About | Georgia Municipal Association

About GMA

The mission of the Georgia Municipal Association is to anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s cities and to provide leadership, tools and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective and responsive.

Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its members.

GMA currently represents 537 cities in Georgia. A 62-member Board of Directors, composed of city officials, governs GMA. Program implementation is charged to the Executive Director and a staff of more than 100 full-time employees.

GMA Leadership

Meet the GMA President

College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom was elected president of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) during the association's annual convention in Savannah on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Board of Directors

GMA is governed by a 66-member Board of Directors, composed of city officials from across the state.

Meet the GMA CEO and Executive Director

Larry Hanson is the CEO and Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association.

Risk Management and Employee Benefits Board of Trustees

GMA's Risk Management and Employee Benefits Programs are administered by the association and overseen by the RMEBS Boards of Trustees.

Municipal Training Board

The GMA Municipal Training Board is comprised of 17 seats, 15 of which are designated for municipal officials.

GMA Leadership

Engage Directly with Georgia's 537 Cities!

GMA's Business Alliance Program seeks companies that want to help cities become more innovative, effective, and responsive.

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Policy and Advisory Councils

Legislative Policy Council

The Legislative Policy Council helps shape GMA’s state legislative agenda by reviewing proposed laws and offering input on key policy positions that affect cities across Georgia.

Federal Policy Council

The Federal Policy Council monitors and advocates on federal legislative and regulatory issues impacting Georgia cities, ensuring local governments have a voice in shaping national policies.

Member Services Advisory Council

The Member Services Advisory Council advises GMA on services, programs, and resources to better support member cities, ensuring that GMA offerings align with the evolving needs of municipal governments.

Children and Youth Advisory Council

The Children and Youth Advisory Council focuses on educating city officials on the issues affecting young residents and on developing programs and initiatives for city officials that promote the wellbeing and development of children and youth in Georgia’s cities.

Community and Workplace Culture Advisory Council

The Community and Workplace Culture Advisory Council supports Georgia's cities by providing guidance to cultivate positive, respectful, and collaborative environments within municipal operations and communities.

Municipal Workforce Development Advisory Council

The Municipal Workforce Development Advisory Council focuses on strategies and initiatives to strengthen municipal workforces, addressing recruitment, retention, and training needs for city employees across Georgia.

Policy and Advisory Councils

GMA Bylaws

The GMA bylaws define the organization's governance framework, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations. GMA's bylaws were last amended in June 2025.

Managed Associations

Explore GMA's non-profits and managed organizations, including the Georgia Cities Foundation, Georgia City Solutions, GeorgiaForward, and others providing vital support and services to cities across the state.

Awards and Certifications

Cities of Ethics

GMA’s City of Ethics program promotes ethical standards at the local level.

Municipal Government Hall of Fame

The Municipal Government Hall of Fame recognizes municipal officials who have made extraordinary contributions to municipal government and been a strong supporter of GMA.

Visionary City Award

Each year, GMA partners with Georgia Trend to honor nine cities that have created positive community change through effective civic engagement and collaboration.

Lifetime Service Award

The Lifetime Service Award recognizes elected city officials, city managers, city clerks and city attorneys who, upon leaving office or retiring, had completed 35 or more years of service.

Embrace Civility

The Embrace Civility initiative encourages Georgia’s municipal leaders to model respectful, productive discourse, even in disagreement. Through resources like the civility pledge and "9 Pillars of Civility," cities can foster trust, enhance civic engagement, and earn recognition as a City of Civility.