GMA Calendar of Events

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 us for the District 7 Clerks’ Meeting, an opportunity for clerks across the district to connect, share ideas, support one another, and enjoy lunch together. This meeting consistently provides valuable encouragement and a meaningful networking opportunity for our clerks.

The Audit Committee Meeting of the GMEBS/WCSIF/GIRMA/DC Board of Trustees will meet virtually on June 12, 2026.

Legal & Legislative Updates: This class will update attendees on legislation and judicial decisions affecting municipal governments.  This class aims to provide attendees with a detailed understanding of changes to laws affecting municipalities, especially as it relates to the job duties of the city clerk.

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

Join us for the upcoming District 7 Mayors' Meeting, generously hosted by Mayor Haywood and the City of Sparta. The topic of this meeting will be: Employee Retention Strategies with a focus on certified utility employees. We will focus on sharing ideas, challenges, and practical tips for retaining certified utilities employees. Many cities are experiencing increased competition with one another for qualified and certified personnel, making recruitment and long-term retention increasingly difficult. This discussion will focus on strategies to attract, develop, and keep skilled employees while maintaining a stable workforce and minimizing turnover between local governments. We encourage you to register today and be part of the conversation!

Every community — regardless of size or resources — deserves access to the tools, talent, and partnerships needed to grow and thrive. When local leadership, university research, and smart city planning work together, real change becomes possible. Join us for this engaging webinar as we explore how the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN) Community Investments Program is doing exactly that — connecting cities with early-stage, university-affiliated projects that deliver real-world solutions to real-world infrastructure challenges. Whether you lead a small town or a major metropolitan area, this session will show you how to leverage outside expertise, build lasting partnerships, and achieve meaningful results at a local scale.

GMA's Annual Convention will take place in Savannah from June 26-30, 2026.

You are invited to the District 3 Clerk’s Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM, in the International Room and Cherry Blossom Dome – 4th Floor, 4001 Peachtree Road, Brookhaven, GA, 30319

Join us for the District 5 Clerks’ Meeting, an opportunity for clerks across the district to connect, share ideas, support one another, and enjoy lunch together. The topic will be city elections. This meeting consistently provides valuable encouragement and a meaningful networking opportunity for our clerks.

Join us for an informative training session tailored to Pension Committee Secretaries! This session will cover essential topics to help you navigate pension plan administration: Plan Document Review Portable Service Retirement Benefit Formula Joint & Survivor Payment Options Retirement Application Package Benefit Eligibility vs. Benefit Calculation Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge or refresh your understanding, this training is a great opportunity to enhance your expertise in managing pension plans effectively. Lunch will be provided.