In a wide-ranging discussion during a meeting of GMA’s Legislative Policy Council in Madison on May 1, “The Georgia Gang” panelists Phil Kent and Cathy Woolard brought insight to some of the issues facing Georgia’s cities. The conversation spanned the 2025 legislative session, the 2026 election cycle, and ongoing challenges including housing, infrastructure, mental health, and artificial intelligence.
Tort Reform and Municipal Liability
The panel opened with reflections on the 2025 General Assembly session, particularly the landmark passage of tort reform measures. Kent, a longtime media commentator, president of Phil Kent Consulting, and publisher of JAMES Magazine, described the reform effort as unprecedented during Governor Kemp’s tenure. “I’ve never seen him push so hard on any legislation,” Kent remarked. “It passed the House by one vote. That tells you how intense the opposition was, especially from the trial lawyers, who are one of the most powerful lobbies in Georgia.”
Kent thanked Senator John Kennedy for his leadership and acknowledged the support of GMA. “I went over to the GMA offices in January, to get briefed on it, and I got a very thorough briefing. That was so helpful.” He added, “The Milton example is one we should all remember.”
Woolard, a former Atlanta City Council President, recognized the importance of the reform but said there was unfinished work. “The early adjournment of the Senate left some things hanging.” She added, “When a big issue sort of sucks all the air out of the room, it's difficult to revive it the next time around.”
Housing: A Persistent Challenge
Both panelists addressed the statewide housing crisis and the lack of substantial legislation despite broad acknowledgment of the problem. While Governor Kemp allocated funds for rural workforce housing, broader reform remains elusive.
Woolard, an early champion of the Atlanta Beltline, emphasized the link between development and transit: “We put the density around the Beltline so that we could support transit.” She continued, “The cost of operating a vehicle in Georgia, not just Atlanta, is really, really high. Transit is something we must invest in.”
Woolard also suggested that the state consider relaxing commercial building code requirements for four-unit residential buildings. These standards, she said, could be more closely aligned with those for townhouses and single-family rentals to help reduce construction costs while still maintaining safety.
Kent agreed on the need for city-level action, particularly in rural communities. Both expressed concern about investor-owned short-term rentals. “We’re losing the kind of one- and two-bedroom housing stock,” Woolard said.
Speed Cameras: Technology and Trust
Speed enforcement in school zones prompted personal stories and policy views. Kent acknowledged frustrations with automated enforcement: “Let’s be blunt; some of these school zones are just money makers,” he said. “That’s why I like Rep. Alan Powell’s bill. It ties enforcement to flashing lights and school hours.”
Woolard shared her own experience: “I was none too happy to receive that ticket in the mail.” However, she said the technology worked. “I have never once exceeded the speed limit in that area since.” She went on to say, “Put ’em up everywhere. Give people a ticket if they’re a mile over or two miles over, collect the money and the traffic will slow down.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
Discussion shifted to Georgia’s 2026 elections. Kent noted that Governor Brian Kemp was “under pressure from national Republicans” to challenge Senator Jon Ossoff, pointing to recent polling that showed Ossoff’s favorability under 50%. “That’s dangerous for any incumbent.” Governor Kemp has since announced that he will not run for the Senate in 2026.
Woolard was skeptical of the idea from the start. “It’s hard to knock off a sitting U.S. Senator,” she said. “And Kemp could be more valuable laying back, making friends with the MAGA folks, and positioning himself as a potential VP pick.”
Both pointed to potential gubernatorial candidates and emphasized the state’s political balance. “Georgia is a 50-50 state,” Woolard said. “That means both parties have to focus on the center.”
AI, Mental Health and Local Responsibility
The conversation closed with audience questions, which brought forward challenges such as AI data centers and mental health infrastructure.
Woolard and Kent both agreed that while AI and data centers are inevitable, cities must ensure the community gets something in return, whether through jobs, tax revenue, or infrastructure investment.
Both panelists addressed the burden cities face when mental health infrastructure is lacking. Woolard emphasized the need for state support, noting the strain on local jails, emergency rooms, and budgets. Kent agreed and said the issue was gaining traction on both sides of the aisle. “This is a real opportunity for cities to lead,” he said.
Final Thoughts: Civility and Engagement
In closing, both panelists shared advice for city leaders. Kent emphasized engaging with the media, even when the coverage may be difficult. “Even if it's hostile media, you still have to work with them and ‘no comment’ is the worst thing you could ever say,” he said.
Woolard urged municipal officials to protect the nonpartisan, service-oriented nature of local government. “Anything that you can do to keep civility in the public realm in your city, and model that, is, I think, enormously important,” she said. “I think that what you do at the city level is really the building block to our democracy.”