Join us for the District 5 Mayors' Meeting to connect, collaborate, and share insights. This session will focus on Zoning and Legislative Issues, featuring guest speaker Jim Thornton, Director of Governmental Relations. Enjoy lunch and camaraderie, thanks to Mayor Krause and the City of Statham for hosting. Please register to help us plan accordingly—your participation matters!

Legal & Legislative Updates: This class will update attendees on legislation and judicial decisions affecting municipal governments.  This class aims to provide attendees with a detailed understanding of changes to laws affecting municipalities, especially as it relates to the job duties of the city clerk.

Connect, learn and grow with GMA's Risk Management and Employee Benefits Services (RMEBS) Team in Columbus! Get first-hand updates on new initiatives, share your valuable feedback, and learn about our programs and services. Enjoy exclusive swag, lunch, and one-on-one time with our Leadership Team.

Join us for a special joint meeting of Districts 5 and 7 as we come together for a Clerk’s Lunch & Learn! Leona Rittenhouse, Government Relations Associate, will provide an overview of House Bill 92, recently passed during the latest Georgia Legislative Session. This legislation pertains to the base year homestead exemption and extends the deadline by which local governing authorities may choose to opt out of the exemption. Her presentation will cover key provisions of the bill, related implications, and the repeal of any conflicting laws. In addition, she will discuss the newly introduced sales tax measure, the Property Tax Relief Local Option Sales Tax (PTRLOST), previously known as FLOST. This portion of the presentation will focus on the objectives of PTRLOST and its potential impact on local tax structures. A special thank you to the City of Braselton for generously hosting this event. This event is free, and lunch will be provided. Reserve your spot today by registering!

Join GMA virtually on June 12 for an essential session on preparing for an IT disaster.  VC3 will provide an overview of common disasters (such as ransomware, flooding, and power outages), a 9-point disaster recovery checklist that you can use to evaluate your municipality, and the components needed for a disaster recovery plan. This will be an educational presentation to help municipalities prepare for the unexpected.

Meeting of the Audit Committee of the GMEBS, GMA WCSIF, GIRMA and DC Boards

The Georgia Downtown Association's professional development program is designed to elevate the practice of community and economic development in downtown districts thereby providing a higher level of service and improving the quality of life for all of Georgia's communities and citizens. Benefits Provides a system of progressive, structured improvement in professional practice and receive peer recognition for distinct levels of achievement. Provides evidence of the employee's professional growth. Increased level of expertise that a successful, long-term professional brings to the dynamic challenges of downtown development.

GMA's Annual Convention will take place in Savannah from June 20-24, 2025.

This webinar sets the stage for comprehensive disaster readiness by focusing on Phase I: Pre-Disaster Planning. Participants will gain foundational knowledge in risk assessment, hazard identification, and the creation of effective emergency management frameworks tailored for municipal operations. The session will explore the development of continuity of operations plans (COOP), communication protocols, and resource inventories. Emphasis will be placed on community partnerships, public information strategies, and the importance of regular training and drills. Ideal for local government officials, emergency coordinators, and administrative staff, this session equips attendees with the tools necessary to proactively prepare for a wide range of emergencies before they occur.

Phase II of disaster management begins the moment a crisis strikes. This session focuses on the critical first 72 hours of response, guiding participants through immediate activation procedures, life safety operations, and the coordination of first responder support. Learn best practices in situational assessment, emergency communications, incident command structure (ICS) implementation, and shelter operations. The webinar also highlights the challenges of rapid resource deployment and maintaining situational awareness. Whether you’re part of a response team or support staff, this session ensures that attendees understand their roles in the high-pressure environment of initial disaster response.

Join fellow municipal leaders for the Combined District 2 & 5 Mayors' Meeting in the scenic town of Braselton, GA, hosted by Mayor Kurt Ward and the City of Braselton. This special gathering promises to be both informative and collaborative, providing a platform for mayors to engage with one another and with key members of the Georgia General Assembly. State legislators representing Districts 2 and 5 have been invited, with several already confirming their attendance. This meeting offers an excellent opportunity to: Showcase your city’s accomplishments Share updates on local initiatives Voice any concerns or legislative issues that may impact your community Event Details: &##128197; Date: July 22, 2025 &##128338; Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. &##128205; Location: Braselton Civic Center   27 E Lake Dr, Braselton, GA 30517  We look forward to your participation in this important and inspiring conversation!

In the aftermath of the initial disaster response, Phase III addresses the critical transition to recovery. This webinar examines how to shift focus from immediate needs to short- and mid-term recovery planning. Topics will include community damage assessments, infrastructure stabilization, debris management, and reestablishment of essential services. Participants will explore interagency coordination, resource tracking, and financial documentation to support state and federal recovery funding. The session will also address the emotional toll on staff and citizens and the importance of wellness and continuity during the recovery phase. This session is essential for municipal leaders navigating the uncertain terrain after the initial response subsides.