Georgia state legislators are anticipating Gov. Brian Kemp’s call for a special session on reapportionment in late fall, which could include local legislation.
However, Souse and Senate members have been busy in the interim focused on issues which could impact municipal governments when the 2022 session begins in January.
GMA’s governmental relations team is actively engaged with legislators in policy discussions on annexations and the dispute resolution process, cityhood proposals and usage of the municipal rights-of-way, among others. Be sure to stay up-to-speed on the work underway during the interim between the 2021 and 2022 sessions by subscribing to the Gold Dome Update newsletter.
GMA Recognized by James Magazine
James Magazine, which covers Georgia politics and policy, recently ranked GMA in the top six lobbying groups among trade organizations at the Georgia General Assembly. GMA thanks city officials who are key to the association’s advocacy efforts across the state.
Hometown Connections Underway
GMA’s Hometown Connection program is about creating dialogue with legislators on the challenges and opportunities facing your city. A partnership between legislators and city officials is important.
Consider hosting a Hometown Connection with members of your legislative delegation and GMA’s legislative staff and keep the conversation going year-around. For more information and ideas on how to host legislators contact any member of the governmental relations team.
City of Thomson Mayor Kenneth Usry recently hosted a Hometown Connection in conjunction with three legislators and three other cities.
The GMA Board of Directors has appointed three new policy committee chairs to serve on the 2021-2022 Legislative Policy Council. Thanks to these mayors for their service and engagement with GMA’s advocacy efforts.
From L to R: GMA Director of Governmental Relations Tom Gehl, Senator Max Burns (R-Sylvania), Representative Barry Fleming (R-Harlem), Dearing Mayor Sean Kelley, Harlem Mayor Roxanne Whitaker, Representative Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville), Thomson Mayor Kenneth Usry, and Warrenton Mayor Chris McCorkle.
Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee:
Mayor Van Johnson, City of Savannah
Public Safety Policy Committee
Mayor Kelly Girtz, Athens-Clarke County Unified Government
Revenue and Finance Policy Committee
Mayor Betty Cason, City of Carrolton
This article was originally featured in the September/October 2021 edition of Georgia’s Cities Magazine.