GMA Calendar of Events

The Carrollton  Heart and Soul Downtown Workshop will visit the City of Carrollton, GA on November 6, 2025

The Georgia Downtown Association's professional development program is designed to elevate the practice of community and economic development in downtown districts thereby providing a higher level of service and improving the quality of life for all of Georgia's communities and citizens. Benefits Provides a system of progressive, structured improvement in professional practice and receive peer recognition for distinct levels of achievement. Provides evidence of the employee's professional growth. Increased level of expertise that a successful, long-term professional brings to the dynamic challenges of downtown development.

Join fellow Mayors from across District 7 for a valuable day of connection, learning, and professional camaraderie. Hosted by the City of Waynesboro, this meeting provides an excellent opportunity to share best practices, enjoy a hosted lunch, and engage in meaningful discussions with your peers.

The Harold  F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute will hold the six-hour class:  Steering Through the Storm: Guiding Your Community Through A Disaster at the Georgia Municipal Association Headquarters, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Join fellow Mayors from across District 5 for a valuable day of connection, learning, and professional camaraderie. Hosted by the City of Bogart, this meeting provides an excellent opportunity to share best practices, enjoy a hosted lunch, and engage in meaningful discussions with your peers.

Executive Committee Meeting of the GMEBS, GMA WCSIF, GIRMA and DC Boards

Plan to attend the GMCA District 3 In-Person Lunch and Learn, Thursday, November 13th from noon – 1:30 p.m. at the Stockbridge Amphitheatre Green Room located at 4650 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281. Please RSVP no later than November 1st so that we can plan accordingly.

Step onto the Puttshack green for the GeorgiaForward Minigolf Open—an afternoon of networking, team-building, and lighthearted competition for leaders from across Georgia. Hosted at Puttshack Atlanta, this unique fundraiser blends fun with purpose, offering a chance to connect outside the boardroom while supporting a meaningful cause. GeorgiaForward, Inc. (GF) is a 501(c)(3) organization of the Georgia Municipal Association. Overseen by a public-private board, the organization exists to unite Georgia and empower leaders to build vibrant, economically prosperous communities throughout the state. The mission is carried out by investing in the next generation of leaders. The organization focuses on literacy initiatives for the youngest of Georgia’s citizens, supports youth councils to engage teens civically, and provides leadership development for young professionals ages 25 to 40 through the Young Gamechangers program. By fostering innovation, strengthening communities, and championing statewide unity, GeorgiaForward is working to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and ensure a thriving future for all Georgians. Participation in the GeorgiaForward Minigolf Open directly supports these efforts, turning an afternoon of camaraderie into lasting impact for communities across the state.

This class updates attendees on new legislation and judicial decisions affecting municipal governments.

Georgia EPD’s Asset Management Plan (AMP) requirement—effective January 1, 2024—now mandates public water systems serving 3,300+ people to develop a comprehensive AMP for permit renewals and new permits. This Talk It Up Thursday will walk cities through what’s required, what “good” looks like, and how to leverage statewide resources to build and maintain a compliant, sustainable plan. What you’ll learn The AMP essentials in Appendix C of the Georgia Minimum Standards How to inventory assets, assess condition, and analyze risk Prioritizing maintenance and replacement to extend asset life Building a practical long-term financial strategy that supports rate stability Documentation tips for permit submittals and renewals Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them Featured speakers Manny Patel, Drinking Water Program Manager, Georgia EPD Jay Matthews, Georgia Rural Water Association (GRWA) Pam Burnett, Executive Director, Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP)

The Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia (ETAG) exists to educate, advocate, and promote tourism and economic development associated with the entertainment industry across the state. Georgia’s booming film and entertainment sectors have created unprecedented opportunities — yet many cities and towns are only beginning to tap into their full potential. Join us for an enlightening discussion on how communities can harness the power of entertainment tourism to drive local growth, attract visitors, and boost their economies. Discover how ETAG is leading the charge to guide and support municipalities in developing unique, experience-based destinations that celebrate Georgia’s rich entertainment legacy. Guest Panelist: Lynda Lee Smith Founder and Chairperson, Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia

GMA's Cities United Summit will take place at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park from January 23-27, 2026.