The seventh annual joint Legislative Policy Council Meeting between the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) took place on Sept. 16-17 in St. Simons, GA, furthering a longstanding tradition of collaboration aimed at best serving Georgia’s citizens. ACCG functions as GMA’s county counterpart, advocating at the State Capitol on behalf of counties in much the same way GMA represents cities. When both legislative councils come together, their partnership creates a stronger, unified voice for local government under the Gold Dome, making these joint sessions a particularly valuable tool for advancing priorities in the General Assembly.
The intent behind these annual gatherings goes beyond simply reviewing bills or exchanging updates. Their purpose is to intentionally strengthen the collaboration and understanding between municipal and county leaders, to identify shared concerns, and to strategize ahead of the upcoming legislative session. With 2026 being an election year for Georgia’s state lawmakers, the timing adds another layer of importance and urgency to the conversation.
“This is an important time to be in positions of leadership,” said meeting facilitator Mara Shaw Warrington, Senior Public Service Associate at UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government – underscoring both the weight of the issues at hand and the responsibility of those in the room.
The first day opened with welcoming remarks from Young Harris Mayor and GMA First Vice President Andrea Gibby and Colquitt County Commissioner and ACCG First Vice President Marc Demott. Their comments set a collaborative tone for the two-day session, reminding attendees of the value of local governments working hand-in-hand.
Staff from both GMA and ACCG followed with briefings on key bills that had surfaced in recent sessions, along with a presentation addressing Georgia’s infrastructure needs. Jim Thornton, GMA’s Director of Governmental Relations, gave attendees a reminder about the challenges ahead, including entering a legislative session during an election year.
“We’re going into one of the most challenging legislative sessions we’ve seen in recent years,” Thornton said.
The morning continued with a timely presentation on the use of artificial intelligence in local government. Attendees learned how other jurisdictions are experimenting with AI tools to improve efficiency, while also weighing the risks that come with them. The session covered concerns about privacy when inputting government data into AI models, questions about accuracy, and examples of how these tools can be properly — and responsibly — integrated into municipal and county operations.
What made the day especially valuable, however, was the emphasis on cross-organization dialogue. Attendees were encouraged to sit at mixed tables with both GMA and ACCG representatives, sparking conversations that reflected the diverse experiences and priorities of Georgia’s local leaders.
Day One closed on a high note with remarks from both organizations’ presidents and CEOs. Dougherty County Commissioner and ACCG President Clinton Johnson reflected on the diversity and strength of the assembled group.
Gesturing to the crowd, he said, “This is what Georgia looks like. This is why we do well. It’s because of each of you... it’s been a family reunion today.”
GMA CEO Larry Hanson echoed those sentiments, offering encouragement while recognizing the personal sacrifices that come with public service.
“You do it because you love your city, and you love your county, and you want to make it a better place,” Hanson said. His words reminded attendees that despite political challenges, the mission of local government remains rooted in service and community.
The second day began with a working breakfast session featuring GMA General Counsel Rusi Patel and ACCG General Counsel Larry Ramsey. Together they unpacked the complex issue of sovereign immunity waivers, a topic that could resurface in the 2026 legislative session. Their joint presentation outlined potential legal and policy implications for cities and counties alike, ensuring that both councils would be prepared to respond if the debate reignites.
Following the breakfast, the two organizations broke out into their respective Legislative Policy Councils. This portion of the meeting allowed each group to reflect on what they had learned from their counterparts and to refine their own priorities. Ideas, questions, and concerns raised during the joint discussions were carried back into the councils, strengthening each organization’s ability to speak with clarity and purpose at the Capitol.
Andrea Gibby, GMA’s First Vice President, pointed to the efforts of GMA’s Governmental Relations team as essential to the organization’s advocacy efforts.
“We could not do the work of cities without our GR team,” she said, recognizing their year-round dedication.
By the time the two-day session concluded, leaders left with a renewed sense of focus. These annual meetings do more than prepare GMA and ACCG for the legislative session—they reinforce a shared commitment to collaboration. In a state as diverse as Georgia, with 536 cities and 159 counties, having a forum where local government leaders can share perspectives and build common ground is invaluable.
The joint Legislative Policy Council Meeting stands as a testament to what can be achieved when municipal and county leaders join forces. As attendees dispersed, the message was clear: despite political headwinds, the combined strength of Georgia’s local governments will remain focused on serving citizens and shaping a stronger future together.