GMA's 2025 Annual Convention provided many opportunities for elected officials to convene and discuss issues their constituents face across Georgia, as well as avenues to address them. On Saturday, June 21, GMA’s Governmental Relations team facilitated six policy committee meetings. After each meeting, policy recommendations were advanced to the Legislative Policy Council for potential inclusion in the organization's advocacy agenda.
Led by Council Member Janie Reid of Eatonton, the Environment & Natural Resources Committee discussed the increasing presence of data centers in Georgia how their impact on water and power systems, while Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul of Sandy Springs led the Transportation Committee through a discussion on expanding passenger rail statewide.
In the afternoon, Newnan City Manager Cleatus Phillips chaired the Municipal Government Committee which discussed annexation strategies and the creation of new cities, while in the Community Development Committee, Mayor Carlos Duffey of Jackson led a conversation on how cities can respond to Georgia’s mental health challenges.
Mayor Eric Wilson of Forsyth and the Public Safety Committee discussed how cities are responding to youth violence. Rounding out the day, Mayor Skip Henderson of Columbus guided the Revenue & Finance Committee through a discussion on how cities can fund future infrastructure needs.
Guest panelists, including state legislators and state agency leaders, discussed relevant issues likely to surface under the Gold Dome in the 2026 legislative session. Active participation was encouraged to ensure that local voices were well-represented in shaping statewide municipal policy. By staggering the policy meetings throughout the day, members were able to attend up to three based on their interest.
After these discussions and review of the proposed policies, a summary of each panel and the recommendations of the attendees were presented to the Legislative Policy Council – ensuring a grassroots-style advocacy effort that takes local government officials’ input into account when preparing for another year of legislative efforts. These policies were ratified by the Legislative Policy Council and then approved by the entire membership at the business meeting.
The policy meetings aim to reinforce GMA’s mission of empowering all Georgia cities to meet the needs of their constituents. By taking time to hear the varied experiences that GMA members experience across different municipalities, recommendations are refined to accurately reflect real Georgia city needs. GMA looks forward to bringing these policies to the Capitol for the 2026 legislative session to continue to advocate for every city across the state.