The Newly Elected Officials Institute will be held at the UGA Center for Continuing Education in Athens on Feb. 25-27, 2026.
The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, operated in partnership between GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, is pleased to provide this required training to Georgia’s newly elected municipal officials.
This multi-day training provides a general overview of the function of municipal government in Georgia and the roles and responsibilities of mayors and councilmembers.
It includes an introduction to key issues such as ethics, municipal finance, planning and zoning, open meetings, open records and parliamentary procedures. All municipal elected officials taking office since July 1, 1990 are required by state law to complete the Newly Elected Officials Institute.
Lodging: GMA has a reserved block of rooms for the nights of Feb. 24, 25 and 26 at the following hotels:
UGA Hotel and Conference Center. The block rate is $149-$179 ++ per night, depending on room type and includes parking at the adjacent parking lot. For reservations please visit Hotel Reservation Booking Link or call 1-800-884-1381 or 706-542-2134 and ask for the Georgia Municipal Association block rate. Reservations MUST be made by January 20.
Hyatt Place Athens / Downtown, 412 North Thomas Street Athens, Georgia, 30601. The block rate is $175+ per night. Hotel Reservation Booking Link
Tentative Newly Elected Officials Institute Agenda
Wednesday
9:30 – 11:00 am Institute Registration Check-in (anytime between 9:30 a.m.—11 a.m.)
11:00 - 11:30 am Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Program Overview
11:30 – 12 30 am Lunch
12:45 - 5:00 pm Sessions
Dinner on Your Own
Thursday
7:00 am – 8:00 am Buffet Breakfast
8:15 am - 8:30 am Welcome Back
8:30 am – 12:30 pm Sessions
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Lunch
12:45 pm-5:30 pm Sessions
Dinner on Your Own
Friday
7:00 am – 8:00 am Buffet Breakfast
8:15 am – 12::15 pm Sessions
12:15 pm – 12:30 pm Program Closing and Words to Lead By