SB 33 Guide Now Available

The 2026 General Assembly passed Senate Bill 33, the Homeownership Opportunity and Market Equalization Act. GMA has prepared this guide summarizing the key provisions of SB 33 that affect municipalities, including eligibility requirements, implementation steps, and what city officials should consider before deciding whether LHOST participation makes sense for their community.

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This Week in D.C.

EPA Announces Two Proposed PFAS Rules, Plus Additional Compliance Funding

On May 18, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed two significant revisions to its PFAS drinking water standards and announced new grant funding to support local compliance efforts. The first rule extends the deadline to comply with PFOS and PFOA limits; the second rescinds drinking water limits for four PFAS contaminants.
Updates

GMA Expands Support Services with New Employee Assistance Program

Georgia Municipal Employee Benefits Services now offers a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through ComPsych®, providing employees, volunteer first responders, and families with free 24/7 confidential counseling, legal and financial resources, wellness tools, and crisis support.
Events

GMA Annual Convention

Registration is open for GMA's 2026 Annual Convention, June 26–June 30 in Savannah. Join city officials from across Georgia for four days of education, networking, and celebration of Georgia cities shining bright.

Upcoming Events

Jun
09
Certified Downtown Professional Certification 06/2026
Douglas
Jun
09
District 7 Clerks' Lunch & Learn
Washington
Jun
12
Audit Committee Meeting of GMEBS/WSCIF/GIRMA/DC Boards
Jun
16
City Clerks Legal & Legislative Updates
View Full Calendar

In the Spotlight

Grant and Award Opportunities | Public Safety

Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program

The purpose of the FP&S Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. Deadline: June 22, 2026
Article | Infrastructure

The State of City Infrastructure

May 15, 2026
Streets and roads, water systems, and sewer infrastructure are showing signs of strain in cities across the country, according to a new report from the National League of Cities. Closer to home, GMA projects Georgia cities will need $33 billion for capital projects over the next five years.

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

Vidalia, located in GMA's District 9 in Toombs County, was incorporated in 1890 and is home to approximately 10,875 residents. Known as the "Sweet Onion City," Vidalia is famous for producing some of the world's sweetest onions and has built a strong identity around this agricultural legacy.

Fun Fact: Vidalia's famous onions are celebrated throughout the community--from the Vidalia Onion Museum and Onion Fountain to colorful murals and the annual Vidalia Onion Festival. Beyond its signature crop, the city offers a vibrant downtown, rich local history, thriving arts, and community events that bring residents and visitors together year-round.