably, Sharon is home to Georgia's oldest Catholic cemetery.

Fun Fact: The city is also home to Oakwood BBQ, a local favorite. The restaurant often serves as a quick lunch stop for travelers making the I-20 drive between Atlanta and Augusta.