The Newly Elected Officials Institute will be held at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center on March 18-20. 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.

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 course 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 March 17, 18 and 19 at the following Tifton hotels. Ask for the Georgia Municipal Association block rate when booking by phone. Reservations MUST be made by Feb. 20, 2026.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tifton, $159++ per night, 229-520-5135  or book online

Country Inn & Suites, $110++ per night/ 229-256-4488 or book online  

Spark by Hilton, $110++ per night/ 229-382-8505 or book online

Comfort Inn & Suites, $110++ per night/ 229-375-5903 or book online

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations after February 27 will incur a $100 cancellation fee. Cancellations after March 6 will not be refunded. 

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