Handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers

GMA's essential guide to serving in Georgia municipal office is getting a top-to-bottom revision. Updated chapters are available now, covering ethics and conflicts of interest, suspension and removal of elected officials, and liability of public officials and cities. Additional chapters will be added as updates are completed.

Read the Handbook

Mayors and Councilmembers Handbook
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.
This Week in D.C.

$1 Billion Infrastructure Funding Opportunity and DHS Policy Reversal

Two significant federal developments took place this week. FEMA has opened a $1 billion funding opportunity for large-scale hazard mitigation infrastructure projects, with state applications due July 23. And the new Department of Homeland Security secretary has reversed several of their predecessor’s contract policies.
Updates

16 Georgia Communities Awarded $34.3 million for Drinking Water Projects

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) has awarded $34,330,000 in grant funding to 16 communities through several federal programs to upgrade drinking water infrastructure and address PFAS and other emerging contaminants.

Upcoming Events

Mar
25
Human Resources Administration Certificate (HRAC) Spring 26
Fayetteville
Apr
06
2026 Pipeline Safety Seminar
Macon
Apr
07
District 5 Clerks' Lunch & Learn
Hoschton
Apr
09
Pension Committee Secretary Training Workshop - Pooler
Pooler
View Full Calendar

In the Spotlight

Viewpoints

Partnership, Not Preemption: The Real Path to More Housing in Georgia

April 01, 2026
GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson pushes back on the argument that local zoning is to blame for the state's housing affordability problem — and makes the case for partnership over preemption.
Grant and Award Opportunities | Information Technology & Cybersecurity

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

The goal of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program is to assist State and Local Governments with managing and reducing systemic cyber risk. Deadline: April 29, 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

Ocilla, located in GMA’s District 11 in Irwin County, was incorporated in 1897 and sits in the southern region of the state. Known for its rich agricultural community, the city celebrates its farming heritage each year with the Annual Georgia Sweet Potato Festival, honoring local farmers and traditions.

Fun Fact: Ocilla is home to the Prater Music Fest, held in honor of Dave Prater of the iconic soul duo Sam & Dave, who grew up in the city.