GMA Publishes a Flow Chart to Navigate Gov. Kemp’s Executive Orders 

On Thursday, April 30, Gov. Brian Kemp extended protections for vulnerable Georgians and released guidance for businesses in his latest Executive Order 4.30.20.01. GMA has created a convenient flow chart to guide cities through the various executive orders. View the document.
 
Read the governor's full statement and access informative infographics that outline specifics from the Executive Order. View a video recording of the governor's statement.

GMA Provides Resources for Reopening City Offices 

Cities are encouraged to use this “Back to Work Checklist” as plans are made to reopen city offices and prepare to engage the public during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This checklist identifies helpful “return to workplace” guidance for employers to consider as they develop a plan. View more resources.
 
In addition, GMA’s COVID-19 Employment Law Resources will help guide cities through several issues. Created in partnership with the Public Sector Group of Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLP, this three-part FAQ series provides answers to frequently asked questions relating to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Public Employment Law. Topics addressed include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Public Employment Law FAQ Series 1: Complying with CDC and GDPH Standards in the Workplace without Violating the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Public Employment Law FAQ Series 2: Paid Leave for Employees During Absences Related to COVID-19
  Public Employment Law FAQ Series 3: Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Wage and Hour Considerations

 
Find this FAQ series and more on GMA’s COVID-19 resource center.

WATCH NOW: GMA’s Municipal Budget Forecasting & Impact Analysis in Uncertain Times

On April 29, GMA hosted more than 350 city officials and staff for this webinar, which included opening remarks from Georgia Department of Revenue Commissioner David Curry. The Commissioner was followed by a GMA staff presentation that provided practical tips to assist cities with budget projections and impact assessment of revenue shortfalls in times of uncertainty or crisis. The final segment featured a panel of practitioners and focused on best practices in planning for pandemic related impacts on city revenues, expenditures and service provisions. Watch the full webinar.

WATCH NOW: COVID-19 and Georgia's Homeless Population: Impact and Solutions

This April 28, webinar examined how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted Georgia's homeless population. Participants heard what efforts have been undertaken to address the needs of Georgia's homeless population and received an overview of the objectives and recommendations from Gov. Kemp's COVID-19 Task Force's Committee for the Homeless and Displaced which is chaired by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Best practices, federal and state funding sources as well as the role of the local Continuum of Care and non-profit community to address the unique needs posted by COVID-19 on Georgia's homeless and unsheltered population was also discussed. View the webinar.

DNR Commissioner Extends Beach Restrictions Amid Pandemic

On April 30, Commissioner of Natural Resources Mark Williams extended his administrative order regarding beach usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of umbrellas, tents, coolers and chairs will remain prohibited on Georgia's beaches below the ordinary high-water mark until 11:59 p.m. May 6, 2020. Read the full Administrative Order.

Georgia EPD Announces Open Burn Ban

Beginning May 1, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) open burning ban will be in effect for 47 Georgia counties.  The ban will begin June 1 in seven additional counties, which were given extra time to clear vegetative debris from April storms.  (Banks, Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Upson and Walker counties.) Learn more.

WEBINAR: Register to Attend

• Monday, May 4 3 p.m.: NLC State Call. NLC is providing advocacy updates to members by state. Join Georgia’s state call to learn how NLC is working to secure critical funds for cities, towns and villages in the fourth stimulus package.

GMA's Coronavirus Resource Center

Visit the COVID-19 Resource Center for Municipal Leaders for regular updates.

Additional Resource:

• Public Works COVID-19 Strategies: Impacts, Innovations and Lessons Learned
• PRESS PLAY: Athens-Clarke County COVID-19 Response
• GEMA & State Agencies Share List of PPE Vendors
• GDEcD Georgia Suppliers of Critical Items to Fight COVID-19
• N-95 Decontamination Made Available by Battelle
• Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open
• Version 3.0 of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
• Georgia Department of Public Health – COVID-19
• CDC’s COVID-19 Resource Database
• National League of Cities COVID-19 Toolkit
• ICMA Coronavirus Crisis Response: Resources for Your Community
• Atlanta Regional Commission Georgia COVID-19 Statistics
• FEMA’s Coronavirus Fact vs. Myth website
• ARC’s Virtual Public Engagement Guide