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Article | Housing

Foundations for Growth: Rural Mayors Take on Georgia’s Housing Shortage

Across rural Georgia, mayors are finding creative ways to close the housing gap, from zoning updates to public-private partnerships. Their stories, shared at the Georgia Chamber Foundation’s Rural Prosperity Summit, reveal how housing drives workforce and community success.
Updates

Georgia Communities Vote on FLOST for Property Tax Relief

On November 4, 2025, voters across Georgia approved 32 of the 36 Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendums on the ballot, marking a major step in the rollout of this new property tax relief tool.
Updates

Georgia City Leaders Step Into Key Roles on RMEBS Board of Trustees

The GMA's Risk Management and Employee Benefit Services (RMEBS) has named Commissioner Shelly Berryhill of Hawkinsville as Chair and Mayor Jason Holt of Fitzgerald as Vice Chair of its Board of Trustees, highlighting their shared commitment to strengthening Georgia’s cities and supporting local employees.

Upcoming Events

Nov
19
Fall Online Municipal Law Update 2025
Nov
20
TIUT: Getting Your AMP Across the Finish Line
Dec
02
DOAA: Annual Immigration Report
Dec
08
December 2025 Quarterly Georgia Government Communicators Meeting
Atlanta
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In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Wellbeing & Public Health

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a federally funded block grant to states that focuses on benefiting low- to moderate-income people by providing resources for livable neighborhoods, economic empowerment, and decent housing. Deadline: April 10, 2026
Viewpoints

Looking Up

October 16, 2025
GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson reflects on how “looking up” — both literally and figuratively — inspires perspective, optimism, and progress in Georgia’s cities, as communities address housing, drive economic growth, and turn challenges into opportunities through positive leadership and collaboration.

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

Smyrna, located in GMA's District 3, was incorporated in 1872. The city is known as the Jonquil City, which derives its name from the thousands of Jonquil flowers that flourish in the city. Winner of the prestigious Urban Land Insitute's Award of Excellence, Smyrna has an enriched downtown, including the Village Green and Market Village. The Market Village is the heart of downtown--the new social center with restaurants, shops, and services, while the Villlage Green is the focal point where the community comes together, including the community center, library, and City Hall.