On Thursday, November 13, members of GMA’s Federal Policy Council (FPC) convened at the GMA offices for its first Fall meeting to discuss federal policy priorities and advocacy strategies. Discussions focused on housing, infrastructure, disaster relief, and federal engagement.
FPC Chair Mayor Jimmy Burnette of Suwanee led the meeting, and Jim Thornton, Director of Governmental Relations, along with his team, provided policy and regulatory updates. GMA General Counsel Rusi Patel updated the FPC on several important legal issues working their way through the courts regarding federal funding, immigration reform, and tariffs.
FPC members received an update focused on assisting cities with outstanding FEMA reimbursements and outlining the FEMA Reform Act moving through Congress. Key provisions of the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which recently passed the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) were also reviewed with staff pointing out that the housing language is expected to be included in the House’s version of the NDAA later this year.
FPC members worked through two breakout sessions designed to dig deeper into key federal issues and gather member feedback. The first session focused on the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization process, where members emphasized the need for simpler federal procedures and predictable funding to help cities meet future infrastructure needs. The second session reviewed GMA’s current federal advocacy strategies and how members engage with the federal government. Participants discussed ways to strengthen their relationships with congressional offices and federal agencies, noting the importance of more direct communication with staff.
The next FPC meeting will be held during the annual Cities United Summit in Atlanta on January 23.