GMA’s Mayors’ Day conference has been renamed to the “Cities United Summit,” which better represents the event’s target audience and evolution. The Cities United Summit will be held as a virtual event on Monday, January 25, and mayors, councilmembers, city staff and special guests will have access to advocacy tools, attend policy committee meetings, receive unrivaled training and be exposed to networking opportunities.
Register for the Cities United Virtual Summit
GMA’s Legislative Policy Council is hosting a briefing on key issues that are likely to arise in the 2021 General Assembly which necessitate the importance of city officials maintaining close working relationships with legislators.
The growth of cities through annexation will be a topic of conversation during the 2021 legislative session, particularly the possibility of allowing school boards to object to annexations which affect school capacity. In addition, the use of tax abatements in luring development or redevelopment will come under scrutiny when offered in conjunction with annexations.
Additionally, GMA staff will brief attendees on any anticipated or pending legislation which could impact municipal governments and municipal revenue sources.
A representative from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division will provide an update which will include the proposed appropriation of hazardous waste trust fund (HWTF) and solid waste trust fund (SWTF) fees. Pending environmental legislation will also be discussed.
In 2019, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Georgia’s infrastructure a grade of C+, which means much of the state’s infrastructure is showing signs of disrepair and needs significant attention. As the amount of freight moving through the state increases, it is imperative our roads and bridges are in the best possible condition to handle it. In this session, members will have the opportunity to hear from Rocky Moretti, the Director of Policy and Research for TRIP (a national transportation research nonprofit) who will discuss the importance of investing in Georgia’s infrastructure and how doing so will lead to improved road conditions for motorists in Georgia. Lastly, a brief update on the work of the Joint Freight & Logistics Commission will be given to attendees.
Tom Gehl, Governmental Relations Staff
Michael McPherson, Governmental Relations Staff
Georgia has the 3rd highest uninsured rate in the nation and eight rural hospitals have closed in the state since 2011. Georgians who lack health insurance or live in communities without hospitals experience serious difficulty accessing quality health care. In this session, our speakers will discuss how Medicaid Expansion is a viable solution for removing barriers to health care access for low income and uninsured Georgians. In this session, members will hear from Laura Harker, a senior policy analyst with the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI).
As the national discourse on public safety and community/police relations continues, we will hear from a law enforcement training and certification expert who will discuss recommended training and resources for municipal law enforcement officers, as well as newly required psychological screenings for police officers beginning in 2021.
Jenna Williams, Douglas Youth Council
With the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and as the 117th Congress begins its work, GMA and our member cities have new opportunities to build relationships in Washington, D.C. and advance municipal priorities at the federal level. GMA’s Federal Policy Council Chair and 2nd Vice President, Mayor Julie Smith of Tifton, will preside at this meeting, where city officials will hear directly from representatives of the Biden Administration and U.S. House, as well as from NLC’s CEO and Executive Director about issues that will have an impact on cities in Georgia, including a possible new round of COVID relief, funding for infrastructure, and rural broadband deployment.
Lisa Soronen, Executive Director of the State and Local Legal Center, will provide an update on the Supreme Court and Local Governments, including relevant cases, issues and decisions on the horizon, and what to expect during this term and beyond. In her role with the SLLC, Lisa files amicus curiae briefs to the United States Supreme Court on behalf of members of the Big Seven (National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, Council of State Governments, National League of Cities, United States Conference of Mayors, National Association of Counties, and International City/County Management Association) in cases affecting state and local government.
A separate registration is required for these classes.
A separate registration is required for this class.
Practices for Successful Meetings