Unger: Trust Is Today's Leadership Challenge

AI, automation, and connectivity are reshaping what local government can do. Leadership consultant Dr. John Unger told officials the real work now comes down to four leadership shifts and one challenge no technology can replace: trust.

Read Unger's Four Leadership Shifts

Article | Ethics & Transparency

City of Dunwoody Awarded $182,478 in Attorney Fees in Serial Open Records Lawsuit

A DeKalb County judge granted the City of Dunwoody and four employees summary judgment on every count in a resident's Open Records Act suit, then awarded the city $182,478 in attorney fees. The rulings address records a city no longer has, official immunity for records staff, and the limits of mandamus.
Article | Housing

Keys to Housing: A New Resource for Developing Local Housing Strategy

Homeownership in Georgia has fallen from 72% in 2002 to about 64% today, and businesses say the housing shortage is hurting their ability to hire. A new guide gives cities a step-by-step approach to building housing strategies that work, grounded in real examples from communities across the state.
Article | Social Media

Social Media & the Law: What Every City Official Needs to Know

Managing city social media accounts raises First Amendment questions that most officials never see coming. This webinar covers the public forum rules that govern official pages and what two recent Supreme Court decisions mean for officials who mix personal accounts with city business.

Upcoming Events

Sep
03
2026 Municipal Revenue Administration Certificate (MRAC)
Lavonia
Sep
09
District 10 Fall Meeting 2026
Camilla
Sep
15
District 5 Mayors' Meeting
Nicholson
Sep
16
2026 Broadband & Technology Summit: The Future of Connected Communities in Georgia
Dublin
View Full Calendar

In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Parks & Recreation

Tire Products (Tire) Grant

The Tire Products (Tire) Grant provides financial support to projects in Georgia to reduce solid waste, support manufacturing and market development for scrap tires, and encourage innovation. Deadline: September 30, 2026
Article | Information Technology & Cybersecurity

Time, Trust and Invisibility: What AI Success Looks Like

August 19, 2026
Artificial intelligence should save Georgia cities time, earn residents' trust, and eventually disappear into the background. Those were the answers three city elected officials gave Friday, Aug. 14, during a panel discussion on how local government is putting the technology to work.

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

Eatonton, located in GMA’s District 6, is a Putnam County city with a population of about 6,307 people. Incorporated in 1808, Eatonton is a historic city with a charming downtown and beautiful architecture. The downtown is known for its unique shopping experience as well as the various dining options. The city also has plenty of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, etc.

Fun Fact: Eatonton is the birthplace of Joel Chandler Harris, journalist and author.