Below are recent news articles from the cities of Georgia about COVID-19.
February 5, 2021
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Covid-19’s economic fallout is proving disastrous for America’s cities, as decades of inconsistent and often unsustainable budget practices have run headlong into the pandemic’s revenue buzz saw.
February 2, 2021
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Monday said coronavirus vaccines could be administered effectively in Atlanta.
February 1, 2021
Covington News
As the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to mount in Newton County and across Georgia, Covington Mayor Steve Horton issued a public plea for residents to be diligent in the fight against the novel virus.
January 14, 2021
Valdosta Daily Times
The crime rate for the City of Valdosta fell by more than a fifth in 2020 and the police chief says the pandemic had a lot to do with it.
January 11, 2021
Houston Home Journal
Due to the increased effects of COVID-19 in Perry, the council, under the recommendation of City Manager Lee Gilmour, has decided to take measures to reduce the spread of the virus.
January 8, 2021
Rome News-Tribune
The Rome City Commission will meet virtually on Friday at 1:30 p.m. to discuss whether or not to extend the city’s face-covering ordinance for another 30 days.
December 18, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Rome officials worked to clarify the city’s face covering ordinance on Thursday as COVID-19 cases continued to peak.
December 16, 2020
Rockdale Citizen
The open house and ribbon cutting for the new Conyers City Hall planned for Monday, Dec. 21, has been postponed due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the community.
December 16, 2020
Neighbor News
The City of South Fulton passed several COVID-related ordinances, including a mask mandate for restaurant employees interacting with customers.
December 14, 2020
Newnan Times-Herald
At its meeting Tuesday, The Newnan City Council unanimously voted to approve the extension of a temporary ordinance to encourage business in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 10, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
The $2 million Thomasville and Thomas County governments received in COVID-19-related funding is the last the community will receive unless Congress extends the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economy (CARES) Act.
December 9, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Rome commissioners said that without the participation of local businesses a citywide mask ordinance won’t succeed as a measure to curb the high spread of COVID-19.
December 8, 2020
Atlanta Business Chronicle
100% of the grant money is coming from a pool of funds the city of Brookhaven received via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
December 8, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
The Rome City Commission is likely to pass a renewed citywide mask ordinance on Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. in a virtual meeting.
December 3, 2020
CBS Atlanta
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the expansion of City of Atlanta COVID-19 Housing Emergency Assistance Program housing assistance available to Atlanta residents who have been impacted by COVID-19.
December 3, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The second annual Sparkle Sandy Springs Holiday Parade will take place with a twist this year. Instead of a traditional parade, spectators will drive through the City Springs neighborhood to see holiday floats, ornaments, live music and perhaps city officials dressed as Santa’s helpers.
December 2, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
Duluth has launched a new effort, called Eat Local Bingo, to promote the city's restaurants and boost business that has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 2, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Mayor Howard Thrower appeared before the Grady County Board of Commissioners last week to encourage county officials to implement a mask policy for public buildings.
November 20, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Face masks are once again required in public in Columbus.
November 18, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
Dalton Mayor David Pennington said at the start of Monday's City Council meeting that the Greater Dalton area is "seeing signs of a resurgence" of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
October 27, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tucker is currently accepting applications for roughly $2.3 million in small business and nonprofit grants as part of a coronavirus relief program.
October 27, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Using the federally funded CARES Act, Peachtree Corners is offering grants to small businesses that have experienced business interruption due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
October 27, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cobb’s six cities have spent nearly $10 million in federal coronavirus aid money on everything from public safety salaries to hand sanitizer as an end-of-year deadline looms.
October 26, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A South Georgia town will turn 150 in the next few days, but the COVID-19 pandemic means there won’t be much of a party. Cairo was granted its town charter on Oct. 28, 1870.
October 21, 2020
CBS Atlanta
The City of Tucker Monday opened the application window for the small business grant component of its CARES Act program.
October 21, 2020
Houston Home Journal
Due to COVID-19 canceling of fall sports for 2020, a proposal regarding the citizens of Perry’s concerns about the cancellation of the winter sport, Youth Basketball, was presented by the Department of Leisure Services to mayor and council in Monday’s work session.
October 14, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Avondale Estates warned against trick-or-treating, with an announcement saying “Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Avondale Estates will not be supporting or sanctioning any Halloween activities that would pose a health risk."
September 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To help ease the burden on Marietta property owners during this COVID-19 pandemic, Marietta city officials are allowing property tax payments to be paid in two equal installments for the 2020 tax year.
September 17, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday agreed to give cities a total of $30 million to fight COVID-19 after months of public fighting and legal threats over who gets federal coronavirus relief money.
September 17, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said the city could move to the next phase of its coronavirus reopening plan as early as next week if cases continue decreasing in Atlanta.
September 14, 2020
Savannah Morning News
During Thursday’s regular council meeting, Savannah City Manager Pat Monahan said the SBAC received 430 applications in an eight-day application period for a total request of about $7 million in COVID-19-related losses.
September 10, 2020
Access North Georgia
City of Gainesville administrative offices and buildings downtown are now back to a pre-COVID schedule.
September 10, 2020
Gainesville Times
Gainesville Parks & Recreation is just getting its fall youth sports seasons underway, with cross country already having started and football and cheerleading beginning soon. Kate Mattison, director of the city department, said the precautionary measures taken vary widely by the sport.
September 8, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s a steamy weekday morning in downtown Savannah, and more than a few tourists and residents who are wandering the city’s streets are ignoring the bright green “MASK UP” sign that stretches across the front of City Hall.
September 2, 2020
Ellijay Times-Courier
The City of Ellijay has already received 30 percent of a total $89,724 in relief funds provided by the CARES Act and it has been approved to soon receive the rest of that total amount.
September 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
City of Acworth officials are offering the Small Business CARES Grant Program to Acworth-based businesses and nonprofits that have experienced business interruption due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
August 31, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Roswell City Council has accepted a $40,502 federal grant to partially fund the purchase of personal protective equipment against the COVID-19 virus for first responders and firefighters.
August 31, 2020
Access North Georgia
The City of Gainesville Department of Water Resources will hold its annual stream cleanup in September, however, this year’s event is going virtual due to concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
August 27, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
Anyone out in public in Valdosta will now be required to wear a mask to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
August 26, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In an effort to encourage residents to wear face masks, Stockbridge has launched a selfie contest for those donning the safety apparatus.
August 25, 2020
Gainesville Times
To protect residents and visitors, Nikki Perry, Braselton’s tourism director, said the city plans to host a “reverse parade.” Instead of allowing spectators to line the streets and watch floats and decorated vehicles pass by, the opposite will happen.
August 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With little public discussion, Sandy Springs City Council unanimously passed a face mask law Thursday afternoon. Mayor Rusty Paul issued a temporary directive requiring face masks Tuesday.
August 20, 2020
Statesboro Herald
By a 4-1 vote, Statesboro City Council enacted an ordinance Tuesday evening requiring that masks or face shields be worn in public places “at all times where other physical distancing measure may be difficult to maintain from non-cohabiting persons.”
August 20, 2020
Morgan County Citizen
Masks are now mandatory in public buildings in the city of Madison. The Madison Mayor and City Council met Wednesday morning, Aug. 19 to discuss and vote on the citywide mask mandate.
August 20, 2020
Bryan County News
Richmond Hill City Council got some good news at a Tuesday evening workshop at City Hall. They’re getting more than $724,000 in federal CARES Act funding to help cover costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Roswell announced Wednesday that face masks are required to be worn inside city buildings, effective immediately.
August 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A new mask mandate in Sandy Springs left local leaders with questions about how it would be enforced.
August 19, 2020
Covington News
A motion made Monday night to pass a mandatory face covering ordinance in the city of Covington failed 4-2.
August 19, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sandy Springs and Smyrna are the first metro cities outside of Atlanta to require residents to wear masks in public to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
August 19, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Almost every city in Fulton County is preparing to sue the county government in an attempt to block it from spending any more of the $104 million received in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
August 19, 2020
Gainesville Times
Georgia’s governor, who has opposed local mask mandates and even sued over one in Atlanta, has signed a new executive order that allows local governments to enact mask requirements to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.
August 18, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After months of opposing local mask mandates, Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order on Saturday that empowers many Georgia cities and counties to impose face covering requirements to combat the coronavirus.
August 17, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Almost as soon as Gov. Brian Kemp let it be known he would reverse course and allow local governments to impose mask mandates, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul announced the Atlanta suburb would draft an order to comply with the new guidance.
August 17, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson has three numbers that city residents facing COVID-19 financial challenges need to know: 211.
August 17, 2020
Moultrie Observer
After standing against local mask mandates, Gov. Brian Kemp signed a new executive order Saturday that allows some cities and counties to require face coverings.
August 14, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has asked for a report on disparities of COVID-19′s impact among racial and ethic minorities within the city.
August 14, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
"With COVID, a lot of our seniors citizens can't get out,"Police Chief Donald Britt said. "We just wanted to get out and serve them and see them...Instead of 'Coffee with a Cop,' we had 'Coffee Brought by a Cop.'
August 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Officials in the city of Tucker have gotten their hands on 21,000 masks to fight the spread of the coronavirus, and they plan to ship them out to residents.
August 10, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
The city announced the suspension of Snellville Tourism and Trade events on Thursday. The only events expected to continue this fall are the Snellville Farmer’s Market and Food Truck Friday events.
August 10, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While a number of cities have canceled, postponed or scaled down their entertainment visions, others have looked for workarounds.
August 6, 2020
Gainesville Times
Area governments are getting potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 5, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
The city of Dalton is receiving some help in defraying some of the unexpected costs it has incurred as a result of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), thanks to the federal government.
August 5, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Roswell City Council has voted to accept a $34,459 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant to fund the Police Department’s purchase of supplies to prevent, prepare for and respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
August 4, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The U.S. Census Bureau is cutting its schedule for data collection for the 2020 census a month short as legislation that would have extended the national head count’s deadlines stalls in the U.S. Senate. The move is worrying researchers, politicians and others who say the change will miss hard-to-count communities, including minorities and immigrants, and produce less trustworthy data.
August 4, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
Lawrenceville has cancelled all of the remaining large events it had planned for the rest of this year because of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic, Mayor David Still announced Sunday.
August 4, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Roswell plans to award more than $296,000 in COVID-19 relief funds to nonprofits that benefit low to moderate income residents affected by the pandemic. The funds are from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant made possible through the CARES Act.
August 3, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Athens-Clarke County Commission voted 8-1 Thursday evening to approve a measure imposing an earlier cutoff for drink sales in the college town, the Athens Banner-Herald reported.
July 31, 2020
Albany Herald
After more than four months of meeting virtually, local governments are still trying to adapt to the reality of the coronavirus while keeping the public involved in the process.
July 31, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now with talk of a settlement swirling, Kemp could send a message by tinkering with the language that seeks to ban cities from requiring masks – or removing it altogether. Kemp, who has encouraged the use of masks but not required them, has said the mandates are unenforceable.
July 30, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“With new safety standards and carryout options, Summer Sippin’ is a great way for our community to safely celebrate the end of summer and support our local food and beverage industry, which has felt the tremendous impact of COVID-19,” said Steve Stroud, executive director of Roswell Inc, the city’s economic development organization.
July 30, 2020
Brunswick News
Brunswick city commissioners are reviewing a draft ordinance that would require the mandatory wearing of masks in certain public places.
July 29, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Mayor Howard Thrower urged local business leaders Monday night to implement more stringent safety guidelines to protect employees and members of the public from the novel coronavirus amid an apparent surge of cases in the area.
July 29, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The city of Savannah’s warnings about issuing citations for not wearing masks so far have been just that -- ominous threats that were either embraced or ignored, depending on the individual.
July 29, 2020
Access North Georgia
Despite the cancellation of the Helen Chamber of Commerce’s 50th Oktoberfest festivities in the Festhalle, city officials say Helen’s restaurants, shops, hotels and amusements will be open and offering Oktoberfest fun for visitors beginning in September.
July 29, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The public can receive a free COVID-19 test on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA at in west Atlanta. Councilwoman Marci Collier Overstreet and State Senator Nikema Williams are hosting the event.
July 29, 2020
Gainesville Times
The Gainesville Fire Department is a few weeks away from moving into its new Fire Station No. 2, an upgrade in size and technology from its predecessor.
July 29, 2020
Gainesville Times
A proposed apartment site off Spout Springs Roads in South Hall that’s been lingering for years could find new life with an upcoming proposal before the Flowery Branch City Council.
July 29, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
On Tuesday night, the LaGrange City Council authorized Mayor Jim Thornton to execute an agreement to receive $100,000 through the CARES Act.
July 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia’s House and Senate Democratic caucuses and several labor unions filed court papers Monday opposing Gov. Brian Kemp’s lawsuit against Atlanta’s mask mandate and other restrictions focused on the coronavirus pandemic.
July 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Macon Mayor Robert Reichert has vetoed an emergency ordinance passed by the City Commission last week that would require masks in public settings. The commission approved the mandate 7-2.
July 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gov. Brian Kemp’s attorneys canceled a request for an emergency court hearing scheduled Tuesday for his lawsuit against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a sign that efforts to hash out an out-of-court settlement might be gaining traction.
July 28, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
A ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was held recently for Cedar Walk Town Homes, which bills itself as Carrollton's first active adult community. On hand for the ceremony were...Mayor Betty Cason and Council member Bob Uglum.
July 28, 2020
Access North Georgia
While the vehicle is not brand new, Baldwin Fire Department soon will have a ladder truck to replace one that failed more than a year ago.
July 28, 2020
WSB-TV Atlanta
Mayor’s across the state are worried that lack of revenue will have a trickle-down effect on businesses, families and communities.
"What I'm very concerned about is the intentional attempt to leave cities out...There [were] 36 cities that received direct funding...but when we leave small town america out of the equation that does not give us a fair opportunity to participate in the recovery of this economy." - Union City Mayor Vince Williams, GMA President
July 27, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When Savannah became the first city in Georgia in June to enact a mask mandate — and threaten a $500 fine to violators — Mayor Van Johnson framed it as a way to urge residents and visitors to trust public health experts. Savannah police were required to offer violators face coverings and deliver warnings before they could write a ticket.
July 27, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
Peachtree Corners officials are getting some help from Batman and Wonder Woman to encourage residents to wear face masks, social distance and take other steps to keep the community safe during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.
July 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The positive coronavirus tests of 19 city of Atlanta public works employees has twice forced the city to shutdown one of its sanitation facilities and caused a backlog of trash collection, especially as it relates to yard waste.
July 24, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
Valdosta City Council members said they have been threatened and harassed since a man filed an excessive force lawsuit against the police department.
July 24, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing damage not only to the health of people locally and worldwide, but also to the pocketbooks of residents and the city of Savannah.
July 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Fulton County Superior Court judge on Thursday ordered Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms into mediation over their legal dispute about how to best respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
July 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The protest was organized by a local alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. to show solidarity with their sorority sister — Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms — who has been sued by the state over her mask requirement.
July 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Peachtree Corners has passed a non-binding resolution encouraging residents to wear masks Thursday night.
July 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Peachtree Corners is using superheroes and memes to remind its residents to take precautions against COVID-19.
July 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Anyone entering the Cumming Municipal Court will have to wear a face mask, have their temperature checked and maintain six feet of distancing from others, according to COVID-19 inspired operating guidelines that took effect this week.
July 23, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More cities in DeKalb County have passed or discussed a mandate on face masks amid a legal battle over similar orders between Atlanta and the state.
July 23, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sandy Springs City Council has approved a resolution in support of wearing face masks.
July 23, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The City of Savannah, as part of their partnership with the State of New York and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, opened additional COVID-19 testing sites on Wednesday.
July 23, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
Valdosta's annual city back-to-school bash is switching gears in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 23, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms are discussing a possible settlement of his lawsuit challenging the city’s mask mandate and other coronavirus restrictions that would avoid a contentious court battle.
July 23, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
The Georgia Municipal Association filed a legal brief Tuesday in Gov. Brian Kemp’s lawsuit against Atlanta’s mayor, defending the right of Georgia cities to require masks.
July 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia is in the midst of a full-fledged policy revolt when it comes to the requiring of masks during the current pandemic.
July 22, 2020
Covington News
When local resident Monica Darrah voiced concerns about the lack of social distancing and number of people without face coverings within the city, Covington Mayor Steve Horton swiftly responded with a course of action.
July 22, 2020
Covington News
A Newton County city is joining others in Georgia in going against the governor’s recent executive order by requiring masks be worn within their borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
July 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The legal battle between Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms over how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic got off to a slow start Tuesday when a pair of judges assigned to the case recused themselves from hearing arguments.
July 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kelly Ellerbe is recusing herself from a legal battle between Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms over how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
July 21, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The city of Pembroke continues to grapple with the affects of COVID-19 as 17% of its workforce, and one city council member, remain quarantined after being exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
July 21, 2020
Fayette Citizen
The virus officially named “2019-nCoV” has left its mark on the upcoming Fiscal Year 2021 budget for Peachtree City, as well as some of its employees.
July 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Today’s discussion was about testing. Today’s discussion was about tracing, and it was about training,” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said. “And, more importantly, it’s about encouragement to a weary city that has been going through this since the beginning of March.”
July 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After eulogizing the late John Lewis on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Sunday returned to her feud with Gov. Brian Kemp, who has gone to court to block a city ordinance intended to tighten pandemic restrictions on residents.
July 20, 2020
CBS Atlanta
Last week, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also discussed his proposal to the state’s governor for a two-week shutdown due to the rise in cases. He said the city needed to “reset,” especially as leaders begin conversations about reopening schools. Turner’s proposal parallels what Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced last week.
July 20, 2020
Morgan County Citizen
Nationally, masks have become the latest symbol in the ongoing culture wars, but in Madison, the Mayor and City Council are determined to lead the public by example in wearing masks as a public safety measure in the age of the coronavirus pandemic.
July 20, 2020
Covington News
Since many local projects have been slowed down or halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Covington City Council elected to extend current land disturbance permits, building permits and right of way encroachment permits.
July 20, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
A local requirement for individuals to wear masks while inside public buildings is “obviously in conflict” with an executive order issued this week by Governor Brian Kemp, said Cairo city attorney Thomas Lehman.
July 20, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
The city of Dalton and Whitfield County have recently mandated that almost all adults entering city and county buildings must wear masks to combat the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
July 20, 2020
Effingham Herald
During a special called city council meeting Thursday, Guyton joined Atlanta and several Georgia cities that are mandating the use of masks in public buildings.
July 20, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Cuomo is bringing 1,000 pieces of PPE equipment and his knowledge on dealing with the virus. The governor will meet with Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and other local leaders, confirmed a city official.
July 20, 2020
Gainesville Times
The governor said that the mandates are impossible to enforce, and in that he is right. They are largely symbolic, but sometimes symbolic measures can have great impact.
July 20, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
The city of Stockbridge has kicked off its Wear Your Mask Campaign as a response to the increasing regional cases of COVID-19. Community members are highly encouraged to wear a mask while in public to prevent the spread of the virus.
July 17, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gov. Brian Kemp’s administration went to court Thursday seeking to block Atlanta from enacting coronavirus restrictions and requiring residents to wear masks, setting up a legal showdown between the state and local governments over efforts to contain the disease.
July 17, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The Guyton city council on Thursday night agreed to require people to wear face masks in buildings open to the public.
July 17, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson launched a ‘Mask Up Valdosta’ campaign Thursday encouraging Valdosta residents to wear a face covering in public as a safeguard to slow the spread of COVID-19.
July 17, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s not a matter of “if” DeKalb’s cities will get a cut of the federal coronavirus aid received by the county, CEO Michael Thurmond said Thursday. It’s a matter of how — and how much.
July 16, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“We are all feeling the strain from COVID, economically, physically, and mentally,” Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said in a statement. “I understand the powerful desire to insert elements that bring back a sense of normalcy, but we are not there yet in terms of getting control over the outbreak.”
July 16, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DeKalb County and at least six local cities recently mandated the wearing of masks in public places. The ordinances defied what was, at the time, a general prohibition on municipalities adopting coronavirus-related restrictions more stringent than those outlined by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
July 16, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The governor’s order, signed late Wednesday, puts the state on a collision course with local leaders and public health experts who say requiring face coverings is an essential step to containing the spread of the coronavirus.
July 16, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
The City of Thomasville is continuing actions to make downtown and shopping safe during the COVID-19 virus, while downtown merchants are continuing to take a measured approach to opening.
July 16, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
At a special meeting on Monday, the Bremen City Council appointed Eddie Hulsey as associate judge after learning that the city’s municipal judge was infected with COVID-19.
July 16, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
On Monday, a citywide order went into effect requiring face masks for all Villa Rica employees and visitors to city-owned buildings as a measure to combat the spread of COVID-19.
July 15, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Pembroke City employees who refuse to follow COVID-19 guidelines adopted by the city council Monday night could find their paychecks a little lighter come payday.
July 15, 2020
Savannah Morning News
With Chatham County facing a continuing surge of COVID-19 cases, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson is upping the ante on face masks. After two weeks of urging and cajoling residents and visitors to wear masks, the city is ready to start punishing businesses that are lax about adhering to Johnson’s mask mandate.
July 15, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
City officials distributed masks and hand sanitizer to the protesters, said Brunswick Mayor Cornell Harvey. The mayor confirmed he is considering joining Atlanta, Savannah and other municipalities in instituting a mask requirement for his city of 16,000 people.
July 15, 2020
Gainesville Times
Lula has approved hazard compensation for its employees who have worked through the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 15, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In compliance with the City of Atlanta’s announcement to revert to Phase 1 public health precautions for COVID-19, the Woodruff Park’s Atlanta from the Ashes: Downtown History Tours are suspended until further notice.
July 15, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DeKalb County and three more local cities — Avondale Estates, Doraville and Dunwoody — have now adopted ordinances mandating the use of face coverings in public.
July 14, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
Macon Mayor Robert Reichert saw the rising number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 and went as far as he thought he could go with his mayoral pen: He issued an executive order “urging and pleading” residents to wear a face mask.
July 14, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The city’s income seems to be rebounding from any losses due to the pandemic, according to Bob Whitmarsh, Richmond Hill’s finance manager.
July 14, 2020
Bryan County News
Pembroke’s City Council is requiring all its city employees wear face masks while on the job, or in or near city facilities.
July 14, 2020
Access North Georgia
Lula may be small but the effects of COVID-19 aren’t, so on Monday night the city council approved a new policy to better help the city’s limited staff deal with the threats presented by the pandemic.
July 14, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Less than a week after East Point became the first city in Fulton County to require wearing masks in commercial spaces, most county residents were under similar order.
July 13, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
The City of Valdosta has seen a record number of inspection department permits this year despite the coronavirus pandemic.
July 13, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
The city of Dalton strongly encourages all residents to heed the guidance of public health officials and the state of Georgia by wearing a face mask when in public places to help to slow or prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
July 13, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, which runs seven area restaurants, announced that its businesses would remain open despite the city’s latest restrictions.
July 13, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton said the city is looking at options and monitoring developments around the state.
July 13, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The Alpharetta Business Association has done a good job of implementing health and safety guidelines associated with reducing the spread of COVID-19,” said Morgan Rodgers, director of Alpharetta Recreation, Parks and Culture.
July 13, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ordered all but essential businesses closed late Friday as coronavirus cases in the city and across Georgia hit record levels.
July 13, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Decatur’s city commission unanimously (5-0) approved an ordinance Friday morning requiring the use of face masks within the city’s 4.2 square miles, particularly regarding indoor public spaces.
July 2, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
The 36th annual Sweet Land of Liberty Parade will be held virtually on July 4th, according to the City of LaGrange.
July 2, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Savannah visitors are complying — some more reluctantly than others — with the city’s new emergency order requiring everyone in public spaces and commercial establishments to wear face masks in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.
July 2, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Despite declining revenues that have caused other governments to furlough and lay off workers, the city of Lawrenceville was able to include seven new jobs and an average 7% raise for its employees in its latest budget, which took effect July 1.
July 1, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Despite the cancellation of this year’s fireworks show, City Manager Shawn Gillen said nearly every hotel room on the island is rented out for the weekend, and he expects at least 14,000 cars to cross Lazaretto Creek Bridge for the holiday.
July 1, 2020
Moultrie Observer
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issued an emergency order Tuesday requiring people to wear masks in public as the city’s riverside entertainment district is expected to pack in visitors for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
July 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Duluth Police Department observed an 83 percent reduction in overall crime this May compared to May 2019. According to their statement, “We understand the recent pandemic was a contributing factor to the drop in crime, however, lower crime is always good to broadcast.”
July 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms re-issued administrative orders on Tuesday prohibiting the city from terminating water services due to non-payment, enforcing parking regulations for restaurant patrons to allow them to pick up take out orders and imposing penalties on businesses for unpaid taxes.
June 30, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
Due to continued concerns with COVID-19, and in order to keep the community safe, the Downtown Dalton Development Authority (DDDA) board and the city of Dalton will not accept or approve event permits in the downtown Dalton district until after July 31.
June 30, 2020
Milledgeville Union Recorder
Preventing the community spread of COVID-19 has become a paramount concern of officials with the city of Milledgeville.
June 30, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said he is concerned about viral spread in Chatham County as younger people hit the restaurant and bar tourist district in Savannah and add to what’s already been heavy beach traffic carrying crowds to Tybee Island. He said one of his worries is that young people who are asymptomatic could become “super spreaders.”
June 30, 2020
Savannah Morning News
“It’s a wonderful thing how people come together when they’re needed,” said Georgene Brazer, chairman of the Richmond Hill Downtown Development Agency, which organized the event.
June 30, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issued an emergency order Tuesday mandating the wearing of face masks when out in public within the city limits.
June 30, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
Giving to those in need was Friday's message at West Point Elementary School, as members of the West Point Fired Department, Police Department and mayor were there handing out meals, masks and milk to members of the community.
June 30, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In lieu of Fourth of July fireworks and a community barbecue and bluegrass concert – group events that had to be canceled this year because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – Roswell announced what it called an “inspirational alternative.”
June 29, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Making permanent a privilege extended to local restaurants to help them weather the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canton City Council has approved an ordinance allowing them to continue package sales of beer and wine.
June 26, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
Despite COVID-19 and the pandemic, Visit LaGrange is optimistic but being realistic for the coming year when it comes to tourism.
June 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hartsfield-Jackson, operated by the City of Atlanta, is “only permitted to strongly encourage” masks, according to spokeswoman Elise Durham. She added that the airport is “working through options.”
June 23, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
With the state’s new directives that lifts many of its previous restrictions and following Gwinnett County’s lead, the city has announced it will begin its 2020 event schedule in July.
June 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For lawn events, such as those that feature watching movies and concerts, large white circles will be painted on the Town Green’s grass for use by families and groups so all may enjoy their time together while maintaining social distancing. The circles will accommodate family and groups and will be spaced six feet apart.
June 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Stockbridge turns 100 on Aug. 6, but don’t expect the party of the century at City Hall.
June 22, 2020
CBS Atlanta
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced applications are now open for the creATL Relief Fund to support Atlanta’s independent creative workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 18, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sandy Springs has been awarded a $36,695 federal grant to purchase personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies to safeguard public safety personnel from the COVID-19 virus.
June 18, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
City spokeswoman Lindsey Wiles said the court has reduced the number of cases on the calendar from 150 to no more than 50 per session to make sure people can adhere to social distancing guidelines.
June 17, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
The McDonough City Council took its first look Monday at a proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget that is facing challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Marietta Power & Water will soon resume service disconnections, but the city will throw a lifeline to customers who have experienced hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The donation presented by Donald P. Burke, CFO of Beaver Paper, provides the city with washable and reusable masks that will help protect city employees from the spread of the novel coronavirus as they return to work. The masks will also be available for city hall visitors
June 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To help businesses move forward through the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Smyrna has waived all temporary sign permit fees through Aug. 31.
June 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Stockbridge says it will reopen parks on Saturday, though it plans to prohibit the use of park equipment and pavilions.
June 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Cumming has announced a Fourth of July with some changes to accommodate social distancing due to the COVID-19 threat.
June 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Woodstock city officials announced a plan to give financial relief to small businesses by waiving 2021 business license fees and a $30 administrative fee for firms with gross revenues of $1 million or less.
June 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Due to concerns about COVID-19, Snellville has postponed the city’s Star Spangled Snellville celebration normally held on July 4. The event, complete with fireworks, food, entertainment and live music, will take place 3 to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 on the Towne Green.
June 11, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Tucker is tweaking its lineup of community celebrations this summer and canceling a popular annual event to keep residents safe in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
June 9, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
Maker's Market has been relocated Saturday to accommodate social distancing downtown, Main Street organizers announced this week.
June 7, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ball Ground announced it has reopened its City Hall for in-person service – though with reduced manpower, as the city continues to use a combination of on-site and telecommuting staff for daily operations due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
June 7, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The protests have been so intense this week that Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms instituted daily curfews, which she told officers Friday not to enforce for those waiting to vote.
June 5, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
The city of Stockbridge is giving away COVID-19 care packages on Saturday.
June 5, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Thomasville City Council members will pen a letter in support of the Thomasville farmers market, which is on a list of Georgia farmers markets that might close as a result of the coronavirus' impact on state revenue.
June 5, 2020
Morgan County Citizen
“We need the community to rally around this critical need in our community. ” said Madison Mayor Fred Perriman.
June 5, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
The series usually kicks off it late spring, but organizers — which include the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, the Creative Arts Guild, the Dalton Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Dalton Development Authority (DDDA) — say it will likely begin later this summer due to concerns about the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
June 5, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The mayor of College Park is worried that disadvantaged students won’t see a direct benefit from the COVID-19 relief funds Fulton County Schools received from the federal government.
June 5, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The COVID-19 pandemic won’t stop the city of Marietta from celebrating Independence Day in style. The city, which decided to cancel its Fourth of July festivities due to the pandemic, will instead hold a patriotic decorating contest in its place.
June 4, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Smyrna continues its measured approach to reopening its amenities to the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City of Tucker has expanded its mask giveaway program and is ready to distribute an additional 3,000 masks to residents of the City. Last month, the City gave out 6,400 masks to senior and long-term care facilities, small businesses and, individuals in need.
June 3, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
“Every year we honor our students, and we had to come up with a safe and innovative way to show the seniors of the Stockbridge Youth Council just how proud we are of them,” said Stockbridge Youth Council Advisory Board Chairperson Erika Harvey.
June 3, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
All entries will be assembled into a "virtual parade" for broadcast on the City of LaGrange's website on July 4th at 10 a.m., which is the traditional parade time.
June 3, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
Covid-19’s social distancing rules have claimed another victim: The iconic Peachtree City 4th of July parade with a twilight fireworks show.
June 3, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Acworth - like all cities, counties and the state - expect that some revenues will be lower due to the COVID-19 crisis.
June 3, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
As the Georgia public facilities and businesses continue to gradually reopen from coronavirus-related closures, the city of Ball Ground has reopened city hall for in-person service for residents.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an Executive Order directing the extension of hazard pay for frontline City employees through September 30, 2020.
June 2, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The Sunday afternoon demonstrations protesting against racism and the killings of black people at the hands of police remained mostly peaceful into the night, Mayor Van Johnson said on Monday, June 1
June 2, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Brookhaven City Hall reopened to the public Monday for the first time in over two months. Visitors and staff members are required to wear face masks when at City Hall, according to a new ordinance passed by the City Council.
June 2, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Two Augusta measures taken in light of the COVID-19 pandemic — a small business relief program and a mask requirement — go for another commission vote Tuesday.
June 1, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The theater owned by the City of Springfield is one of the government buildings that have been closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
June 1, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
The Dalton Fire Department has experienced a decrease in the number of calls and responses during the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
June 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on Friday that Atlanta needed more federal financial aid beyond the $88 million the city is receiving under the CARES act to soften the economic blow from COVID-19.
June 1, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
The city of Stockbridge could be on the verge of re-opening its facilities. At its virtual meeting on Tuesday, the city unanimously approved a policy that requires individuals to wear a face covering if entering a city facility.
June 1, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
The city of Duluth is offering a way for residents to enjoy downtown restaurants, while still practicing the necessary social distancing protocols.
June 1, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
Sugar Hill officials announced on Friday that their patriotic event, Sparks in the Park, will happen — just nearly a month later than usual.
June 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Norcross is planning ahead for the fall in hopes this unprecedented health crisis will have disappeared or calmed to a safe level. As the city looks toward planning for the remaining 2020 events calendar, Norcross leaders want input from residents, visitors and business owners on their interest in fall events.
June 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Powder Springs is the third Cobb County city to call off its celebration of Independence Day.
June 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Roswell city buildings, closed to the public since mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, were to begin reopening Monday with limited hours and by appointment only.
June 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seeking to assist small businesses threatened by fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Canton has announced a “License to Recovery” program that will zero out a firm’s occupational tax.
May 29, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The City of Rincon has canceled its annual Freedom Rings festival, which includes fireworks to celebrate July 4th.
May 29, 2020
Savannah Morning News
City Manager Pat Monahan said he will order face coverings to be worn in all city buildings. He said the face coverings will be required of both employees and visitors.
May 29, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
The cities of Hahira and Lake Park have canceled their respective 2020 Independence Day observances due to COVID-19, according to organizers.
May 29, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Duluth has temporarily installed three dine-in tents in the downtown area to allow the public to visit local restaurants while maintaining social distancing. Two of the tents are in the Town Green and one in Parsons Alley.
May 29, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Peachtree Corners Business Association is working with city leaders to survey local businesses to determine how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting their operation. The 10-question survey should only take about 2 minutes or less to complete.
May 29, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alive in Roswell street festival has been canceled for June and July. Mayor Lori Henry also canceled Fourth of July celebrations and more summer events as safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic.
May 29, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms will testify Friday before a U.S. Congressional subcommittee on the impact of the coronavirus on her city, along with six other mayors from across the nation.
May 29, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
“The Class of 2020 has had to face obstacles like no other graduating class before them,” Norcross Mayor Craig Newton said. "(The class) has faced much, but their achievement is all the greater because of it. We are so proud of these students’ resilience, and just wanted to do a little something for them to help make this time special.”
May 29, 2020
Gainesville Times
Amid an uncertain economic climate, Gainesville proposes rolling back its property tax rate in the budget that takes effect July 1. At an annual retreat March 13, city staff met to work on the fiscal year 2021 budget as the COVID-19 pandemic was just taking hold.
May 29, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
West Point Mayor Steve Tramell said things are getting back to business in his city. He said all the restaurants are open for dine-in again, and West Point City Hall the police department will be open on June 15.
May 29, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While the state of Georgia — and many large cities around the country — had pandemic response plans, Decatur, a small- to mid-sized city, decided to put one together after the 2009 swine flu pandemic, City Manager Andrea Arnold said.
May 29, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Smyrna on Tuesday closed Riverline Park due to “continual and large scale activity,” according to its Facebook page. Walking paths at the park on Oakdale Road remain open for use, the city said.
May 29, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Despite considering a scaled-down, socially distanced parade celebrating the Fourth of July, Marietta will cancel all events scheduled for the holiday, the city announced Wednesday.
May 28, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
Suwanee officials announced they will offer businesses a tax break to help them recover from any negative economic affects they felt form the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.
May 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Woodstock Economic Development Director Brian Stockton said the city in 2019 began looking around for other options, “so we have a good start on ideas for a replacement.”
May 28, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Mayor Van Johnson said he went along with the Savannah Police Department’s alcohol beverage compliance team over the weekend to see how the state required social distancing guidelines were working.
May 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lilburn is the latest Gwinnett city to postpone or cancel its Fourth of July celebration.
May 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of McDonough will reopen government offices to the public on Monday, but there will be some conditions.
May 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin, who initially proposed a scaled-back version of the parade, said his fellow elected officials “felt like it’s just better we do” a different type of celebration.
May 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the coronavirus pandemic upending the restaurant industry, Dunwoody is transforming its usual “Restaurant Week” into “Dunwoody Restaurant Revamp Month.”
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the city has met the metrics to progress from Phase 1 “Stay at Home” to Phase 2 of Atlanta’s five-phased reopening plan, drawn from the recommendations of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Reopening Atlanta.
May 28, 2020
Hinesville Coastal Courier
Walthourville Mayor Larry Baker said city employees will begin “trickling back to city hall,” June 15. Right now the city has limited employees onsite but is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
May 28, 2020
Statesboro Herald
Placing safety above tradition, members of the Brooklet Downtown Development Association have canceled the 31st annual Brooklet Peanut Festival.
May 28, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
The Woodstock City Council held a presentation on the proposed fiscal year 2021 city budget at its most recent meeting.
May 27, 2020
Milledgeville Union Recorder
The Milledgeville Downtown Development Authority has awarded 15 emergency grants to local businesses to support them during the COVID-19 crisis.
May 27, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
While the coronavirus pandemic has impacted daily lives, a member of the Stockbridge City Council is working to lessen its impact on local residents.
May 27, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
City Manager Andrea Arnold has previously stated that city activities would get evaluated every 30 days during the pandemic.
May 27, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Norcross will celebrate the Class of 2020 high school and college graduates who are residents of the city with a socially distant parade.
May 27, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On May 22, another update was given by Acworth city officials about the current suspension of all city-sponsored activities, classes, programs and events through May 31.
May 26, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
The Conyers City Council has decided to cancel this year’s Red, White and Boom! event that had been planned for July 3.
May 26, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Thomasville City Council member Jay Flowers is encouraged by the traffic in downtown retail stores and restaurants.
May 26, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Public pools operated by the city of Savannah are not opening yet. City services are being reopened in phases with pools being “considered in the later phases potentially, based on local conditions,” said Kelly Ledbetter, director of Recreation and Leisure Services.
May 26, 2020
Moultrie Observer
Tybee Island Mayor Shirley Sessions published a video at the outset of what is typically a lucrative Memorial Day weekend for her city’s businesses with a simple message: Don’t come.
May 26, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The slower we react the fewer businesses are gonna be left for us to support,” Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said. “Because once they close their doors it’s gonna be really hard for them to come back.”
May 26, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Snellville is opening the public pool at T.W. Briscoe Park on May 29, but with new coronavirus-related precautions in place.
May 26, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The meeting was awkward, City Manager Chuck Warbington said, as people got used to wearing masks and sitting eight feet apart. But he said Lawrenceville’s meeting was a success and local leaders will continue to get used to the new normal.
May 26, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
All staff and guests will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and have their temperatures taken upon arrival. There will be six-foot social distancing, face masks for staff, and only one swimmer or a family of four, all from the same residence, per Competition Pool lane.
May 26, 2020
Brunswick News
There was a lot of pressure to reopen the beaches in time for Memorial Day weekend, but the heat isn’t on to reopen public swimming pools in the Golden Isles.
May 26, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
Though it looked a bit different from previous years, the city of Hogansville and American Legion 152 hosted a virtual Memorial Day service.
May 26, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
The public might be able to return to local government buildings next month, Athens-Clarke County Manager Blaine Williams told Mayor Kelly Girtz and commissioners this week.
May 26, 2020
Houston Home Journal
"We think we will probably do this same thing on June 2,” Harley announced, referring to the date of next month’s regular council meeting, "but we hope by June 16 [the date of the next council work session] we can open back up again enough to at least let some people in here.
May 22, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
The city of Acworth will share a pre-recorded video of its Memorial Day service from Cauble Park. The program features Mayor Tommy Allegood as the master of ceremonies.
May 22, 2020
Effingham Herald
"We are a small department and we're trying to keep our guys as safe as we can,” Lt. Jonathon Murrell said.
May 22, 2020
North Georgia News
While the buildings remain closed to the public, the staff has started coming back to work at the Rome-Floyd County Library.
May 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
City of Brookhaven employees will begin returning to City Hall next week as officials reopen more public facilities.
May 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Dunwoody is asking residents to take part in a virtual ceremony from their homes on Monday, May 25. The city’s parks department put together a pre-recorded video that honors members of the military who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
May 22, 2020
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has released a five-phase plan for reopening the city in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
May 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the COVID-19 pandemic imposing social distancing and discouraging crowds, Woodstock is planning a virtual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday.
May 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kennesaw Parks & Recreation opened Adams Park on May 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
May 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dacula has resumed city operations. The city’s municipal court will resume in-person hearings at 1:30 p.m. June 16.
May 22, 2020
Oconee Enterprise
The City of Greensboro and the Greensboro Main Street Program announce that the annual Pickin’ on the Greene summer concert originally scheduled for June 19, 2020, will not take place due to the ongoing bans on large gatherings.
May 22, 2020
White County News Telegraph
The annual Shriners Parade in Helen is set for next month – at least for the moment – while the city won’t hold its annual July fireworks showcase.
May 21, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The City of Richmond Hill has canceled its Independence Day celebration, which had been scheduled for June 27 at J.F. Gregory Park.
May 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Tucker is unable to hold a traditional summer camp this year due to the coronavirus, but it still plans to offer a slate of recreational and educational options for families.
May 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seeking to encourage people to patronize its brick-and-mortar restaurants and shops, the city of Alpharetta announced it has canceled the 2020 edition of Food Truck Alley.
May 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Employees are set to return to work next Tuesday, May 26, with City Hall opening to the public on June 1, the city announced in a statement.
May 21, 2020
Albany Herald
Dougherty County and Albany’s leaders are reminding residents to continue practices that helped significantly slow the spread of the coronavirus.
May 21, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Marietta is considering whether to hold a scaled-back 4th of July parade to boost residents’ morale, thank first responders and medical workers, celebrate graduating seniors and help bring some life back to the city.
May 21, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
As a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic and with social distancing measures still in place, the city of Woodstock has modified its plans for the city’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.
May 21, 2020
Tribune & Georgian
Kingsland is looking to a hiring freeze and lower training costs to help balance the budget as the city goes into the final months of its fiscal year amidst COVID-19.
May 20, 2020
Houston Home Journal
In the first work session of Perry Mayor and Council since March 2, City Manager Lee Gilmour presented the recommended budget for the 2021 fiscal year. One of the factors impacting the budget, according to Gilmour, is the uncertain impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on revenue streams.
May 20, 2020
Rockdale Citizen
Out of an abundance of caution, the Covington City Council unanimously approved moving the city’s annual Stars and Stripes Fest from July 4 to Sunday, Sept. 6, during Labor Day Weekend.
May 20, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Savannah City Manager Pat Monahan and staff have completed the plan for how to begin moving to reopen city government.
May 20, 2020
Gainesville Times
Julie Butler Colombini, marketing and communications manager for Gainesville Parks & Recreation, said playgrounds, basketball courts and bathrooms will remain closed.
May 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ready to pick up a good book or get rid of some plastic? Smyrna’s library and recycling center are reopening with new social distancing rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
May 20, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
Facilities owned by the city of Stockbridge remain closed to the public as a precaution against the coronavirus COVID-19.
Residents in the Tucker area are invited to come to one of three locations this week to pick up medical grade masks for themselves and their families.
May 20, 2020
Access North Georgia
City officials in Sugar Hill announced on Tuesday plans for a Memorial Day ceremony and memorial dedication that will be open to the public and live-streamed online.
May 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of College Park announced last Monday that it was re-opening City Hall to the public on a limited basis on Thursday after being closed for weeks.
May 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has reissued administrative orders to prevent the city’s termination of water services, enforcing parking regulations and taking any actions against restaurants selling unopened alcoholic beverages, according to a Tuesday press release.
May 20, 2020
Statesboro Herald
Mayor Jonathan McCollar announced Monday the start of Statesboro’s “Love Ur City” capital campaign that he hopes will help small businesses and families that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 20, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Anyone who refuses to wear a mask or face covering in city government facilities faces jail time or an up to $1,000 fine, according to an ordinance the Augusta commission approved Tuesday.
May 18, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Four Athens-Clarke parks will open next week, with social distancing guidelines in place, to give cooped-up Athenians a respite from sheltering in place.
May 18, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
The Jefferson Freedom Festival in June has been canceled, according to the Main Street Jefferson Manager Beth Laughinghouse.
May 18, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Although it might not look the same as it did three months ago, the Marietta Square Market is formally opening back up Friday after several weeks of closures due to the coronavirus.
May 18, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Mayor Hardie Davis announced Friday an extension of the residential water cutoff moratorium implemented because of the coronavirus crisis.
May 15, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
The Woodstock City Council approved a pair of conditional use permits at Monday night’s council meeting, allowing plans for a hookah lounge and a new car wash to move forward another step.
May 15, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
Carrollton is planning a 2% increase in its budget next year while also facing a revenue shortfall due to the coronavirus pandemic.
May 15, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
Villa Rica will open more of its facilities to the public on Monday as part of a general easing of restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus outbreak
May 15, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton says his city will begin reopening with caution in the coming days.
May 15, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Athens bus riders may be required to wear face masks, especially if the University of Georgia campus reopens for students in August as planned.
May 15, 2020
Cartersville Daily Tribune News
Sharing the seasonal staple is a “great place to get fresh produce and other homemade goods,” Bethany Brady is encouraging area residents to attend this year’s Adairsville Farmer’s Market.
May 15, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Four Athens-Clarke parks will open next week, with social distancing guidelines in place, to give cooped-up Athenians a respite from sheltering in place.
May 14, 2020
Savannah Morning News
As part of a new Resilient Savannah initiative aimed at continuing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while emergency measures are relaxed across Georgia, on Wednesday, May 13, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson announced the launch of a voluntary program for local businesses to display their dedication to pandemic safety.
May 14, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
City officials and volunteers in Stonecrest plan to give out 2,000 masks to residents on Friday to help combat the spread of the coronavirus.
May 14, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
The Cairo City Council returned to action Monday night after a month-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and City Manager Chris Addleton used the opportunity to provide an update as to what the city has been doing.
May 14, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Gov. Brian Kemp’s recent announcement that Georgia’s public health state of emergency order would extend through June 12 will have an impact on some City of Thomasville services.
May 14, 2020
Rockdale Citizen
City of Conyers officials and staff have determined that city offices will reopen to the public on Monday, May 18, after reviewing information provided by the Georgia Department of Health and seeing a positive trend in the decline of cases of COVID-19 locally.
May 14, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coronavirus-related state restrictions on public pools have expired, but metro Atlanta counties and cities are not rushing to open the gates to their aquatic centers.
May 14, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city said it will extend its suspension on service disconnections through June 15 “due to the uncertainty created by the public health crisis.” Marietta first started halting disconnections on March 18.
May 14, 2020
Polk County Standard Journal
The Rockmart City Council heard from residents who just want to allow their kids to play little league baseball and softball this year, but their reply for the moment is "not yet."
May 14, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
The Canton City Council approved a plan to help local businesses and individuals by waiving some fees and providing written payment plans due to COVID-19 at their meeting on May 7.
May 14, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
City of Grovetown will reopen many of its facilities Monday.
May 14, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Some Athens parks could open within a week, according to Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz.
May 14, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Parts of the budget the city knows will be hit hard include sales tax and hotel-motel tax. But as the crisis is ongoing, there is a lot left to be determined.
May 13, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city is seeking input about the health and safety protocols citizens would like to see in place when dining, shopping or scheduling of services.
May 13, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
The Augusta Commission approved Tuesday an order requiring the public and city employees to wear a face covering or masks at all government buildings.
May 13, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
LaGrange has been named the recipient of a $2 million grant aimed to improve the Whitesville Road corridor.
May 13, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Amid national and state-level drives to relax emergency measures that prevent the spread of COVID-19, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson is considering legal options to require the use of face masks in public citywide, along with business-promoting measures such as closing streets to provide restaurants with outdoor dining spaces.
May 13, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seeking to give a break to businesses and residents hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canton City Council has authorized staff to waive certain penalties and late fees for licenses, excise taxes and utility payments.
May 13, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Woodstock City Council has awarded an $89,876 contract for the resurfacing of Rope Mill Road as part of a city stormwater project.
May 13, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Redevelopment of the north end of Sandy Springs could be delayed for two years. And City Councilman Chris Burnett foresees the Performing Arts Center being closed for the rest of 2020.
May 13, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
City employees will be required to wear masks and citizens are also strongly encouraged to wear masks when visiting the buildings. There will be social distancing markings on the floors, plexiglass screens at counters and enhanced sanitizing, according to Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin.
May 13, 2020
Polk County Standard Journal
With easing of restrictions, the City of Cedartown has been working out ways to allow people back into outdoor spaces while keeping in mind the requirements for social distancing.
May 13, 2020
Metter Advertiser
The Metter-Candler Recreation Board has canceled the spring 2020 youth league baseball/softball season.
May 13, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
The city had already extended the service disconnect suspension once in response to the coronavirus, and disconnections were scheduled to resume May 12.
May 13, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
The Marietta City Council is considering ways to give a break to restaurants on the Square that have been hit hard by the coronavirus.
May 13, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Tuesday evening’s Cave Spring City Council meeting was just the latest example. Mayor Rob Ware said the move was made to allow them to focus more on the board’s business instead of dealing with conference calls and web-based video conferencing issues.
May 13, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Driving a bus was frightening when Athens first went into a state of emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic two months ago.
May 13, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
City officials are anticipating sizable reductions in certain tax revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 13, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
The LaGrange City Council amended a resolution Tuesday to restart disconnection service on past due utility bills on June 1. However, the city is allowing residents the ability to get on an extended payment plan to pay overdue payments.
May 13, 2020
Clayton News Daily
The city of Jonesboro’s government facilities and administrative offices will remain closed to employees and residents until June 1 when the city’s state of emergency expires.
May 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Braselton has cancelled all large public events through July 10. The annual Fourth of July event, including the fireworks display, hosted annually by the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority is rescheduled for Sept. 5.
May 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Decatur began taking applications for its small business loan program on May 5 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 12, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Duluth is the latest city in Gwinnett County to reopen its government facilities after closures caused by coronavirus.
May 12, 2020
Griffin Daily News
The Griffin Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Elmer George Municipal Hall in One Griffin Center.
May 12, 2020
Savannah Morning News
At the beginning of the Richmond Hill City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 5, Mayor Russ Carpenter issued a statement regarding the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 12, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
The DDDA permits all events in downtown Dalton, including Burr Park. It has a moratorium on all downtown permits until June 30 because of concerns about the coronavirus.
May 12, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
The City of Johns Creek announced that it plans to re-open select public parks and facilities starting Friday.
May 12, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Sheriff Richard Roundtree doesn’t know where and when he contracted the coronavirus, but he wants Augusta residents to know this: “The virus does not discriminate.”
May 12, 2020
Newnan Times-Herald
Newnan will restore limited public access on Thursday to facilities and services tat have been shut down because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
May 12, 2020
Polk County Standard Journal
The Rockmart City Council expects to have a short session Tuesday, but will be gathering in public for the first time in more than a month after the public health emergencies were declared, and local governments began to close off access and meet online.
May 12, 2020
Cartersville Daily Tribune News
The City of Cartersville’s financials from March show signs of declining income, but few indications of major profit loss one month into the coronavirus crisis.
May 11, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Signs that life is somewhat returning to normal despite COVID-19, the city of Waleska announced the openings of both its Farmer’s Market and City Hall.
May 11, 2020
Bryan County News
Richmond Hill Downtown Development Authority Chairwoman Georgene Brazer said Thursday the DDA board wanted to do something tangible to not only help local businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also pay that help forward a bit.
May 11, 2020
Rockdale Citizen
City Council members were presented the harsh reality of COVID-19’s impact on city finances at Wednesday’s regular council meeting and were cautioned to expect worse news in the coming fiscal year.
May 11, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nearly all Milton parks and facilities will reopen Saturday, after being closed by the public health crisis.
Mayor Frank Auman announced Friday just before his State of the City Address plans to give away more than 6,000 surgical grade masks to those who need them most in the City of Tucker.
May 11, 2020
Access North Georgia
Slowly but surely, governments are reopening for business around North Georgia, and the city of Gainesville said it is ready for what it calls a "soft opening" on Monday, May 18.
May 11, 2020
Access North Georgia
Offices in the town of Braselton are set to reopen on May 18, but some increased safety measures have been put in place.
May 11, 2020
Americus Times-Recorder
The city of Plains and the staff at the Lillian Carter Nursing Center decided to do something special for the residents of the nursing home.
May 11, 2020
Polk County Standard Journal
The City of Aragon announced last week that a favorite fishing hole was reopening, and several people decided it was high time to get back to their favorite past time.
May 8, 2020
Covington News
The Covington City Council has agreed to make a decision regarding the city’s annual Stars and Stripes Fest by May 18.
May 8, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
While it has not been decided if the City of Thomasville state of emergency will be extended, city council members will meet in person Monday night for the first time since emergency status was declared by council members in March.
May 8, 2020
Braselton News
The Town of Braselton offices will reopen to the public on May 18, with changes designed to protect the safety of employees and customers.
May 8, 2020
Rockdale Citizen
At the Covington City Council's May 4 teleconference meeting, City Manager Scott Andrews announced that current plans are to reopen City Hall to the public on May 18.
May 8, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The city appreciates the enhanced measures Lidl has in place to ensure its customers and its employees will be able to shop and work in a safe and healthy environment during this time while we all must alter the way we live and interact with others,” Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason said in a press release.
May 8, 2020
Dawson News & Advertiser
In mid-May, the City of Dawsonville will begin returning to normal service after months of public closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening some city functions to the public with added safety procedures.
May 8, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Six municipalities in southern Fulton wrote to Chairman Robb Pitts asking him to earmark half the money for cities. Pitts wrote back saying he wants to help, but that’s not going to happen.
May 8, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dublin City Manager Lance Jones knows he was right to cancel the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It’s a move, he said, that may have kept hundreds of people from contracting COVID-19. But now, Jones said, it’s time to get back to business.
May 7, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
City Council members decided to extend their pandemic policy of suspending water cutoffs for non-payment.
May 7, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
With the Rome Police Department set to resume as close to normal operations as it can starting Monday, the agency is preparing to welcome the public back into the Rome-Floyd County Law Enforcement Center.
May 7, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Grovetown Mayor Gary Jones admits he didn’t take the COVID-19 outbreak entering the United States seriously at first. But after being quarantined and in the hospital for 27 days, that has changed.
May 7, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Woodstock has announced a number of changes to its annual Woodstock Summer Concert Series.
May 7, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
First responders stand at the front line of dealing with COVID-19, as the connection between the public and medical or health facilities.
May 7, 2020
Oconee Enterprise
Watkinsville Mayor Bob Smith has encouraged citizens to patronize local businesses. “We have to have our economy moving again,” he said at a recent City Council meeting, “because this is a very, very serious situation.”
May 7, 2020
Polk County Standard Journal
The weather has been perfect to be outdoors, but with social distancing guidelines amid the COVID-19 crisis, cities have been keeping facilities mainly closed to citizens for the time being for their own protection.
May 6, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
The Carrollton Parks and Recreation Department announced on Facebook on Monday that the Midtown Water Park at 125 Leroy Childs Drive will remain closed this summer.
May 6, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
Jennifer Price, interim Hahira Main Street director, ensures proper precautions will be taken during the gathering as social distancing continues to be encouraged.
May 6, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
“Staff is discussing now and planning for when we can begin phasing in a reopening plan,” said Thomasville City Manager Alan Carson. “Our priority is the health and safety of our citizens, customers and staff, so our focus now is on putting the measures in place that would allow us to safely reopen in the future.”
May 6, 2020
Milledgeville Union Recorder
Milledgeville Main Street/the Downtown Development Authority is looking to provide a little relief to downtown businesses affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
May 6, 2020
Access North Georgia
In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, elected officials in Gainesville have extended a local state of emergency for government operations until the middle of the month.
May 6, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Malls and businesses in the Atlanta are are opening, but some officials, like Mayor Keisha Bottoms, have said the openings aren’t meant to be a green light to abandon social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 6, 2020
Gainesville Times
Gainesville plans to reopen some of its offices on May 18. Hours will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at its administration building, the historic City Hall building and the Community and Economic Development building off the downtown square.
May 6, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Rome and Floyd County officials want residents to continue recycling, but they’re still working on the best way to handle the materials in the future.
May 6, 2020
Claxton Enterprise
The City of Claxton mayor and council members held their first public meetings Monday night since they last met on March 2, 2020.
May 6, 2020
Baxley News Banner
When Gov. Kemp gave his approval to reopen barber shops, hair salons, gyms, tattoo parlors and bowling alleys as early as Friday, April 24, people all across Georgia, not just Baxley, had misgivings.
May 6, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
The Augusta Commission on Tuesday approved a phased-in reopen of city government with most offices reopening to employees next week.
May 6, 2020
Cartersville Daily Tribune News
After Gov. Brian Kemp’s shelter-in-place order expired for most Georgians, area park officials are fine-tuning their systems’ reopening timelines. While Cartersville’s recreational facilities will open Monday, others will be later this month or early June.
May 5, 2020
Savannah Morning News
a Friday announcement issued on Tybee’s municipal website emphasized that DNR-issued restrictions were still in place.
May 5, 2020
Milledgeville Union Recorder
City officials addressed their concerns regarding COVID-19 during a teleconference city council meeting last Tuesday night.
May 5, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
The city of Stockbridge has extended its pubic access suspension and teleworking for county employees through May 8.
May 5, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
Representatives from the city of McDonough delivered breakfast, lunch and dinner to health care workers and staff at Westbury Health and Rehabilitation Center Thursday.
May 5, 2020
Brunswick News
Brunswick municipal offices opened to the public Monday for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak forced the closure of public buildings.
May 5, 2020
Brunswick News
Public housing in Brunswick and neighboring cities will receive thousands of dollars in federal grants to prevent and respond to COVID-19.
May 5, 2020
Cartersville Daily Tribune News
“We’re following guidelines that are currently set up for museums and other venues of that type,” said Katie Gobbi, director of the Euharlee Welcome Center & History Museum. “I’m a paid staff of one, so our volunteer pool is primarily those that are either elderly or considered medically fragile. Almost our entire volunteer base can’t come in right now, so that could eventually impede operations.”
May 4, 2020
Newnan Times-Herald
The city of Newnan’s parks are now open – but bathrooms remain closed.
May 4, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
Mayfest, a celebration of local artists and vendors, draws in a crowd of more than 7,000 area residents each year. The festival is known as one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in west Georgia, according to the City of Carrollton website.
May 4, 2020
Albany Herald
Businesses must meet a list of criteria in order to re-open, some of which may be a challenge with the shortage of personal protection equipment, Albany Mayor Bo Dorough said.
May 4, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Businesses across Georgia are gradually reopening as statewide emergency orders put in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus are beginning to expire, and government meetings in Grady County are no different.
May 4, 2020
Milledgeville Union Recorder
To support the viability of Milledgeville’s most affected downtown small businesses and entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 crisis, the Milledgeville Downtown Development Authority will administer an emergency fund to help support operations.
May 4, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
Dalton City Council members plan to return to the council chambers on Monday and to open the meeting to the public. But there will be some changes.
May 4, 2020
Houston Home Journal
After speaking with Centerville Mayor John Harley earlier this week, Houston Home Journal announced in Wednesday’s paper—in an article entitled, "Centerville City Hall reopens with restrictions”—that Centerville City Hall and other offices would be reopening on Friday, May 1. Since that time, subsequent to giving the matter further consideration, the reopening was deferred to a later date.
May 4, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
The City of Valdosta issued an update Thursday evening on how it would proceed with its services and facilities.
May 4, 2020
Houston Home Journal
City Manager Lee Gilmour explained that the city is hesitant to give any specific dates or deadlines due to uncertainty concerning public health situations, future regulatory requirements and economic environments.
May 4, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Augusta officials are urging residents to remain home and limit travel to slow the spread of coronavirus despite Georgia no longer requiring residents to shelter in place.
May 4, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Michele Swann, president of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority, said current social distancing guidelines could spell trouble for the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, both of which the authority owns and operates.
May 4, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Signs urging people to stay safe while on or near the Chattahoochee River are now on the Riverwalk. They're a product of Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson’s river safety task force. Signs will also be added on the Alabama side of the river.
May 4, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson announced Thursday that some Columbus Consolidated Government-owned facilities will continue to remain restricted.
May 4, 2020
Clayton News Daily
The Heroes Saluting Heroes Parade featured county and city police and fire and emergency staff acknowledging the heroes working inside the hospital battling the coronavirus on the front lines.
May 4, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“It’s good to have them if you need them, said Palmetto Mayor J. Clark Boddie.
May 4, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The mayor and other metro Atlanta officials are taking measured steps in reopening public places due to the coronavirus pandemic.
May 4, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
The Fourth of July is canceled in three Gwinnett County cities.
May 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dunwoody’s economy was booming. Since it became a city over a decade ago, the northern metro community had etched a new kind of skyline over the Perimeter area, building a reputation as a metro business hub.
May 1, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
Temple may join three other west Georgia governments in granting hazard pay to city employees on the front line of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
May 1, 2020
Morgan County Citizen
The City of Madison voted to extend the local state of emergency for another 30 days due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, a highly contagious and potentially lethal upper-respiratory coronavirus that has caused a worldwide pandemic.
May 1, 2020
Morgan County Citizen
Madison City leaders are expecting to take a hit in revenues due to the novel coronavirus grinding the economy to a halt in recent months.
May 1, 2020
Hinesville Coastal Courier
Hinesville City Council voted Thursday during a called meeting to extend the city's COVID-19 state of public health emergency to May 13. That's the day the state's public health emergency is set to end.
May 1, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
When a contagious disease spreads through the air, paramedics working in the tight space of an ambulance know that intubation can pose a deadly risk.
May 1, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz has contacted public health officials after hearing reports that employees were being pressured to work in Athens’ Pilgrim’s Pride poultry processing plant, even if they were sick during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A group comprised of roughly 50 leaders in medical, business, cultural and legal communities will hold their final meeting on May 5 before submitting recommendations to Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on how to reopen the city during the coronavirus pandemic.
May 1, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alpharetta city officials are working on ways to phase in a return to full business operations at City Hall while also extending the city’s state of emergency declaration to May 30.
May 1, 2020
Fayette Citizen
A unanimous vote by the Fayetteville City Council at an April 27 called meeting confirmed the re-opening of city offices to the public on May 18.
April 30, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
When Tina Monaco, historian for the Georgia Heritage Room in the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System, and Tina-Rae Floyd, genealogist for the library, began working from home when libraries closed, they wanted to find a way to keep people engaged in history.
April 30, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Falling hotel occupancy rates and a postponed Masters Tournament has the city’s tourism bureau forecasting a nearly $700,000 budget deficit.
April 30, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Mayor Hardie Davis, along with the Small Business Administration Regional Administrator, will host a small business coronavirus webinar on Thursday.
April 30, 2020
Brunswick News
Local government offices are scheduled to open to the public on Monday. Brunswick city officials made the announcement at Tuesday’s city finance committee meeting.
April 30, 2020
Calhoun Times
Though COVID-19 has put a pause on many activities, including spring sports, Calhoun Recreation Department Director Kim Townsend said families have been enjoying the city’s walking trails even more than normal in the last few weeks.
April 30, 2020
Brunswick News
Mathew Hill, the city’s downtown development authority director, believes the projects that generated so much optimism in the business community and beyond will still happen. He believes the relaxing of some restrictions will help local merchants.
April 30, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
In a show of support for area healthcare workers and first responders fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, landmarks in downtown Woodstock were illuminated in blue light on Wednesday, April 22.
April 29, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Gov. Brian Kemp’s statewide shelter-in-place order expires after Thursday, but it may or may not continue in Athens —depending on what the governor’s next order is.
April 29, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
As the shelter in place order for the state of Georgia is set to expire on April 30, and the state of emergency declaration lapsing on May 13, the city of Woodstock has announced plans to reopen certain city facilities.
April 29, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Over the past four weeks, 100 meals have been distributed at AU Medical Center twice, University Hospital and to the Augusta Fire Department.
April 29, 2020
Elberton Star & Examiner
The City of Bowman’s April meeting was held once again at the Bowman Community Center Monday night in order to provide enough room for social distancing amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
April 29, 2020
Brunswick News
There was no way Brunswick Finance Director Kathy Mills could sugarcoat the city’s latest tax revenue report at Tuesday’s finance committee meeting.
April 29, 2020
Forsyth County News
The city of Cumming anticipates a drop in revenues from amenities like parks and recreation facilities, the Cumming Fairgrounds and the city's aquatic center.
April 28, 2020
Braselton News
Braselton mayor Bill Orr recently released a statement after Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to allow some businesses to reopen.
April 28, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
Mayor David Pennington said the city is waiting on Gov. Brian Kemp's shelter-in-place order to expire on Thursday before reopening city offices.
April 28, 2020
Clayton News Daily
The city of Jonesboro has put together a list of minimum basic operations for businesses based on Gov. Brian Kemp’s executive order.
April 28, 2020
Albany Herald
With the number of COVID-19 cases continuing to rise — albeit at a much reduced number — the Albany City Commission is asking the community to continue following social distancing measures that have helped bend the curve downward.
April 28, 2020
Brunswick News
Brunswick city officials were in the midst of encouraging negotiations to begin construction of a long-awaited hotel and convention center when the COVID-19 outbreak ground everything to a halt a month ago.
April 28, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Area government and civic leaders updated the public about COVID-19 and available resources in an online forum Monday.
April 28, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Rome City Commissioners had some discussion Monday on whether residents feel they’re now in a green-light economy, with businesses able to open with social distancing.
April 28, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
The city of Marietta is planning budget adjustments to make up for over $1 million in revenue shortfalls due to the coronavirus.
April 28, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Mayor Bob Smith encouraged Watkinsville residents to, “emerge from our homes and utilize smart, common-sense safe distance practices and resume our lives,” in a press release posted to social media Sunday.
April 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lawrenceville has started an annual celebration of its law enforcement workers early to expand it to all frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
April 28, 2020
Gainesville Times
As a show of support, Boehringer Ingelheim started preparing and distributing meals to officers and firefighters at the Gainesville Police Department and the Gainesville Fire Department.
April 28, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton, West Point Mayor Steve Tramell, Hogansville Mayor Bill Stankiewicz and Troup County Board of Commissioners Chairman Patrick Crews were sure to remind residents that the governor’s shelter-in-place order remains in effect until April 30.
April 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Andrea Worthy, economic development director for Sandy Springs, presented preliminary findings of the survey during last week’s City Council meeting.
April 28, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst has signed a new executive order allowing local restaurants to set up tents and use parking lots as seating areas, a move he believes will allow them to better maintain social distancing during the ongoing pandemic.
April 27, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson asked over 70 local Savannah religious leaders to keep their worship centers closed as Georgia businesses begin to reopen. On Friday, April 24 Johnson held a video call with those leaders and none of them said they would reopen.
April 27, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
Dalton Mayor David Pennington said city offices will reopen to the public on Monday.
April 27, 2020
Tifton Gazette
The City of Tifton has released a statement urging residents to “remain diligent” despite Governor Brian Kemp’s amended executive order allowing for the reopening of certain businesses while the shelter-in-place in the state of Georgia is still in effect.
April 27, 2020
Milledgeville Union Recorder
Milledgeville City Council will hold a teleconference meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
April 27, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
Dalton Utilities has adopted new guidelines to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) among its workforce. Workers travel in separate vehicles and must maintain a 6-foot distance unless otherwise necessary, which officials say is generally only in emergency-type situations.
April 27, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Starting the week of Monday, April 27, free breakfasts and lunches for Savannah-Chatham County students will be delivered by school bus once a week through the end of the school year, according to a news release from the district issued on Thursday, April 23. The last day of school for SCCPSS is May 15.
April 27, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Roswell Recycling Center, closed like other city facilities by the COVID-19 outbreak, is now scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, May 5, with limited hours and operations, the city announced.
April 27, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A $75,000 grant will allow the Marietta City School System help students who may be struggling to keep up with digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 27, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
The Stockbridge mayor and City Council unanimously approved a resolution outlining the city’s opposition to Gov. Brian Kemp’s executive order allowing businesses to begin reopening.
April 27, 2020
Access North Georgia
The effect of the reopening varied. The president of the Warner Robins chamber of commerce in middle Georgia said more cars were in parking lots, but Waycross City Manager Tonya Miller said she hadn’t seen many businesses open in her southeast Georgia town.
April 27, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
Lawrenceville is inviting residents and business owners to turn the city blue each night, starting this weekend, in honor of people working on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 24, 2020
Northeast Georgian
It was the Monday after Easter, and sanitation workers from Cornelia were reluctant to pick up extra trash bags sitting beside the roller carts – even in Mayor John Borrow’s neighborhood.
April 24, 2020
Brunswick News
Brunswick-Glynn County Joint Water and Sewer Commission Executive Director Andrew Burroughs said his people are also directly benefiting from slower traffic.
April 24, 2020
Statesboro Herald
During the COVID-19 pandemic, local police and firefighters have undertaken a new task to help keep residents safe. Throughout the day, anyone listening to a police scanner can hear officers and firefighters tell dispatchers they are “on COVID-19 detail.”
April 24, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Lt. Chase Kinsman, paramedic, and Firefighter Shawn Andes, advanced EMT, both with the Columbus Fire & Emergency EMS department, answer a few questions about the personal protective equipment(PPE) they use, and offer advice to using using PPE.
April 24, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Certain parks in Acworth will reopen at 5 p.m. Friday, according to a notice and an executive order posted on the city’s website. Acworth joins Cobb County and the city of Kennesaw in opening some of its parks this weekend. Each had closed their parks to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
April 24, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Organizations and agencies include Redmond Regional Medical Center, Floyd Medical Center, Rome-Floyd County Fire Department and city and county workers.
April 24, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
While the coronavirus pandemic has slowed activity in Athens to a crawl, it’s actually allowed some Athens-Clarke County projects projects to speed up — a faint silver lining in the continuing crisis.
April 24, 2020
Fayette Citizen
When it comes to the fiscal impacts for the current budget ending Sept. 30 and next year’s budget beginning Oct. 1 due to the business shutdowns from the Covid-19 pandemic, Peachtree City Manager Jon Rorie said those effects occur as three pieces of the fiscal puzzle, each of which is the subject of ongoing preparation and planning.
April 24, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
While fighting fires is obviously the primary function of the Dalton Fire Department, the Whitfield County Fire Department and the Murray County Fire Department, their firefighters are often the first on the scene when residents call 911 for a medical emergency.
April 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Officers from “every agency in Gwinnett County” convened outside Northside Hospital Gwinnett to hold a parade for healthcare workers, the Lawrenceville Police Department said in a tweet.
April 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Atlanta has received $88 million in federal funding to help cover the additional costs of running a local government during the coronavirus pandemic.
Both the Macon-Bibb County Commission and the Board of Health passed resolutions urging Gov. Brian Kemp to reconsider his statewide order that would allow hair and nail salons, gyms, tattoo parlors and other businesses to reopen Friday.
April 24, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
"...As the mayor of the city of Augusta, I encourage our residents to continue to practice the guidelines provided to us by the CDC, to continue to social distance and to remain in your home out of an abundance of caution, as we continue to work towards flattening the curve," Mayor Hardie Davis said.
April 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In a unanimous vote, the Stockbridge City Council passed a resolution expressing members’ opposition to Kemp’s authorization for “non-essential” businesses such as gyms, bowling alleys, tattoo parlors and nail salons to reopen. The resolution, however, cannot override the governor’s orders.
April 24, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr. and World Central Kitchen are partnering with Golden Harvest Food Bank to provide 25,000 meals weekly for local residents.
April 24, 2020
Gainesville Times
Officers of all stripes — representing the departments in Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch as well as the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol — circled the hospital in a show of support.
April 24, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Augusta’s plan to assist local businesses using federal CARES Act funds is in the works.
April 24, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Grovetown will resume bulk waste collection Friday on a limited basis.
April 24, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
The Downtown LaGrange Development Authority has created a website for individuals to donate money, which will, in turn, go to restaurants to cook meals specifically designated for first responders or healthcare employees.
April 24, 2020
Gainesville Times
Northeast Georgia Health Systems has partnered with the Gainesville City School System to set up a contingency plan that could put GCSS faculty and students into non-clinical roles at hospitals should they experience a large surge in COVID-19 patients.
April 24, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Municipal courts, including those in Duluth and Smyrna, already have cases scheduled to be heard May 14, and others are resuming in June. All are working to put in place protective measures.
April 23, 2020
Griffin Daily News
The City of Griffin Police and Griffin Fire-Rescue as well as the Spalding County Sheriff's Office have recently been the recipients of personal protective equipment that has been donated to help COVID-19 relief efforts.
April 23, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
“We think revenue-wise we’re going to be fine for the remainder of this fiscal budget which only gets us to July. But you’re going to probably see the fiscal 21 budget amended many times throughout the course of the year because you can only do best guess on revenue,” Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson said.
April 23, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Following Gov. Brian Kemp’s executive order on Monday, April 20, stating that some nonessential businesses may reopen, Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter concurred in a video speech given on Tuesday, April 22.
April 23, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
The survey, which closes April 28, will provide information to be passed on to federal officials, said Myrna Ballard, president of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.
April 23, 2020
Gwinnett Daily Post
Duluth officials are encouraging residents to be creative with how their occupy their time while sheltering in place because of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease outbreak — and to share videos of that creativity on social media.
April 23, 2020
Cartersville Daily Tribune News
Cartersville Mayor Matt Santini said he was taken by surprise when Gov. Brian Kemp announced plans Monday to partially reopen some of Georgia’s shuttered economic sectors.
April 23, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Stockbridge City Council will meet Thursday in a special called meeting to voice concerns members have about Gov. Brian Kemp’s order to reopen businesses.
April 23, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Small business owners in Rome hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to get grants of up to $5,000 through the city.
April 23, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In a letter to investors last week, Moody’s said it had placed on review Atlanta’s A1 and Aa3 ratings on refunding and 2017 lien series bonds — issued through the Atlanta & Fulton County Recreation Authority — because car rentals, from whose taxes the city has been paying the debt, are in freefall as Americans stay home to avoid spreading the disease.
April 23, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Meeting Tuesday night, Athens-Clarke County commissioners passed a resolution meant “to ensure that the maximum number of persons possible self-isolate in their residence to the maximum extent feasible.”
April 23, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The amounts received by Atlanta and county governments in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett will vary based on population. But each will get a substantial sum to pay for overtime, equipment, hazard pay for employees, personal protective equipment and other expenditures.
April 23, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Kennesaw will open Swift-Cantrell Park, city neighborhood parks and trails with limited hours and operations Friday, the city announced Wednesday.
April 22, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Mayor Hardie Davis said he was shocked by Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to allow nonessential businesses to begin reopening Friday.
April 22, 2020
Cartersville Daily Tribune News
Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz, who issued a shelter-in-place order two weeks before the statewide order went into effect, said it’s too soon to reopen businesses while there’s still a lack of adequate testing.
April 22, 2020
Barnesville Herald-Gazette
Barnesville mayor Peter Banks has clarified remarks he made to the Barnesville Rotary Club Tuesday via videoconference.
April 22, 2020
Brunswick News
Things have slowed down for Samantha Spaulding since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A patrol officer at the Brunswick Police Department for two and a half years, Spaulding’s usual shifts consisted of riding through neighborhoods to deter burglaries and taking various service calls during prime business hours.
April 22, 2020
Hinesville Coastal Courier
City Manager Kenneth Howard was set to present a “pandemic outbreak or Similar Illness Policy, but it was removed from the agenda. That policy is set to be an agenda item for the May 7, meeting.
April 22, 2020
Hinesville Coastal Courier
Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown submitted a letter Tuesday that said Hinesville will continue to abide by Governor Kemp’s orders.
April 22, 2020
Albany Herald
Albany officials learned Wednesday that the city will receive $18,017,560 in Coronavirus Aid, Recovery and Economic Stability Act funding for projects at the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport. The $18 million-plus grant is part of $411 million in CARES Act funding allocated for 97 Georgia Airports.
April 22, 2020
Gainesville Times
Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville will be eligible for $69,000 in grant funding through the CARES Act, the federal coronavirus relief legislation passed by Congress in March.
April 22, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Rome City Manager Sammy Rich said he hopes that it will be sooner rather than later when the green light is given to restart the economy.
April 22, 2020
Fayette Citizen
When it comes to things like decreased traffic volumes on roadways, Peachtree City during the statewide shelter at home order from COVID-19 is like other cities in Fayette County.
April 22, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Proposals to make forgivable loans to Augusta businesses and nonprofits and suspend revenue streams such as the stormwater utility fee are expected to draw heated debate at Tuesday’s live-streamed Augusta Commission meeting.
April 22, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
The heirs of the owner of Augusta’s last two downtown strip clubs can proceed with their lawsuit against the city on two grounds.
April 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In an effort to assist businesses during the current coronavirus pandemic, the Duluth City Council has relaxed and/or amended the city’s regulatory and tax requirements consistent with and supplemental to Governor Brian Kemp’s April 2 Executive Order.
April 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Shirley Baylis, the city’s downtown program manager said this is a common sentiment expressed by the owners of shuttered restaurant.
April 22, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Augusta Regional Airport will get nearly $20 million in economic stimulus funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
April 22, 2020
Brunswick News
Local officials are glad Gov. Brian Kemp is following the phased approach recommended by the federal government in lifting restrictions and businesses and activities imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19, but they do not all agree with the first step he announced on Monday.
April 22, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson urged residents to voluntarily continue abiding by local emergency measures and business closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Tuesday, April 21, despite Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s order allowing many businesses to reopen as soon as Friday.
April 22, 2020
Savannah Morning News
Rebecca Benton had been mayor of Pooler for about two and a half months when Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency in the face of COVID-19.
April 22, 2020
Pickens County Progress
During a Monday Zoom conference of area public safety officials, Jasper Mayor Steve Lawrence, Commission Chair Rob Jones and Sheriff Donnie Craig all commented how they would need to watch what came out of Atlanta and be ready to react.
April 22, 2020
Pickens County Progress
The City of Jasper parks and trails are open for public use and may be used for exercise as long as guests follow CDC guidelines on social distancing and spacing of at least six (6) feet.
April 22, 2020
Carrollton Times-Georgian
“This flies in the face of local control,” Villa Rica Mayor Gil McDougal wrote in a statement. “It is frustrating as a local mayor to make decisions while the governor has gone out of his way to not only not consider local authorities, but to explicitly deny their abilities to govern as it relates to COVID-19.”
April 22, 2020
Rockdale Citizen
With Gov. Brian Kemp’s announcement Monday that restaurants can reopen for dining in on April 27, a resolution passed by the Covington City Council on April 13 allowing restaurants to sell beer, wine, or distilled spirits (liquor) with food sales for off-premise consumption will no longer be in effect, according to Mayor Steve Horton.
April 22, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
The Thomasville-Thomas County and Albany Area Chambers of Commerce and Locate South Georgia have partnered to collect information through a series of surveys regarding the extent to which the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has affected local and regional business operations. The online survey opens today and closes April 28.
April 22, 2020
Hinesville Coastal Courier
Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown submitted a letter Tuesday that said Hinesville will continue to abide by Governor Kemp’s orders.
April 22, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
Dalton Mayor David Pennington said there are "no good answers" on when to reopen.
April 22, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
It is hard to keep a group as active as the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber Ambassadors apart.
April 22, 2020
Cartersville Daily Tribune News
Public health experts and local elected officials raised concerns Tuesday over whether Georgia businesses are ready to reopen safely while the coronavirus pandemic continues to chalk up new infections and deaths.
April 22, 2020
CBS Atlanta
“I am beyond disturbed,” Savannah, Georgia, Mayor Van Johnson said. “We still have not done expanded testing and we do not have the 14-day decline.”
April 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Marietta Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin on Monday used Facebook to share his plans once Kemp’s executive order goes into effect allowing salons, fitness centers, bowling alleys, tattoo parlors and massage therapists to open Friday.
April 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Mayor Rusty Paul said the city plans a safe return to public activities within city facilities.
April 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Norcross City Council passed a measure allowing the payment deferrals Monday night. People and businesses going through financial difficulties can apply for a deferral which would allow them to pause payments for the months of April, May and June.
April 22, 2020
Baxley News Banner
The Baxley City Council held its meeting March 25 at 8:30 a.m. During the meeting, Mayor Tim Varnadore made a statement on the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 22, 2020
CBS Atlanta
Following Governor Brian Kemp’s announcement yesterday of re-opening some businesses on April 25 and 27, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told several media outlets she disagrees with the decision.
April 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I think all of us — those of us who are mayors leading some of Georgia’s largest cities — we find ourselves, quite frankly, shocked by the decision that took place today,” Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis said, urging residents to take a “measured” response to Kemp’s order.
April 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ administration said Monday that the city is looking at a $108 million budget deficit next fiscal year...Yet Bottoms on Monday urged city residents to remain sheltered.
April 22, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
West Point Mayor Steve Tramell said he hopes residents ease back into a daily routine.
April 22, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul appeared on CNN’s Cuomo Prime Time, Tuesday, to discuss Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to reopen Georgia businesses during the continued coronavirus pandemic.
April 22, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Rome and Floyd County officials have known that a positive step out of the current COVID-19 pandemic would be the reopening of nonessential businesses. They just didn’t expect it to come this soon.
April 22, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
As Georgia added 66 new COVID-19 deaths to its running tally Tuesday morning — the second-largest increase since Georgia began posting a public tally — some are calling Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s move to reopen businesses a dangerous gamble.
April 22, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Cobb city leaders are urging residents to stay safe while supporting local businesses and services as they begin to reopen in accordance with new state guidelines.
April 21, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Superintendent summarizes plans for Rome City Schools as they continue to deal with the current crisis and not being able to return to in-school instruction.
April 21, 2020
Brunswick News
“My reaction was one of pride and much gratitude,” Woodbine City Manager Samantha Young said. “Our city is often forgotten because we are so small, so it made my heart happy that we had the opportunity to show just how tight knit, caring and compassionate our entire community is.”
April 21, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
Owners of small businesses in the City of Dalton that have taken a big hit in revenue because of the new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) could get some help from the city government.
April 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city has laid off 23 employees who work in departments “that provide services that have been halted or decreased tremendously” due to the pandemic, said spokeswoman Rebecca Graham.
April 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The same day Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced details on reopening Georgia during the coronavirus pandemic, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she’s created an advisory council to create a similar plan for the city.
April 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The coronavirus pandemic is expected to deliver crushing budget deficits to the city of Atlanta over the next three years, and has at least temporarily wiped out the city’s plan to address its most critical need — the lack of affordable housing.
April 21, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman said he spoke with DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, who agreed to move the homeless individuals to another location. The mayor said he appreciated Thurmond’s “quick action on this once he heard about the situation.”
April 20, 2020
Tifton Gazette
Mayor Julie Smith recently joined other members of the Tifton City Council as well as representatives from the Tift County Board of Commissioners, Tifton Police Department and Tift County Sheriff’s Office in a series of social media videos urging residents to keep following requirements from Governor Brian Kemp’s office to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
April 20, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
More than $1 million of COVID-19 relief funds have been earmarked for Valdosta’s airport, while other airports in south central Georgia are also being allocated funds, according to Federal Aviation Administration documents.
April 20, 2020
Savannah Morning News
The Richmond Hill City Council approved up to $165,000 to fund these improvements at its Dec. 17, 2019, meeting.
April 20, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Friday was supposed to mark the first of the City of Cairo’s 2020 downtown concert series, but concerns over the spread of COVID-19 led to the event being canceled.
April 20, 2020
Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Bonnie Hayes, City of Thomasville tourism manager said Thomasville leaders anticipate that tourists will return as soon as it is safe to do so.
April 20, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
Lowndes County and Valdosta have been earmarked for emergency grant money to help with efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 20, 2020
Dalton Daily Citizen
The City of Dalton plans to use $150,000 of the $255,543 in Community Development Block Grant money it received under the CARES Act.
April 20, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
ith the 2019-20 school year now at an end, Valdosta City Schools and the Second Harvest of South Georgia continues to bring free meals to students in need.
April 20, 2020
Access North Georgia
Even as some school districts have announced plans to stop classes early as the coronavirus pandemic lingers, the Gainesville City School System will continue online learning for students through May 20.
April 20, 2020
Gainesville Times
The city of Gainesville government has made some posts bilingually, and people have reached out to find out what can be done to make sure information is making it out to the community.
April 20, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
Three members of the LaGrange Youth Council discussed the importance of mental health during a live video roundtable discussion on Thursday.
April 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Marc Cohen, a Sugar Hill city councilman and Wild Timber resident, says the group has received donations and volunteers from more than a quarter of the neighborhood.
April 20, 2020
CBS Atlanta
With schools closed, public events being postponed and residents continuing to shelter in place, the City of Tucker announced a new initiative Thursday aimed at improving morale in the community. The “Spring Fling” will encourage people to connect with neighbors, support others and have a little bit of fun.
April 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Marietta City School System is taking a unique step to make sure students learning from home during the pandemic have access to a quality internet connection.
April 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chuck Warbington, Lawrenceville city manager, said the move doesn’t give governments any additional powers. But the extended state of emergency is required for some federal funding, and to continue provisions that are already in place, like waiving the normal procurement policy, he said.
April 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The campaign, which began several weeks ago, has raised more than $40,000 for local artists who have been hurt financially by the pandemic, and has been featured on CNN and “Good Morning America.” The signs are for sale on Create Dunwoody’s website and Kofke’s site.
April 20, 2020
Gainesville Times
Melissa McCain has resigned her post as Flowery Branch city clerk.
April 20, 2020
Henry Daily Herald
The Gwinnett Rockdale Newton Health Departments, working in conjunction with Rockdale Emergency Management, the city of Conyers, the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia National Guard and Rockdale Fire Rescue, moved vehicles through a series of checkpoints that culminated at a testing station where nasal swabs were taken for virus testing.
April 20, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson in a video announcement Thursday again asked citizens to continue to stay at home or risk being cited by Columbus public safety officers, but backpedaled on Friday when asked if local law enforcement practices regarding COVID-19 protocol would be changing.
April 20, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling says his city laid off 23 employees, or just under 11% of its staff of 212, as closures due to the coronavirus have reduced tax revenues in the city.
April 20, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
Woodstock City Manager Jeff Moon, Canton City Manager Billy Peppers and Ball Ground City Manager Eric Wilmarth share the impacts they've seen across Cherokee County.
April 20, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Cobb city leaders are tightening budgets, freezing new hires, delaying pay raises and bracing themselves for major revenue losses as the local impact from the coronavirus pandemic starts to become apparent.
April 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
City of Stone Mountain officials are calling on Stone Mountain Park to shut down some of its entrances over worries that parkgoers are crowding city streets during the coronavirus pandemic.
April 20, 2020
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Some members of the Atlanta City Council have recently discussed strong interest in closing all city parks and trails to combat social distance violations amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
April 20, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Athens-Clarke Commissioners challenged a Georgia Department of Public Health official about the accuracy of the state’s tally of Clarke County COVID-19 deaths in a recent meeting.
April 20, 2020
Brunswick News
As elderly folks and others with medical conditions struggle through this time of sheltering in place, Darien police officers pick up needed medications from local pharmacies and deliver them to the doorsteps of townsfolk.
April 20, 2020
Albany Herald
The city of Albany received a special allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds in the amount of $523,987 to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.
April 20, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Johns Creek has announced that its one-of-a-kind cricket pitch has been completed on Field 2 at Shakerag Park.
April 20, 2020
Franklin County Citizen
The city of Franklin Springs has declared a public health state of emergency.
April 16, 2020
Polk County Standard Journal
The Aragon City Council would usually meet this evening to conduct their monthly business, but with the Shelter in Place order still running they've decided that the votes can wait for the time being.
April 16, 2020
Brunswick News
During a special state of the city address Wednesday via teleconference, Brunswick Mayor Cornell Harvey urged residents to continue following the health guidelines in place through April 30 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
April 16, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
The initiative is being organized in conjunction with Mayor Derek Norton’s Support Smyrna program, which offers one-off donations of Publix or Kroger gift cards to local families in need.
April 16, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Four Athens homeless aid organizations will get $150,000 from Athens-Clarke County as the Athens-Clarke County Commission begins to roll out its “resiliency” package for community COVID-19 relief.
April 16, 2020
Gainesville Times
Braselton Police Department held a public safety parade through the neighborhoods of Hall County Monday, April 13.
April 16, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Augusta commissioners unanimously approved the Hotels for the Homeless initiative, allowing the city to house homeless people in local hotels during the coronavirus health crisis.
April 16, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Augusta officials addressed a number of coronavirus-related concerns at a Tuesday briefing.
April 15, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Due to technology and agenda issues, Cave Spring Mayor Rob Ware postponed the monthly City Council meeting that had been scheduled for Tuesday.
April 15, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Athens-Clarke County will form a joint development authority with the city of Winterville to be able to help small businesses survive.
April 15, 2020
Brunswick News
Brunswick City Manager Tanet Myers said the city will undoubtedly see a short-term hit to sales tax income but has not done a deep dive into the issue. The city is well into the annual budgeting process, so officials were already planning to meet this month to discuss its income and how to keep the books in the black.
April 15, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Rome City Schools Superintendent Lou Byars agreed said leaving Friday review day gives teachers more time to plan. “It was just a chance to remediate and help those who may be struggling and give the teachers a chance to check on their students,” Byars said. “It also gives a chance for teachers to collaborate amongst themselves.”
April 15, 2020
McDuffie Progress
Thomson Mayor Ken Usry and McDuffie County Commission Chairman Charlie Newton said they encourage businesses small and large to approach local banks for assistance when applying for federal dollars.
April 14, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Smyrna employees deemed "at-risk" by the city will receive hazard pay for the duration of the city's declared state of emergency after a City Council vote April 7.
April 14, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
Plans are in the works to house unsheltered homeless people in an 182-room Augusta hotel during the coronavirus pandemic.
April 14, 2020
LaGrange Daily News
Firefighters, paramedics and police officers are professionals that have a high contact rate with the public even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 13, 2020
Hinesville Coastal Courier
Due to COVID-19 and staffing shortages, Liberty Transit is suspending fixed route services on Route 3 until further notice beginning Monday, April 13, the city of Hinesville announced Saturday in a press release.
April 13, 2020
Brunswick News
The regularly scheduled Brunswick City Commission meeting on April 15 has been canceled because of coronavirus social distancing guidelines.
April 13, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
Woodstock Tourism Manager Kyle Bennett, who also manages the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market, said the decision was recently made to postpone the market’s start date from April 25 to May 16, although he said that date still remains subject to change based on the changing conditions.
April 13, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
The city of Marietta recently dedicated Tower Road, where the hospital is located, from Church Street to Kennesaw Avenue as "Pandemic Heroes Honor Way" to recognize health care workers and others on the front lines of the disease.
April 13, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Kennesaw citizens who want to weigh in on upcoming mayor and council meetings will have to do so via email temporarily while city hall is closed due to the coronavirus.
April 13, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Mayor Ollie Clemons, standing near a large sign that read "#Austell you count 2020," waved at them as they drove by. The event's goal was twofold. In addition to providing food to people in need, it also encouraged their participation in the census, something in which Austell residents have lagged relative to their peers in other parts of the county.
April 9, 2020
Braselton News
The Jackson County and City of Commerce school systems have announced backup plans for their high school graduations due to the impact of COVID-19.
April 9, 2020
Albany Herald
While Albany, Dougherty County and other area officials have thus far ignored the public clamor for a list of local coronavirus victims, one Albany official is asking that, in the absence of such a list, the public be alerted to the location of COVID-19 sufferers.
April 9, 2020
Albany Herald
Albany Mayor Bo Dorough addressed accusations from some in the public who have described measures put in place as those of a “police state.” The guidelines are meant to “flatten the curve” of new cases and prevent overwhelming medical facilities and available resources for fighting the disease.
April 9, 2020
Statesboro Herald
Statesboro City Council moved ahead with several items of regular business Tuesday, including a contract for almost $1 million worth of street repaving to be done this spring and summer.
April 9, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
Woodstock Marketing and Communications Manager Stacy Brown said she was inspired by a campaign in Dunwoody to help raise money for food service workers in Woodstock. The signs modify the city's marketing brand statement from “A City Unexpected” to “A City Unrelenting.”
April 9, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Rome-Floyd Planning Department staff have postponed a series of spring special events to the fall because of a statewide shelter in place order.
April 9, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
The city will get $5,456,603 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, according to an announcement by the Federal Transit Administration.
April 8, 2020
Statesboro Herald
Backed by a unanimous vote of Statesboro City Council, Mayor Jonathan McCollar replaced his March 22 COVID-19 executive order with a new one Tuesday that simply reflects Gov. Brian Kemp’s April 2 shelter-in-place order and allows Statesboro officials to enforce it.
April 8, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
A federal judge has dismissed an Athens gun store’s lawsuit over Athens-Clarke County’s shelter-in-place ordinance.
April 8, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Marietta's plans to change its emergency declaration and regulations related to it are on hold as Gov. Brian Kemp's new orders supersede local ones.
April 8, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Checking this year’s statistics, police departments both in Columbus and Phenix City noticed in particular a drop in burglaries.
April 7, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
The city of Rome is calling for more rapid testing for the coronavirus.
Work will move forward to establish a temporary homeless shelter near the East Rome Bypass on Kingston Highway to help curb the spread of COVID-19 after the Rome City Commission unanimously passed a memorandum of understanding Monday.
April 7, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
A federal judge has dismissed an Athens gun store owner’s lawsuit over Athens-Clarke County’s shelter-in-place ordinance.
April 7, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Sheriff Tim Burkhalter deputized Rome and Floyd County police officers on Monday so that they can help enforce a statewide shelter in place order.
April 7, 2020
Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
The Canton City Council passed an extension of the current service delivery strategy agreement through Oct. 31 at a teleconference meeting on Thursday.
April 7, 2020
Albany Herald
Greene and officials that included Kemp, Public Health officials in Atlanta, the National Guard, Homeland Security, Phoebe officials and Cuthbert Mayor Steve Whatley were able to meet the crisis quickly.
April 7, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Tybee Island, a small coastal city near Savannah, Georgia, that depends on tourism, closed its beaches two weeks ago amid the growing pandemic. But the town’s decision was abruptly reversed when Kemp’s shelter-in-place order went into effect and reopened the state’s beaches.
April 7, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Neither a statewide shelter-in-place mandate from the governor nor a local order from the city mayor have closed Columbus parks, but residents may still see gates at many local parks locked for the foreseeable future.
April 7, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
The annual festival — the Clarke County town’s signature event — was scheduled for May 9. According to a message from Winterville Mayor Dodd Ferrelle, town planners hope to schedule an alternative community event for this fall.
April 7, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
With Gov. Brian Kemp ordering schools closed for the remainder of the year, Rome Superintendent Lou Byars said it isn’t possible to have a prom.
April 7, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two weeks after she was diagnosed with the coronavirus, Marietta City Councilwoman Cheryl Richardson is slowly resuming the life she led before the virus upended her routine.
April 7, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city of Clarkston, a local non-profit medical clinic and other groups are hosting free COVID-19 screenings for local residents experiencing symptoms associated with the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
April 7, 2020
Valdosta Daily Times
City of Valdosta and Lowndes County officials took time last week to plant these signs – dubbed with the hashtag #togetherwearebetter – at fire stations, police departments, public works departments and the utility department.
April 6, 2020
Hinesville Coastal Courier
Hinesville's city council held a teleconference meeting Friday afternoon to pass an updated emergency declaration that mirrors that of Gov. Brian Kemp’s shelter-in-place order now in effect.
April 6, 2020
Hinesville Coastal Courier
Hinesville City Manager Kenneth Howard said the county and the city were considering a curfew. However, the county and city can no longer implement any curfew since the governor's executive order supersedes their power to do so.
April 6, 2020
Albany Herald
Albany City Commissioner B.J. Fletcher said a growing number of unlicensed area food-service providers are illegally cooking and serving patrons from their home.
April 6, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
Lawyers for the Athens-Clarke County government have urged a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit an Athens gun store filed asking that the government’s emergency shelter-in-place ordinance be declared unconstitutional.
April 6, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Columbus city leaders announced Friday that they are closing all government buildings to the general public while offering alternative ways to access city services.
April 6, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, local and state government budget planners are facing unprecedented uncertainty.
April 6, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
No, authorities here are not closing the Chattahoochee River bridges between Phenix City and Columbus, nor are they asking anyone traveling to and fro for documents.
April 6, 2020
McDuffie Progress
McDuffie County, the City of Thomson, and the Town of Dearing have announced operational changes to be implemented. Leaders met via teleconference Friday afternoon for a daily briefing.
April 6, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Columbus city leaders announced Friday that they are closing all government buildings to the general public while offering alternative ways to access city services.
April 6, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
All ongoing projects across Columbus are deemed “essential services” because of the potential impact to city infrastructure, according to Donna Newman, director of engineering for the City of Columbus.
April 6, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
“Within the city limits, calls for police service are down and things are fairly quiet on the streets,” Marietta Police Department spokesman Officer Chuck McPhilamy told the MDJ.
April 6, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism has been faced with quite a challenge over the last few weeks: how to continue promoting Rome to visitors when no one can travel right now.
April 6, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
The 12-year Kroger employee recently received formal recognition from the city, which designates March and April as the months “we give a special thank you to this dedicated citizen that puts others before himself.”
April 3, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Though a number Decatur’s infrastructure projects have shut down during the coronavirus outbreak, construction continues on the new fiber optic network that’ll be shared by both the city and school system.
April 3, 2020
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Starting Monday, Columbus city inmate work crews no longer will collect yard waste and recycling during the COVID-19 emergency, authorities said Friday.
April 3, 2020
Augusta Chronicle
The city’s finances in light of the coronavirus pandemic were highlighted in a Thursday meeting of the Augusta Commission.
April 3, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Rome City Schools superintendent Lou Byars said there’s been no indication that closing schools will have an effect on the budget for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year. He says he’s not looking at furloughs for this year.
April 3, 2020
Athens Banner-Herald
The Athens-Clarke County Commission is asking Gov. Brian Kemp to order a moratorium on rent payments and is urging the federal government for a similar moratorium on mortgage payments.
April 3, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
The Cobb and Marietta school districts have provided updates on what the rest of the school year will look like after Gov. Brian Kemp’s order on Wednesday to end in-person school for the remainder of the year.
April 3, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
City of Marietta officials have determined they will need to adjust their recent regulations to slow the spread of the coronavirus now that the state government has issued orders that supersede local ones.
April 3, 2020
Rome News-Tribune
Local governments’ discussions on extending their emergency orders to keep residents at home were brought to a halt Thursday evening with the release of Gov. Brian Kemp’s own order for Georgians to shelter in place.
April 3, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
On Friday, Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton gave his city an update on various community efforts to support local families and businesses in need.
April 2, 2020
Walker County Messenger
The city of Fort Oglethorpe has extended its public health emergency and is levying more restrictions in its fight against the spread of COVID-19. And while it adds more restrictions, it also adds some protections.
April 2, 2020
Barrow News-Journal
The Statham City Council quickly and unanimously approved a stay-at-home order in a called meeting Wednesday morning, April 1, aligning the city with orders put in place by Barrow County, the City of Auburn and the Town of Braselton.
April 2, 2020
Marietta Daily Journal
Marietta city leaders wi