Georgia Supreme Court Strikes Down Chatham County Fire Fee

The Georgia Supreme Court has ruled that Chatham County’s fire service fee was effectively a property tax and violated the Georgia Constitution because it was not based on property value. The decision could affect cities that use similar fees to cover the cost of services, including services for hospitals, colleges, nonprofits, and other tax-exempt properties.

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This Week in D.C.

Senate Introduces Bipartisan Permitting Reform Bill

Senate committee leaders introduced a bipartisan permitting reform bill that would speed up federal approvals for energy and infrastructure projects. For Georgia cities, it would establish new permitting deadlines, streamline agency coordination, and create additional protections for previously approved projects.
Updates

The Future of Connected Communities Takes Partnership

GMA’s 2026 Georgia Broadband Summit brought city officials and partners together to share resources, build connections and explore the future of connected communities.
This Week in D.C.

Proposed Federal Grant Changes Would Complicate Funding for Georgia Cities

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed sweeping changes to the set of rules that govern how federal financial assistance is administered. Many of the proposed changes raise serious concerns about how cities will navigate federal programs now and in the future.

Upcoming Events

Sep
23
Human Resources Administration Certificate (HRAC) Fall 26
Waycross
Oct
20
Fall 2026 Online Downtown Development Authority Basic Training
Online
Oct
20
District 9 Regional Public Policy Development and Implementation
Dublin
Oct
20
District 9 Fall Meeting 2026
Dublin
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In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Housing

Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP)

The Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) is a federally-funded program designed to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing in Georgia by granting funds to city and county governments, public housing authorities, and nonprofits to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes, and build and renovate affordable single-family homes for sale. Deadline: January 31, 2027
Viewpoints

The Infrastructure You Can't See

October 07, 2026
Roads, pipes and power systems get most of the attention when we talk about resilience. But Georgia's cities also depend on another kind of infrastructure: trust. It takes years to build, can be lost quickly and matters most when the stakes are highest.

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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Person receiving training certificate.

City Spotlight

Martin, located in GMA’s District 2, is a Stephens County city with a population of about 336 people. Incorporated in 1891, this small rural town is known for its historical charm and quiet setting. Every year the town hosts a Fall Festival that spans a quarter mile with plenty of food, activities, and fun for residents and visitors alike.

Fun Fact: The town was named after John Martin, a previous Georgia Governor in 1782.