GMA Headlines

Leading with Purpose: From the Baseball Diamond to Public Service

October 3, 2024

Ashley Bailey, Senior Communications Associate, GMA

When Larry Hanson, the CEO and Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association, was recently honored as one of Georgia’s “Most Admired CEOs” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in August, it wasn’t just another accolade to add to his impressive resume.

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Overview of House Bill 581: Key Changes to Local Government Revenue

October 2, 2024

House Bill 581, passed during the 2024 legislative session and signed by Governor Kemp, introduces key changes that will impact local government revenue. This FAQ document offers an overview of the bill’s major components, addressing the implications for local governments and the decisions they need to make in the coming months.

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From Small Town Roots to Big Aspirations: Meet Georgia’s Youngest Mayor Brooke Huckaby

October 2, 2024

Balancing school, work, and civic duty, Mayor Brooke Huckaby embodies the future of small-town, rural public service and agriculture innovation 

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Perception and Public Safety: The Dual Impact of Macon's BID Ambassadors and Hype Team

October 2, 2024

Emily Hopkins, Vice President of External Affairs and Main Street Macon Manager, NewTown Macon

NewTown Macon’s BID Ambassadors and Hype Team have improved public safety and perception in downtown Macon by maintaining cleanliness, enhancing security, and promoting positive experiences, making the area more welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

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Georgia City Fire Departments Embrace Data-Driven Risk Reduction

October 2, 2024

Aileen Harris, Deputy Director, Training, GMA

Georgia cities use data-driven Community Risk Reduction (CRR) programs to address unique public safety risks, from large-scale disasters to everyday incidents, through strategies like education, enforcement, and collaboration between local departments.

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Enhancing Public Safety in Georgia’s Cities with Waycross Police Chief Tommy Cox

September 27, 2024

Waycross Police Department Chief Tommy Cox discussed strategies for emergency preparedness, safety, youth engagement, and integrating technology in public safety.

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Enhancing Public Safety in Georgia’s Cities with Camilla Fire Chief Jamie Sullivan

September 27, 2024

Camilla Fire Chief Jamie Sullivan discusses strategies for emergency preparedness, fire safety, youth engagement, and integrating technology in public safety.

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Secure Broadband & Digital Equity Investments for Your City

September 27, 2024

In a major step towards bridging the digital divide, Georgia has secured $1.3 billion in federal funding for broadband expansion, presenting an unprecedented opportunity to provide every Georgian with reliable and affordable broadband.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Fall Training Event Postponed

September 25, 2024

Due to the forecast of severe weather, the GMA Fall Training Event scheduled for September 26-27, 2024, at Sea Palms Resort in St. Simons has been postponed.

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Brunswick and Chatham Co. Awarded Rural Workforce Housing Grants

September 22, 2024

Brunswick and Chatham Co. were awarded more than $4.8 million Rural Workforce Housing Initiative grants for infrastructure development to support the development of 129 housing units.

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Public Housing Transformation Promotes Urbanism

Public Square

September 22, 2024

Robert Steuteville, Congress for the New Urbanism

Founded on a solid design framework, the North Downtown Athens plan extends the city's heart with mixed-use, walkable, affordable development.

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Cities Connect: Explore Georgia

Cities Connect

September 12, 2024

In this episode, representatives from Explore Georgia, the state’s official tourism website, share how cities can expand the visibility and reach of their local events to audiences throughout the state. 

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Georgia Downtown Association Wraps Up a Dynamic 2024 Conference 

September 9, 2024

The 2024 Georgia Downtown Conference, held in the charming city of Thomasville, brought together downtown development leaders and enthusiasts from across the state

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Immigration Mandates on Municipalities

September 6, 2024

September 2024 - Fifth Edition

This publication provides an overview of Georgia’s immigration laws affecting municipalities, focusing on legislative mandates from bills passed between 2006 and 2024. It also includes information from other relevant legislation to help explain the mandates placed on Georgia's municipalities. The guide is tailored for municipal compliance, with additional notes on county and consolidated governments.

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HB 581 Training Registration Now Open

August 28, 2024

House Bill 581, passed in the 2024 legislative session, may bring significant updates to Georgia’s property and local sales tax systems—pending voter approval this November. GMA and ACCG are hosting a training series to help you navigate the potential changes HB 581 may bring.

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Cities Connect: Recycling Glass with Arglass

Cities Connect

August 14, 2024

In this episode, Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols and Ron Holmes of Arglass discuss a recent statewide glass recycling contest for schools that they sponsored. 

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Georgia Cities Leverage Smart Technology

August 13, 2024

Aileen Harris, GMA

With cutting-edge technology and community-driven solutions, Georgia's cities are redefining what it means to be smart.

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Quick Guide: Homeowners Tax Relief Grant

August 6, 2024

In 2023, Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 18 into law, providing $950 million in property tax relief to homeowners by reducing the assessed value of qualified homesteaded properties in Georgia by up to $18,000. GMA and the Georgia Department of Revenue have prepared this one-page guide with instructions on how your city can claim its credit from DOR.

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