The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) has been ranked the No. 1 Top Business and Trade Association in Georgia by JAMES Magazine, recognizing the association’s work representing Georgia’s cities at the State Capitol and beyond.
The recognition is part of JAMES Magazine’s annual rankings of Georgia’s leading lobbyists, governmental affairs firms and associations. GMA earned the top spot among business and trade associations, reflecting the results, relationships and reputation its Governmental Relations team has built while advocating on behalf of Georgia’s 536 cities.
The ranking process goes beyond a reader poll. In the September/October 2026 issue, JAMES Magazine CEO and Publisher Phil Kent explains that the magazine first conducts an online voting period to gather input from readers. Because lobbying is a nuanced industry, Kent writes, “there’s more to the rankings than our readers’ poll.”
The JAMES team also speaks with what Kent describes as “movers-and-shakers across the state,” including bipartisan elected officials, business leaders, agency heads, accomplished lobbyists and clients. Their input helps inform the magazine’s evaluation of individuals and firms based on three key criteria: integrity, the ability to provide reliable information, and local and state legislative access and success.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the results, respect and standing our Governmental Relations team has earned through their work on behalf of Georgia’s cities,” said Larry Hanson, CEO and Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association. “We have long known the strength of this team, but it is gratifying to see their work and reputation recognized at the state level. While this honor recognizes our Governmental Relations team, effective advocacy is a collaborative effort. That effort is strengthened by our Legislative Policy Council, Board of Directors, GMA staff, city officials and member cities, as well as partner organizations and stakeholders across the state. Together, we work to advance sound public policy and achieve positive results for Georgia’s cities.”
GMA Team Members Earn Individual Recognition
Several members of GMA’s Governmental Relations team also received individual honors in this year’s rankings.
Jim Thornton, Deputy Executive Director, was named among Georgia’s Top 100 lobbyists, ranking No. 31. Thornton leads GMA’s governmental relations efforts and works alongside city officials and GMA staff to advance municipal priorities at the state and federal levels.
DJ Waller and Katrina Cochran were recognized among JAMES Magazine’s “Rising Stars,” ranking No. 6 and No. 13, respectively.
The individual honors further reflect the experience and talent of a Governmental Relations team that works year-round to build relationships with policymakers, provide reliable information on issues affecting municipalities and ensure the perspectives of Georgia’s cities are represented in public policy discussions.
GMA’s advocacy efforts are rooted in collaboration and strengthened by relationships across the state. By working with city leaders, member cities, partner organizations and other stakeholders, GMA helps identify shared priorities, communicate the impact of proposed policies and advocate for solutions that help build strong Georgia cities.