Blairsville and Rome Join Statewide Economic Placemaking Program

The Georgia Cities Foundation has named Blairsville and Rome to the 2026 Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative (GEPC). The two-year program helps cities strengthen downtowns through leadership development, partnerships, and placemaking strategies.

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Updates

Next Generation 9-1-1 Study Committee Releases Final Report

The House Study Committee on Funding for Next Generation 9-1-1 has released its final report outlining recommendations to help Georgia transition from a legacy 9-1-1 system to a modern NG911 platform, with a planned statewide launch around 2028.
Events

Cities United Summit

GMA's Cities United Summit will take place at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park from January 23-26, 2026. Join other city officials for unmatched training opportunities, hear from candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and attend the Capitol Connection Breakfast followed by a “Cities United” trip to the Gold Dome.
This Week in D.C.

Federal Funding and the Road Ahead for Cities

As Congress approaches a January 30 funding deadline, unresolved spending bills and ongoing debates over earmarks continue to create uncertainty. At the same time, GMA is monitoring key federal issues that could impact the outlook for Georgia’s cities in 2026.

Upcoming Events

Jan
14
District 5 Clerks' Lunch & Learn
Jefferson
Jan
15
TIUT: World Cup 2026 and Beyond: Regional Readiness Planning for Global Events
Jan
20
“Onboarding Newly Elected Officials: A Playbook for City Staff”
Jan
23
2026 Cities United Summit
Atlanta
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In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Children & Youth

YouthBuild Grant

YouthBuild prepares participants for quality jobs in various industry sectors, and includes wrap-around supportive services such as assistance in transportation, childcare, and housing. Deadline: March 02, 2026
Viewpoints

Loving Our Cities: Why It Matters Now

January 06, 2026
"If we want stronger communities, healthier civic life, and a more prosperous state, we need to recover the idea that cities aren’t just places we live; they’re places we love."

Smart Solutions for City Success

Empowering City Leaders with Knowledge and Skills

The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute offers city officials a comprehensive learning experience, covering everything from municipal finance and budgeting to ethics and data literacy. Designed to enhance leadership and expertise in local government, this program is a partnership between GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government—equipping officials with the tools they need to serve their communities effectively.

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City Spotlight

Vernonburg, located in GMA's District 12 in Chatham County, was incorporated in 1866. The city is known for its rich history and German heritage. The settlement originated when approximately 40 indentured servants were granted land in September 1742, establishing one of Georgia's early German communities.

Fun Fact: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the Vernonburg Historic District contains residential homes and archaeological remains from the 18th-century German settlement, including historic houses dating to the 1840s.