During GMA’s 2025 Cities United Summit, all six policy committees convened to deliberate on a wide range of topics critical to Georgia’s cities. These sessions offered in-depth discussions with key state legislators and other policy leaders. Each session aimed to address current challenges and provide forward-looking strategies across various sectors that may be addressed in this current legislative session.
The following committees met:
Community Development Policy Committee
This committee had a discussion focused on housing affordability, policy innovation, and managing demographic and economic growth. Participants explored tools available at state and federal levels to support local governments in tackling housing supply challenges and promoting equitable development. The discussion included Housing Management Databases, a version of a registry tool, as well as an overview of the state's significant investments in housing and infrastructure.
-
Speakers: Representative Victor Anderson, Representative Debra Bazemore, and Owen Brier, Legislative Assistant, Office of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff
Transportation Policy Committee
This committee had a discussion that addressed critical topics such as truck weight legislation, record infrastructure investments, and the future of EV infrastructure. The panelists outlined the 2025 legislative priorities, including innovative funding mechanisms for local road projects and strategies to enhance rural connectivity.
-
Speakers: Representative Rick Jasperse, Senator Josh McLaurin, and Ann R. Purcell, Chair, State Transportation Board
Public Safety Policy Committee
This committee meeting focused on the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing public safety and municipal operations. The panel explored how AI can optimize emergency response, resource allocation, and overall safety measures.
-
Speakers: Senator Jason Esteves, Representative Brad Thomas, and Nikhil Deshpande, Chief Digital & AI Officer, Georgia Technology Authority
Municipal Government Policy Committee
The committee met to discuss key issues affecting municipalities. The meeting featured a robust discussion on tort reform, with a particular focus on municipal tort reform and the legal protections available to cities as well as their potential exposure to excessive claims, settlements, and judgments.
-
Speakers: Representative Rob Leverett, Representative Matt Reeves, and Ali Sabzevari, Partner, Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP
Revenue and Finance Policy Committee
The committee focused on the state budget process and how cities could best advocate for budget items and revenue sources that were important to them.
-
Speakers: Representative Matt Hatchett, Senator Blake Tillery, and Richard Dunn, Director, Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget
Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee
The committee discussed disaster response and preparedness, with much emphasis on Hurricane Helene, which devasted cities in southeast and eastern Georgia. The panel discussed the need for disaster preparedness and shared ideas for how the cities, the state, and the federal government can best coordinate disaster response.
-
Chaired by: Janie Reid, Councilmember, Eatonton
-
Speakers: Representative Edna Jackson, Senator Max Burns, Chris Stallings, Director, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, and Scott James Mathison, Mayor, Valdosta