Lately, I’ve been thinking about the sky.
Maybe it’s the changing season or the miles I’ve spent driving between fall district meetings, watching the horizon shift from farmland to our coastal cities. Either way, there’s something about looking up that reminds me of Georgia’s cities. Looking up changes everything.
When we lift our eyes to the sky, we gain perspective. We focus on what is bigger, higher, and ahead. I often find myself doing this and sometimes even seeing shapes in the clouds, which sparks ideas and reminds me that imagination is part of leadership. Perspective allows us to look beyond today’s challenges and envision a better future for our communities.
Looking up also reminds us of the possibilities. The sky is wide open, and so are the opportunities before Georgia’s cities. Cities cover just 9 percent of Georgia’s land area, yet nearly half of our population lives there. 70 percent of jobs are located there, and 91 percent of Georgia’s GDP is generated there. Many of our cities are doing big things, welcoming new businesses, investing in infrastructure and housing, and creating experiences that draw people to their downtowns.
Housing is one of the most pressing opportunities and challenges we face. During a recent GMA Board meeting, Braselton Mayor Kurt Ward shared how his city is adapting to rapid growth. Over the past two decades, Braselton’s population has grown dramatically, bringing new neighborhoods, infrastructure needs, and lessons learned about how to plan for a sustainable future. Their experience is a reminder that cities across Georgia are finding creative ways to meet today’s housing needs while preparing for the communities of tomorrow.
In this issue of Georgia’s Cities, you’ll read about communities turning film industry changes into new tourism strategies, leaders working to make Georgia the number one state for tourism, and public safety initiatives like the LEADERS program that are reducing accidents and saving lives. Together, these stories show how Georgia’s cities are turning challenges into possibilities and opportunities for their residents.
I believe cities are able to do this because they look up and hold positive thoughts about their communities. Positive thoughts alone cannot change our circumstances, but they help us find perspective, give us hope for better times, and give us the mindset to act. Hope is not only my middle name, but it is an important part of who I am and how I strive to live my life. Faith, hope, and love are truly foundational to a happy life. When we lead with optimism, we encourage our teams, inspire our residents, and open doors to collaboration. In these times of growing incivility, our positive leadership is what helps our perspective become a plan and our possibilities become progress.
So, as you enjoy this season of football games, fall festivals, and time outdoors, I encourage you to take the time to look up. With a renewed perspective, we can see what’s possible for Georgia’s cities.
