Georgia Cities Foundation Awards Placemaking Grants to Nine Communities

The Georgia Cities Foundation has awarded $15,000 in 2025 Placemaking Grants to nine cities, helping launch more than $65,000 in enhancements to public spaces statewide. This year’s recipients will use the funds for projects ranging from public art and gathering spaces to expanded arts programming.

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2025 City Fiscal Conditions
Article | Finance

NLC Report Highlights Shifting City Fiscal Conditions

As cities move beyond the rapid post-pandemic rebound, the National League of Cities’ 2025 City Fiscal Conditions report shows that municipal governments are entering a new phase; one shaped by tighter budgets, slower growth, and increasing uncertainty.
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.
Updates

Georgia Designates Seven New Communities as Rural Zones

The cities of Alma, Barnesville, Blairsville, Elberton, Folkston, Grantville, and Summerville will be designated as Georgia’s newest Rural Zones on January 1, 2026.

Upcoming Events

Dec
18
TIUT: Unlocking the Goldmine of Entertainment Tourism in Georgia
Jan
23
2026 Cities United Summit
Atlanta
Jan
23
2026 Youth Forum
Atlanta
Feb
03
2026 Firefighter Recognition Day
Atlanta
View Full Calendar

In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Environment & Energy

Brownfield Cleanup Grants

The Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization announced the availability of $107 million dollars for approximately 36 cleanup grants. The goal of the grant program is to clean up contaminated properties with the aim of facilitating their sustainable reuse. Deadline: January 28, 2026
Grant and Award Opportunities | Community & Civic Engagement

All-America City Award

Each year, the National Civic League honors ten outstanding communities with the All-America City Award, celebrating excellence in local innovation, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. This award highlights the potential within communities to address critical issues and drive meaningful change. Deadline: February 26, 2026

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

Wadley, located in GMA's District 7, was incorporated in 1876. The city is known for its historical railroad depot and is home to the studio and gallery of nationally recognized folk artists Willie and Mae Tarver. Wadley features a historic downtown with many local attractions and events happening thorughout the year.

Fun Fact: The town was originally known as "Shakerag" but was later changed to Wadley to honor the president of the Central of Georgia Railway.