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ACT NOW: NLC Launches “Cities Are Essential” Campaign

After over two months of no direct federal aid to most of America's communities on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, local governments are saying enough is enough—Cities need direct support and economic relief now!

That is why NLC has launched the Cities Are Essential campaign, to uplift the stories of our communities and residents and receive aid where it can make the biggest difference. NLC is asking for at least $500 billion over two years for local governments, to help us respond, recover and reopen. NLC has put together some critical resources and tools to combat myths, get your message out and connect with federal partners in Washington. America's municipalities are essential, and we prove it every day. Act now!

In addition, GMA is also urging city officials to reach out to federal leaders. Access more information and the GMA letter template. Contact Becky Taylor for more information and assistance.

GMA Launches COVID-19 Revenue Tracker

Information gathered through this tracker will support GMA’s ongoing federal advocacy efforts to secure federal COVID-19 financial assistance for all cities. Data will also inform ongoing state advocacy initiatives. Responses will help illustrate the revenue impact of the pandemic. Visit the tracker. Please contact Joel Wiggins with questions or for more information.

Who is eligible to receive Georgia Humanities CARES grants?

The CARES grants are meant to provide operating support to organizations that focus on providing humanities programming to the public and that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more.

Eligible organizations include:

Civic organizations
College and university units that support humanities programming for the public
Government agency units that support humanities programming for the public
Historic homes and sites
Historic preservation and archaeological organizations
Historical societies
Libraries and archives
Literary organizations
Museums

CISA Releases COVID-19 Disinformation Activity

Today, May 8, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a new CISA Insights titled, “COVID-19 Disinformation Activity.” This CISA Insights provides guidance to deter false information and conspiracy theories related to COVID-19. It provides factual information to counteract inaccurate claims and provides simple steps the public can take to fact check information and minimize the risk of spreading false or misleading content. Read the latest CISA Insights.

GFOA Shares Free Fiscal First Aid Resources

The Georgia Finance Officers Association has developed a number of Fiscal First Aid resources to help organizations through the fiscal crisis. The centerpiece is a 12-step process to guide local governments through the initial diagnostic, treatment and recovery phases of financial distress. Visit the resource center.

WEBINARS: Register to Attend

FEATURED: GMA Municipal Webinar: Back to Business | Wednesday, May 20, 2 p.m. This webinar will focus on ways to safely and effectively open cities for business to include communication strategies to better inform and engage citizens, human resource practices for city employee safety and a discussion about hosting public meetings and social distancing. Register today.
Monday, May 11, 11 a.m.: The Atlanta Fed presents an introductory webinar on the Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity’s Unemployment Claims Monitor. Register today.
Tuesday, May 12, 2:00 p.m.: NLC’s Doubling Down on an Equitable and Resilient Recovery

GMA's Coronavirus Resource Center

Cities are encouraged to visit GMA’s regularly updated COVID-19 Resource Center for Municipal Leaders for pertinent resources including a convenient flow chart to guide cities through Gov. Kemp’s various Executive Orders. Cities can also access state and federal resources, funding opportunities, teleworking, municipal operations and more on the resource center.

One of the latest updates is GMA’s “Back to Work Checklist" and a Public Employment Law FAQ Series based on the guidance and recommended practices from the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Additional Resource:

Visit GMA's COVID-19 Resource Center

Coronavirus Hotline
1-844-442-2681

Contact GMA

GMA is here to help you! Please send all of your emails to gacities@gacities.com. We are regularly checking this email box.

GMA's Listservs

City managers, finance directors and clerks, remember to stay connected with each other through GMA’s convenient listservs. To join, email Becky Taylor at: btaylor@gacities.com.