GMA Calendar of Events

Hosted by Rhythm & Rally in Macon, GA, this unique fundraiser blends fun with purpose, offering a chance to connect and compete while supporting a meaningful cause. GeorgiaForward, Inc. (GF) is a 501(c)(3) organization of the Georgia Municipal Association. Overseen by a public-private board, the organization exists to unite Georgia and empower leaders to build vibrant, economically prosperous communities throughout the state. The mission is carried out by investing in the next generation of leaders. The organization focuses on literacy initiatives for the youngest of Georgia’s citizens, supports youth councils to engage teens civically, and provides leadership development for young professionals ages 25 to 40 through the Young Gamechangers program. Participation in the GeorgiaForward Pickleball Round Robin directly supports these efforts, turning an afternoon of friendly competition into lasting impact for communities across the state.

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Municipal Revenue Administration Certificate (MRAC) Program includes five classes to enlighten municipal employees and municipal officials on the different revenue sources and applicable laws in the administration and collection process. Program objectives include: Increasing the knowledge of all major components in property tax collection;  Increasing the knowledge of the different taxes and revenue sources; To equip local governments with the tools and resources needed in the administration of the various revenue sources; To increase professionalism through the empowerment of knowledge and skills; To develop skills necessary for maintaining high standards of professionalism to those we serve. Cost is $150 per class and covers materials and lunch.

The Fall District Meeting offers city officials a valuable opportunity to gather, receive updates from GMA on current initiatives and advocacy efforts, network with peers, and share a meal while learning about upcoming events within the district.

Join fellow Mayors from across District 5 for a valuable day of connection, learning, and professional camaraderie. Hosted by the City of Athens, this meeting provides an excellent opportunity to share best practices, enjoy a hosted lunch, and engage in meaningful discussions with your peers.

The 2026 Broadband & Technology Summit brings together community leaders, elected officials, policymakers, internet service providers, economic development professionals, public safety officials, utility leaders, and state and federal partners to explore the future of connected communities in Georgia. As broadband continues to drive economic growth, public safety, education, healthcare, and quality of life, this statewide summit provides practical strategies and collaborative solutions for expanding high-speed internet access across Georgia. Attendees will gain valuable insights into funding opportunities, infrastructure deployment, partnerships, and emerging technologies that are shaping connected communities. Through expert presentations and interactive discussions, participants will explore: Why connected communities matter Bridging the divide between broadband, economic development, public safety, GIS, utilities, and emerging technologies Funding opportunities, grants, and federal/state updates Building successful partnerships for broadband deployment The future of connected public safety and emergency communications Economic growth through broadband investment Real-world examples of successful connected communities Whether your community is just beginning its broadband journey or expanding existing infrastructure, this summit offers valuable tools, resources, and networking opportunities to help move your community forward.

Join us for an informative training session tailored to Pension Committee Secretaries! This session will cover essential topics to help you navigate pension plan administration: Plan Document Review Portable Service Retirement Benefit Formula Joint & Survivor Payment Options Retirement Application Package Benefit Eligibility vs. Benefit Calculation Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge or refresh your understanding, this training is a great opportunity to enhance your expertise in managing pension plans effectively. Lunch will be provided.

Municipal staff spend valuable time answering repetitive questions, searching for information, and tracking down documents, policies, and procedures—time they could better spend serving residents. AI is already making a real impact for local governments across the country. Join us for a live demonstration exploring how purpose-built AI tools are helping municipalities: Streamline resident communications — provide faster answers to common questions and reduce repetitive service requests Improve staff efficiency — give employees quicker access to policies and procedures Maintain organizational knowledge — preserve institutional knowledge that might otherwise be lost through retirements Support service delivery — improve responsiveness without adding headcount This session will showcase real municipal AI use cases and give city staff a practical, hands-on look at what's possible for their own organizations.

The Hartwell Heart and Soul Downtown Workshop will visit the City of Hartwell, GA on September 23, 2026. A reception will be held on the evening of September 22.

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Human Resources Administration Certificate (HRAC) Program includes six classes designed to provide city elected officials and appointed staff with the tools to successfully recruit, train, and retain talent to provide services to their communities in an inclusive and equitable approach. The program also addresses the expanded need from the previous service of HR Express, which offered online webinars, training, and access to Personnel Law attorneys.

Join us for the District 7 Mayors' Meeting, an event designed to bring mayors together within our district to foster collaboration, share valuable information, and support each other as resources. This gathering provides an excellent opportunity to build camaraderie while enjoying a meal together. We are pleased to welcome Mayor Roxanne Whitaker of Harlem as our guest speaker. Mayor Whitaker will discuss annexation, including the reasons a city may want to annex, the process involved, and pitfalls to avoid along the way. Thank you to the City of Hephzibah for hosting this luncheon. Your participation is vital to the success of this meeting. Please register so that we can plan accordingly.

Many of you have been asking for a reunion for years. We are excited to offer a reunion, "Are we going or growing?" session, and professional leadership training opportunity for all alumni, as well as new members attending the upcoming class. The tentative date is Friday, September 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join us in Savannah for the GMA Gas Section/Natural Gas Association of Georgia Management Conference! This year’s event features focused educational sessions, key business meetings, and the annual general election on Tuesday, September 29th. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with leading vendors showcasing the latest innovations in natural gas products and services. Set against the charm of historic Savannah, this conference is an ideal place to gain insights, strengthen connections, and engage in conversations shaping the future of our industry.