GMA Calendar of Events

This class updates attendees on new legislation and judicial decisions affecting municipal governments.

Georgia EPD’s Asset Management Plan (AMP) requirement—effective January 1, 2024—now mandates public water systems serving 3,300+ people to develop a comprehensive AMP for permit renewals and new permits. This Talk It Up Thursday will walk cities through what’s required, what “good” looks like, and how to leverage statewide resources to build and maintain a compliant, sustainable plan. What you’ll learn The AMP essentials in Appendix C of the Georgia Minimum Standards How to inventory assets, assess condition, and analyze risk Prioritizing maintenance and replacement to extend asset life Building a practical long-term financial strategy that supports rate stability Documentation tips for permit submittals and renewals Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them Featured speakers Manny Patel, Drinking Water Program Manager, Georgia EPD Jay Matthews, Georgia Rural Water Association (GRWA) Pam Burnett, Executive Director, Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP)

During the 2024 Session of the General Assembly, the Legislature enacted HB 1105.  This bill enacted certain compliance requirements on law enforcement departments within the State, and requires them to certify their compliance with the new provisions within the annual immigration compliance reporting process that is managed by the Department of Audits and Accounts. The new reporting requirements have been incorporated into the immigration collection system, which was redesigned last year.  This webinar will review the immigration collection system and provide instructions to assist in the required annual report.  As a reminder, the immigration report is due by December 31, 2025.  Non-compliant local governments will not be eligible for state funding, which includes funding from the Department of Transportation for LMIG funds and other grants.

City, county and state government communicators are invited to attend the December 2025 Quarterly Government Communicators Meeting at the Georgia Municipal Association Office in downtown Atlanta. The meeting will focus on open meetings and open records.

The Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia (ETAG) exists to educate, advocate, and promote tourism and economic development associated with the entertainment industry across the state. Georgia’s booming film and entertainment sectors have created unprecedented opportunities — yet many cities and towns are only beginning to tap into their full potential. Join us for an enlightening discussion on how communities can harness the power of entertainment tourism to drive local growth, attract visitors, and boost their economies. Discover how ETAG is leading the charge to guide and support municipalities in developing unique, experience-based destinations that celebrate Georgia’s rich entertainment legacy. Guest Panelist: Lynda Lee Smith Founder and Chairperson, Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia

GMA's Cities United Summit will take place at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park from January 23-27, 2026.

Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is pleased to host the 2026 Youth Forum on January 23-25 at the GMA headquarters in downtown Atlanta alongside our Cities United Summit. This weekend event will bring together Youth Councils from all over the state of Georgia. Youth participants will have the opportunity to connect and network with other youth councils, share their youth council accomplishments, participate in leadership workshops, and gain practical skills through simulations and teamwork.

The Newly Elected Officials Institute will be held at the UGA Center for Continuing Education in Athens on Feb. 25-27, 2026.

The Newly Elected Officials Institute will be held at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center on March 18-20. This multi-day training provides a general overview of the function of municipal government in Georgia and the roles and responsibilities of mayors and councilmembers.

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Human Resources Administration Certificate (HRAC) Program includes six classes designed to provide city elected officials and appointed staff with the tools to successfully recruit, train, and retain talent to provide services to their communities in an inclusive and equitable approach. The program also addresses the expanded need from the previous service of HR Express, which offered online webinars, training, and access to Personnel Law attorneys.

GMA's Annual Convention will take place in Savannah from June 26-30, 2026.

GMA's Cities United Summit will take place at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park from January 22-25, 2027.