Policy Process and Engagement Persist Amidst Pandemic

October 12, 2020

“Cities United” has served as more than a chant for GMA and its member cities during the pandemic as staff and officials work together to build the association’s legislative policy setting process and legislative engagement.

Cities have been busy hosting virtual Hometown Connections to ensure that legislators understand the needs of cities during this trying time. In August, the cities of Cobb County united to host their legislative delegation during a Hometown Connection. Discussion topics included CARES Act funding, alcohol delivery legislation and racial equity.

“We had a great discussion,” said Marietta Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Cooper Kelly, GMA third vice president. “The legislators appreciated the dialogue and opportunity to hear our priorities.”

As part of the policy committee meetings during the Virtual Annual Convention, several questions were presented to city officials to give GMA’s advocacy team feedback on policies to pursue during the 2021 legislative session.

In late summer, the Legislative Policy Council (LPC) participated in two policy-themed virtual break-out meetings to review member feedback and GMA’s standing policies of the six committees and propose changes for consideration by the full LPC this month.

“Policy feedback from GMA’s membership has been crucial in developing the 2021 policy platform,” said LPC Chair and Mayor Jim Thornton. “The LPC is committed to municipal priorities that will reinforce home rule principles and local-decision making.”

This article appears in the September/October edition of Georgia’s Cities Magazine.

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