City Officials Advocate for Sales Tax Options and Improvements

City officials brought lawmakers specific proposals to simplify Georgia's sales tax laws, from extending renewal terms to creating a clearer process for resolving revenue disputes.

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Article | Finance

Peace Officers' Fund Payments: State Will Handle Remittance

The Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) has issued Bulletin 26-EX-3, notifying Georgia cities and counties how it plans to handle compliance with Senate Bill 285, which requires local governments to remit 1.5% of certain insurance tax distributions to the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund (POAB) each year by October 30.
This Week in D.C.

Changes at Your Rail Crossing, Sept. 30 Deadline to Provide Input

The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is proceeding at the Surface Transportation Board (STB), and questions remain over its impact on rail crossings nationwide. Sept. 30 is the deadline for local governments to notify the STB if they may want to weigh in on how the merger would affect their community.
Updates

Dudley, Tennille Receive GEFA Water Infrastructure Grants

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) awarded two water infrastructure grants totaling $1,396,857 to the cities of Dudley and Tennille for sewer system rehabilitation.

Upcoming Events

Sep
23
Human Resources Administration Certificate (HRAC) Fall 26
Waycross
Sep
25
RMEBS SEPTEMBER 2026 BOARD MEETING
Sep
28
2026 GMA Gas/NGA Conference
Savannah
Sep
29
Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative 2026 Fall Retreat - "The Art of Place: Where Creativity Shapes Community"
Perry
View Full Calendar

In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Public Safety

Georgia Gang Activity Prosecution Grant

The purpose of the FY 2027 Georgia Gang Activity Prosecution Grant program is to support state and local efforts to prosecute gang-related activity. Deadline: November 07, 2026
Viewpoints

Georgia Mayors: Reading to Kindergartners

September 02, 2026
More than 170 Georgia mayors have joined the Mayor's Reading Club. In this op-ed, Larry Hanson connects literacy to Georgia's workforce and economic future. Learn why city leaders see literacy as their fight.

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

Damascus, located in GMA’s District 10, is an Early County city with a population of about 212 people. Incorporated in 1914, the small rural city is a welcoming community with rich history.

Fun Fact: Damascus is the birthplace of Atlanta Falcons player, Shawn Williams.