Nine cities across Georgia have been named as 2026 Visionary City Award honorees by the Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia Trend. The awards, a joint effort between the two organizations, honors cities that have turned thoughtful planning into measurable results for their residents.
"These communities share a common approach: listening to residents, working collaboratively, and following through," said Ben Young, publisher and editor-in-chief of Georgia Trend. "Their work shows that visionary leadership doesn't depend on size or geography—it depends on purpose."
The nine honorees represent small, medium, and large cities from across the state, addressing challenges from flood mitigation and land conservation to youth entrepreneurship and public safety—all grounded in strong partnerships and community input.
Here's a closer look at the nine winning projects.
Chattahoochee Hills
Since incorporating in 2007, the City of Chattahoochee Hills has required that 70 percent of its land remain in permanent greenspace, protecting farmland, forests, and river corridors while allowing compact, intentional development. Through tools like transfer of development rights and density transfer charges, growth helps fund conservation rather than compete with it. More than 12,000 acres have been preserved, keeping infrastructure costs low while positioning the city as a model for conservation-based planning.
Hartwell
The City of Hartwell's StartUP Hart program connects students with educators, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders to turn business concepts into real ventures rooted in the local economy. Developed with Georgia Power's CREATE program, Hart County Schools, and downtown development partners, the initiative combines mentorship, financial literacy training, and a pitch competition providing seed funding. Student-led businesses are now operating downtown, helping young people see a future in their hometown.
Watkinsville
The City of Watkinsville's Thomas Farm Preserve, a 100-acre site, more than doubles the city's accessible greenspace while permanently protecting its largest undeveloped tract. Planned with strong public input, the preserve will include trails, ponds, wetlands, and quiet spaces balancing recreation with conservation. By combining local funding, state support, and a conservation loan, Watkinsville delivered a project that strengthens environmental resilience and provides a lasting community asset.
Brunswick
Recurring coastal flooding near Glynn Middle School prompted the City of Brunswick to develop the Lanier Flood Mitigation Project, which combines stormwater infrastructure upgrades with nature-based solutions—wetlands, tide control measures, and roadway improvements—near Glynn Middle School. Developed with state agencies, the school system, and neighborhood residents, the project reduces flood risk, improves water quality, and enhances access to critical facilities while delivering long-term resilience and lower maintenance costs.
Griffin
The City of Griffin's South Precinct and Community Center combines a police presence with after-school programs, tutoring, mentoring, and community events. Designed with resident input and supported by partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations, the facility has helped reduce calls for service in the surrounding area while building trust and daily interaction between officers and families.
Suwanee
The City of Suwanee's Town Center on Main completes a long-standing vision to unify Suwanee's downtown by rerouting Main Street to connect historic Old Town with Town Center. The project unlocked new greenspace and improved walkability, adding gathering areas, water features, a pedestrian bridge, a Veterans Memorial, and Suwanee Circle, a municipally integrated food truck park. The result blends transportation improvements with placemaking to support both community life and economic vitality.
Albany
The reopening of the City of Albany's Charles Driskell Park Community Center reflects the city's investment in neighborhood-driven revitalization. Guided by resident input, the city transformed an aging facility into an ADA-compliant hub offering after-school programs, wellness activities, technology access, and gathering space. Outdoor improvements, including an accessible playground, further expand its reach as a platform for education, health, and connection.
Rome
After engaging more than 175 residents, the City of Rome redesigned Banty Jones Park to prioritize accessibility, safety, and family-friendly amenities. New features include inclusive playgrounds, a splash pad, walking paths, enhanced lighting, and shaded seating. Supported by partnerships across housing, public safety, nonprofits, and faith organizations, the park has been transformed from an underused space into a welcoming neighborhood anchor.
Valdosta
Non-emergency 911 calls were straining first responders and leaving callers' underlying needs unmet—a challenge the City of Valdosta addressed by launching the HEART program. Led by the fire department in partnership with health care providers and nonprofits, the program responds to residents experiencing homelessness, hunger, or mental health challenges with resources and guidance rather than traditional emergency response. By focusing on frequent callers and root causes, HEART has reduced unnecessary emergency calls and hospital visits while strengthening trust with vulnerable residents.
What connects these nine cities is a willingness to plan carefully, partner broadly, and act with purpose.
"Each of these initiatives reflects the kind of thoughtful, community-driven work happening in cities across Georgia every day," said Larry Hanson, CEO and executive director of the Georgia Municipal Association. "They highlight strong ideas and strong partnerships, and offer examples other cities can learn from."
Learn more about each city's project in the February issue or Georgia Trend.