Senate Passes Major Housing Reform Bill: What It Means for Georgia Cities

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act advances with provisions to cut red tape for local governments, streamline environmental reviews, and expand housing supply. Here's what city leaders need to know.

What's in the Bill

Updates

Twelve Communities Receive $39 Million in Infrastructure Loans

Twelve Georgia communities were awarded financing totaling $39,328,700 for water, wastewater, sewer, and solid waste projects by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) board of directors.
American Rescue Plan Act | ARPA

2026 ARPA Reporting Guide & FAQ

As the April 30, 2026 annual reporting deadline for the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) approaches, many local governments have questions about the report and how to best prepare. This guide and frequently asked questions assists cities with the reporting process.
Updates

Renaissance and Starr Award Nominations Now Open

The Georgia Cities Foundation is accepting nominations for two awards that honor outstanding contributions to downtown revitalization across Georgia.

Upcoming Events

Mar
03
2026 Municipal Revenue Administration Certificate (MRAC)
Americus
Mar
18
2026 Newly Elected Officials Institute Tifton--Sold Out!!!
Tifton
Mar
20
2026 Youth Forum
Atlanta
Mar
24
2026 NAPSR Southern Region Conference
Savannah
View Full Calendar

In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Public Works

Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program

The Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program of the USGS is offering a cooperative agreement funding opportunity to States, federally recognized Native American Tribal governments, or local water-resources agencies that collect groundwater data to participate in the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network. Deadline: March 26, 2026
Article | Children & Youth

How Quality Child Care Translates into an Economic Development Tool

February 19, 2026
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson didn't always see child care as an economic issue, but now the city is taking concrete steps to make quality child care more affordable and accessible for working families.

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.

Learn More

City Spotlight

Garfield, located in GMA’s District 9 in Emanuel County, was incorporated in 1905. The city is known for its strong faith-based community and serves as home to several recovery homes that support individuals on their journey to healing and renewal. Garfield offers a peaceful slice of rural life, where neighbors know each other by name and Southern hospitality is a way of life.

Fun Fact: Garfield covers just 0.81 square miles, with approximately 0.86% of its area made up of water