Knowledge Center

Handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers

GMA's essential guide to serving in Georgia municipal office is getting a top-to-bottom revision. The Handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers is designed to help city elected officials navigate their responsibilities with confidence. Updated chapters are available now, covering ethics and conflicts of interest, suspension and removal of elected officials, and liability of public officials and cities.

Investing in Creativity: Perry Partners with Georgia Tech to Strengthen Local Arts Organizations

Across Georgia, cities are increasingly recognizing that arts and culture are not simply amenities—they are essential infrastructure. From activating downtown spaces to attracting visitors and supporting small businesses, creative initiatives play a central role in community vitality.

Georgia Supreme Court Restores Clarity for Municipal Liability Standards

The Georgia Supreme Court has vacated the Court of Appeals decision in City of Milton v. Chang and remanded, clarifying legal standards governing municipal liability for public rights-of-way. This ruling preserves the commonsense distinction between roadways intended for ordinary use of travel and adjacent areas within the right-of-way.

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Downtown Development | Economic Development

Rebuilding Homerville: A Community Vision Sparks Downtown Renewal

After two decades of decline following a highway project that wiped out an entire downtown block, Homerville is rebuilding — and a community-driven planning process is turning vacant storefronts into gathering spaces, new businesses and $5 million in added property value.

Collaboration | Economic Development

Engines of Opportunity: How Georgia’s Independent Colleges Power Local Progress

The relationship between a city and its independent college is truly symbiotic. As city leaders plan for the future, institutions will become partners in economic development and essential allies in retaining young talent.

ADA Web Accessibility Deadlines Extended for Local Governments

The U.S. DOJ has issued an interim final rule extending key compliance deadlines for state and local governments under the ADA’s web accessibility requirements. Cities and other local governments with populations of 50,000 or more now have until April 26, 2027 to comply, while smaller jurisdictions and special districts have until April 26, 2028.

Brookhaven v. Ardent: A Final Victory for Municipal Decision-Making

After years of high-stakes litigation, the long-running case The Ardent Companies, LLC et al. City of Brookhaven has officially come to an end—and the final outcome is an important victory for municipal governments across Georgia.

Insurance & Risk Management | Municipal Law

Handbook for Mayors and Councilmemebrs

Liability of Public Officials and the City

Cities – as well as city officials – can be subject to liability in a variety of situations under both state and federal law. However, both cities and city officials are immune from certain types of liability in specific circumstances.