Unger: Trust Is Today's Leadership Challenge

AI, automation, and connectivity are reshaping what local government can do. Leadership consultant Dr. John Unger told officials the real work now comes down to four leadership shifts and one challenge no technology can replace: trust.

Read Unger's Four Leadership Shifts

Updates

GMA Ranked No. 1 Top Business and Trade Association by JAMES Magazine

The Georgia Municipal Association has been ranked the No. 1 Top Business and Trade Association in Georgia by JAMES Magazine, recognizing the association’s work representing Georgia’s cities at the State Capitol and beyond.
Article | Ethics & Transparency

City of Dunwoody Awarded $182,478 in Attorney Fees in Serial Open Records Lawsuit

A DeKalb County judge granted the City of Dunwoody and four employees summary judgment on every count in a resident's Open Records Act suit, then awarded the city $182,478 in attorney fees. The rulings address records a city no longer has, official immunity for records staff, and the limits of mandamus.
Article | Housing

Keys to Housing: A New Resource for Developing Local Housing Strategy

Homeownership in Georgia has fallen from 72% in 2002 to about 64% today, and businesses say the housing shortage is hurting their ability to hire. A new guide gives cities a step-by-step approach to building housing strategies that work, grounded in real examples from communities across the state.

Upcoming Events

Sep
03
2026 Municipal Revenue Administration Certificate (MRAC)
Lavonia
Sep
09
District 10 Fall Meeting 2026
Camilla
Sep
15
District 5 Mayors' Meeting
Nicholson
Sep
16
2026 Broadband & Technology Summit: The Future of Connected Communities in Georgia
Dublin
View Full Calendar

In the Spotlight

Viewpoints

Georgia Mayors: Reading to Kindergartners

September 02, 2026
More than 170 Georgia mayors have joined the Mayor's Reading Club. In this op-ed, Larry Hanson connects literacy to Georgia's workforce and economic future. Learn why city leaders see literacy as their fight.
Grant and Award Opportunities | Environment & Energy

Keep Georgia Beautiful BRACE Grant Program

The purpose of the BRACE Grant Program is to reduce litter, blight, and illegal dumping on public property and encourage code enforcement efforts. Funded through the Solid Waste Trust Fund (SWTF), the grant program is designed to provide assistance to Georgia communities to address these challenges. Deadline: October 23, 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.

Learn More

Person receiving training certificate.

City Spotlight

Augusta, located in GMA’s District 7, is a Richmond County city with a population of about 202,081 people. Incorporated in 1996, Augusta is the second largest and oldest city in Georgia. This city also has a deep historical legacy involving the Civil War and American Revolution. From museums to theatres to parks, Augusta has something for every type of visitor.

Fun Fact: During the Civil War, Augusta had the largest Confederate gunpowder factory.