The cities of Mableton and Alapaha were recognized as Certified Cities of Ethics by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) during its 2024 Annual Convention in Savannah. This designation highlights the cities' commitment to ethical governance and adherence to a high standard of conduct.
The City of Ethics program, developed by a panel of business and government leaders in 1999, signifies that the city has adopted and agreed to adhere to a set of key ethical principles and implemented a local ethics ordinance. The ethics ordinance includes definitions, prohibited conduct, and due process for officials accused of violations in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of interest, and outside employment. It also establishes penalties for city officials who violate the ordinance.
GMA requires members with this designation to recertify for the program, ensuring that ordinances maintain the standards of the program and officials are regularly reminded of their ethical obligations as individuals and as a governing body. Each city must apply for recertification every four years.
A panel of attorneys reviewed the ordinances to determine if they comply with the criteria set by GMA. Both cities were presented with an honorary plaque and are now authorized by GMA to use a “Certified City of Ethics” logo on stationery, road signs, vehicles, websites, and for other uses.
“GMA congratulates the cities of Mableton and Alapaha for their dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards and receiving the designation as a ‘Certified City of Ethics,’” said CEO & Executive Director of GMA Larry Hanson. “By achieving and maintaining this certification, they demonstrate the importance of integrity and transparency in local government.”