The 2026 Session in Review: What Passed, What Didn't, and What It Means

The Georgia General Assembly closed the 2026 legislative session in the early morning hours on April 3, and when the dust settled, Georgia's cities were in a better position than most had expected going in.

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This Week in D.C.

Trump Administration Budget Proposal Includes 10% Cut to Non-defense Spending

Last week, the Trump administration released its FY27 budget proposal, which would cut non-defense discretionary spending by 10%, or $73 billion. It includes significant changes at agencies that impact cities, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Department of Transportation
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.
Viewpoints

Partnership, Not Preemption: The Real Path to More Housing in Georgia

GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson pushes back on the argument that local zoning is to blame for the state's housing affordability problem — and makes the case for partnership over preemption.

Upcoming Events

Mar
25
Human Resources Administration Certificate (HRAC) Spring 26
Fayetteville
Apr
13
2026 District 7 Spring Listening Session
Thomson
Apr
13
2026 District 5 Spring Listening Session
Athens
Apr
14
RMEBS Nominating Committee Meeting
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In the Spotlight

Online Publication Landing Page

Handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers

GMA's essential guide to serving in Georgia municipal office is getting a top-to-bottom revision. The Handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers is designed to help city elected officials navigate their responsibilities with confidence. Updated chapters are available now, covering ethics and conflicts of interest, suspension and removal of elected officials, and liability of public officials and cities.
Grant and Award Opportunities | Transportation

Safe Streets and Roads for All

The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Deadline: May 26, 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.

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Person receiving training certificate.

City Spotlight

Register, located in GMA's District 12 in Bulloch County, was incorporated in 1982. The town is known for its strong agriculture heritage, having once thrived as a turpentine community.

Fun Fact: Originally known as Bengal and later Herschal, the town was ultimately named after Franklin Pierce Register, who moved to the area in 1894 and later served as its postmaster.