GMA Testifies on Local Government Funding

Rising costs for police, fire protection and infrastructure are outpacing city revenue growth, GMA told a House study committee July 22. CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson pointed to three areas where the General Assembly could help: spending flexibility, liability relief, and road funding.

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Updates

$10 Million in Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) Funds Awarded

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded more than $10 million in grant funding to twelve local communities through the 2026 Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP).
This Week in D.C.

Act Now: OMB Proposed Changes to Federal Grants

The National League of Cities (NLC) and other local government organizations opposed to the OMB’s proposed changes to federal grant administration have established a national call-to-action, urging cities to contact their Member of Congress to raise concerns about the rule change and its potential impact on their communities.
Updates

Leadership in Action: Leading Cities Forward

Now that her term as GMA president has concluded, College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom reflects on the 2026 legislative session, the advocacy effort that pushed for federal disaster reimbursement for cities after Hurricane Helene, and her advice for future city leaders.

Upcoming Events

Aug
06
August 2026 Quarterly Georgia Government Communicators Meeting
Newnan
Aug
17
2026 Georgia Downtown Conference
Rome
Aug
20
RMEBS On The Road - Rome
Rome
Aug
20
TIUT: Social Media & the Law: What Every City Official Needs to Know
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In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Arts & Culture

Vibrant Communities Grant

The Vibrant Communities Grant supports a wide range of arts programs, including performances, exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, murals, public art, arts festivals, and capacity-building projects. Deadline: August 31, 2026
Viewpoints

Building the Future of Secure, Smart Cities from Ground Up

July 23, 2026
Mableton Mayor and cybersecurity executive Michael Owens explains why cities are now on the front lines of national security, and what municipal leaders must do to build resilient, tech-forward local governments.

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

Avalon, located in GMA’s District 2 in Stephens County, is home to approximately 233 residents. The town was founded in 1882 by Richard Dempsey Yow and was incorporated in 1909. Known for its peaceful rural setting, Avalon’s location near Toccoa played an important role in supporting local trade and transportation throughout its history.

Fun Fact: The settlement began with the opening of a post office.