At the Georgia Municipal Association, we are proud to represent all 536 of Georgia’s cities, many of which are small and rural communities that help drive Georgia’s economy and enhance the quality of life across our state.
This spring, like every spring, our team has been on the road throughout the state conducting Listening Sessions and we have seen firsthand that all across Georgia, while there are certainly many challenges, there are also stories of growth, resilience, and innovation unfolding in many of our communities.
These cities may be smaller in population, but their impact is anything but small. In fact, as you can find in our Value of Cities, 73 percent of Georgia’s cities have a population of 5,000 or less and while only 9% of the state’s land area, all cities together are home to nearly 45 percent of the state’s population, 70% of the state’s jobs, and generate 91 percent of Georgia’s GDP.
That impact reaches beyond city limits. Cities also serve as the economic anchors for their surrounding regions. From agriculture and manufacturing to tourism, logistics, commercial, and small business development, rural cities are essential to the strength of Georgia’s economy. Beyond economics, cities are the cultural hubs and home to unique and vibrant downtowns, parks and recreation amenities, and the brightest innovators to constantly reinvent what’s new and what’s next.
Leadership in a small city takes creativity, persistence, and partnership. Local leaders are balancing many priorities at once, from economic growth and housing to infrastructure, placemaking, and building unique downtowns. Through our partnership with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, GMA is connecting city leaders with training and development that helps them build stronger communities.
This issue of Georgia’s Cities highlights several examples of how that work is taking shape across our state. In communities like Cuthbert, Young Harris, and Macon, partnerships between city leaders, colleges, and economic development organizations are creating new opportunities for investment and growth.
Housing is another challenge many rural cities are addressing head-on. Through creative partnerships and new approaches, communities such as Fitzgerald, Blakely, and Pembroke are working to expand housing options and support workforce development. When housing solutions align with economic development strategies, cities are better positioned to attract employers, new families, and support long-term growth.
These kinds of efforts are strengthened by statewide initiatives as well. Governor Brian Kemp recently announced the third round of Rural Site Development Grants, including support for Rome and Waycross. Programs like these help prepare sites for new industry, strengthen economic competitiveness, and position rural communities for future opportunities.
One of the best places to see these ideas come together is at GMA’s Small Cities Conference, which will take place May 13-15 in Gainesville. This event brings together leaders from small and rural communities across Georgia to share best practices, discuss challenges, and learn from one another. Topics range from economic development and housing to infrastructure, partnerships, and leadership strategies that help communities thrive.
Big or small, every Georgia city matters. When we work together and share ideas, we all move forward. That’s what it means to be Cities United.
