GMA Updates COVID-19 FAQ to Include Hazard Pay Guidance

Question: As a local government, what are we supposed to do about our own employees? Can we pay local government employees who are not working or are performing different services? How will this work? Can we pay “hazard pay?”

Find the answer to this question and more in GMA’s Frequently Asked Questions document located on GMA’s COVID-19 Resource Center for Municipal Leaders. This document has been updated to reflect Governor Kemp’s most recent executive orders. GMA’s resource center also includes a Public Employment Law FAQ Series based on the guidance and recommended practices from the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

CISA releases Version 3.0 of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Worker Guidance

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released Version 3.0 of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers list. Version 3.0 provides clarity around a range of positions needed to support the critical infrastructure functions laid out in the original guidance and Version 2.0. This iteration includes a reorganization of the section around Healthcare and Public Health and more detail to clarify essential workers; emphasis for Emergency Medical Services workers; and adds lawyers and legal aid workers. Also included is language focused on sustained access and freedom of movement; a reference to the CDC guidance on safety for critical infrastructure workers; and a statement saying sick employees should avoid the workplace and the workforce.

FEMA Releases Disaster Financial Management Guide

This guide supports jurisdictions in establishing and implementing sound disaster financial management practices, which are critical for successful response and recovery. Though the guide is not specifically written for the coronavirus pandemic recovery, the basic concepts are relevant for all disaster recovery situations. Read the full guide.

Environmental Protection Agency Updates Coronavirus Website

The EPA and its partners continue to provide the environmental protection the nation depends on without interruption during the coronavirus public health emergency. EPA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for State, Local, and Tribal Agencies and Associations contains important information on grants, enforcement and compliance programs, water infrastructure and a host of other issues important to effective environmental program delivery.

EPA is also continuing to update resources on its website and add to the list of surface disinfectant products that are effective against SARS-CoV-2. Contact EPA about any Coronavirus (COVID-19) issue.

USDA & Federal Partners Provide Rural Resource Guide

These programs can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs can support recovery efforts for rural residents, businesses and communities. USDA developed a resource guide for State, Local, and Tribal leaders, and other stakeholders, which can be found here: COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide.

NLC, NACo & the U.S. Conference of Mayors Call For $250 Billion Assistance Package for Local Governments

On Thursday, the National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC) and United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) combined voices to advocate for and promote the health and well-being of America’s cities, towns, villages and counties. In a joint letter to the Administration and Congressional leadership, the three local government organizations outlined what is needed from the federal government on the local response and recovery to COVID-19.

WEBINARS: Register to Attend

Tuesday, April 21, from 10 a.m.: Georgia Department of Community Affairs 2020 Annual Action Plan Public Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 1 p.m.: Preparing for the Day After: How Micromobility Can Get Communities Moving Post-COVID
Thursday, April 23, 3:30 p.m.: City Leaders Supporting Access to Nature During the Pandemic
Thursday, April 30, 2 p.m.: GMA’s Municipal Budget Forecasting and Impact Analysis in Uncertain Times. This webinar will include remarks from Georgia Department of Revenue Commissioner David Curry, as well as practical tips to assist cities with budget projections and impact assessment of revenue shortfalls in times of uncertainty or crisis and best practices in planning for pandemic-related impacts on city revenues, expenditures and service provisions.

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.