House Passes Bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to Address Data Center Costs

On Wednesday, September 16, the U.S. House passed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, by a bipartisan vote of 417–3. The bill aims to prevent residential utility customers from absorbing the energy and infrastructure costs associated with large load AI data centers.

Read More

This Week in D.C.

FCC Proposes New Limits on City Wireline Permits, Congress Funds Government Through December

The FCC is weighing new rules on how cities manage wireline permits in the right-of-way, with comments due September 21. Congress has funded the government through December 11 and shortened its pre-election House session. And a Commerce Department order is delaying Census ACS data releases many cities rely on.
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/Video | Leadership

Unger: Trust Is Today's Leadership Challenge

Leadership consultant Dr. John Unger told Georgia mayors that AI, automation, and connectivity are reshaping what local government can do, but declining public trust is reshaping what it takes to lead at all. His talk closed on four leadership shifts and a warning that no amount of technology can replace the harder work of earning trust.

Upcoming Events

Sep
23
Human Resources Administration Certificate (HRAC) Fall 26
Waycross
Sep
24
District 7 Mayors' Meeting
Hephzibah
Sep
25
RMEBS SEPTEMBER 2026 BOARD MEETING
Sep
28
2026 GMA Gas/NGA Conference
Savannah
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

Damascus, located in GMA’s District 10, is an Early County city with a population of about 212 people. Incorporated in 1914, the small rural city is a welcoming community with rich history.

Fun Fact: Damascus is the birthplace of Atlanta Falcons player, Shawn Williams.