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GMA Hosts Teleconference with Georgia’s National Guard, State Patrol & Dept. of Natural Resources

Today, April 10, GMA hosted a teleconference for mayors with representatives from Governor Kemp’s office, Commissioner Mark Williams of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Colonel Gary Vowell of the Georgia State Patrol and General Thomas Carden of the Georgia National Guard. Listen to the presentation.

TAKE ACTION: Coronavirus Community Relief Sponsorship

On March 27, President Trump signed the CARES Act into law. GMA joins the National League of Cities (NLC) in the league’s concern that the CARES Act, and the Coronavirus Relief Fund authorized under the bill, does not address the necessary increases in spending, or the unavoidable shortfall in revenues, faced by most local governments. It is appropriate and necessary for Congress to approve emergency appropriations for direct local budget relief for every city and town, not only for those over 500,000 in population as in the CARES Act, or for entitlement cities over 50,000 as is the case for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) formula grants. 

In addition, NLC has been made aware that the Treasury is developing guidance NOW around the term “necessary expenditures” related to how cities can use Coronavirus Relief Funds. Follow this link to learn more and to TAKE ACTION.

Kemp Urges Georgians to Use Online or Call-In Religious Services

Today Governor Kemp urged Georgians to plan for online or call-in religious services, including Easter Sunday on April 12. Read the full press release.

Georgia Department of Public Health Updates Funeral Home Guidance

Governor Kemp’s statewide shelter in place order prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people if social distancing of six feet or more between people cannot be maintained. However, even if social distancing is possible, the National Funeral Directors Association strongly recommends that funerals be limited to no more than 10 immediate family members of the decedent. Read and share the full document.

Learn More About FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Hazard mitigation works to reduce loss of life and property by reducing the impact of disasters. Through effective mitigation planning and the implementation of mitigation strategies greater risk reduction can be achieved. A FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan is needed to receive certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. Visit the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Guide for State/Local Governments.

WEBINARS: Register to Attend

Tuesday, April 14, 1:00 p.m.: National League of Cities - Respond to COVID-19 with Real-Time, Intelligent Financial Modeling. Andy Burnham, vice president of Financial Services, Stantec, will provide an overview of the Financial Analysis & Management System (FAMS).
Wednesday, April 15, 2:00 p.m.: National League of Cities - During the Coronavirus Outbreak: Investing in Neighborhoods Where Young Children and Families Thrive. Learn how city agencies and community partners are promoting public health, bolstering small businesses and creating innovative new ways to foster community connection – all through the lens of young children and families.
Tuesday, April 14, 1 p.m.: Making Mitigation Work Webinar: This webinar will introduce the Wildfire Research (WiRē) model, a long running, practitioner-research collaboration that increases the relevance and efficacy of wildfire mitigation programs.
Wednesday, April 15, 2-3 p.m.: NTIA’s BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations Webinar

GMA's Coronavirus Resource Center

As GMA receives resources surrounding COVID-19, we will update the Coronavirus Resource Center for Municipal Officials.

Additional Resource:

Visit GMA's COVID-19 Resource Center

Coronavirus Hotline
1-844-442-2681

Contact GMA

GMA is here to help you! Please send all of your emails to gacities@gacities.com. We are regularly checking this email box.

GMA's Listservs

City managers, finance directors and clerks, remember to stay connected with each other through GMA’s convenient listservs. To join, email Becky Taylor at: btaylor@gacities.com.