The LPC is charged with annually reviewing feedback from the Spring Listening Sessions and preparing a proposed Legislative Platform for consideration by GMA’s six Policy Committees at the Annual Convention in Savannah. Following the Policy Committee meetings at Convention, the LPC will make any further refinements to the Legislative Platform it deems necessary before presenting it to the membership for approval at the annual business meeting. Any changes subsequent to the Annual Convention must be approved by the GMA Board of Directors. During the legislative session, the LPC provides real-time feedback and advice on critical policy issues at the Capitol. Members testify before committees on specific legislation. They also maintain close contact with legislators in and out of session. The LPC is chaired by GMA’s First Vice President. GMA Officers and chairs of the standing Policy committees serve as ex-officio members of the LPC.
Eligibility
Elected and appointed municipal officials are eligible to serve on the Legislative Policy Council. Each GMA district shall be represented by at least one member.
Number of Members
Approximately 40 city officials are appointed to serve on the Legislative Policy Council each year.
Member Terms
Appointments to the Legislative Policy Council are for one-year terms, beginning in July and concluding on June 30 of each year. City officials are eligible to serve multiple and consecutive terms.
Frequency of Meetings
The Legislative Policy Council typically meets four times a year, including: in the fall; in January during the Cities United Summit in Atlanta; in the spring; and in June during the GMA Annual Convention in Savannah.
Expectations of Members
Expectations for membership and participation in each aspect of the Legislative Policy Council (LPC) include the following: attend at least three of the four LPC meetings over the course of the year; at a minimum, attend one Spring Listening Session per year; attend a Fall District Meeting as a representative from the LPC; have no more than three unexcused absences from the weekly LPC conference calls during the legislative session; be available to GMA staff when requested to make a strategic visit to the Capitol at least one time during the legislative session; share correspondence, email and information that involves legislators with governmental relations staff; consult with GMA governmental relations and communications staff about the possibility of setting up an editorial board meeting with your local newspaper; provide an introduction to your local Chamber of Commerce to discuss the importance of strong city government to the economic vitality of a community (perhaps even by securing a speaking engagement for GMA elected leadership or GMA staff); host at least one Hometown Connection event over the course of the year at your city; encourage and support two other Hometown Connections in your district; and help identify city officials who could be future candidates for LPC membership, committee chairs or other task force activities.
Becoming a Member
GMA’s Executive Director, in consultation with the GMA President, makes appointments to the Legislative Policy Council in July of each year. If you are interested in serving on the Legislative Policy Council, please complete this interest form for consideration.