News Updates

On November 18 the Local Government Subcommittee of the Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee held a rare off-season hearing to examine House Bill 812, a piece of legislation that seeks to reshape how cities and counties regulate building codes and issue land disturbance permits (LDPs).

The cities of Alma, Barnesville, Blairsville, Elberton, Folkston, Grantville, and Summerville will be designated as Georgia’s newest Rural Zones on January 1, 2026.

The Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF) has awarded $15,000 in 2025 Placemaking Grants to nine Georgia communities, supporting more than $65,000 in public space enhancements across the state.

On November 4, 2025, voters across Georgia approved 32 of the 36 Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendums on the ballot, marking a major step in the rollout of this new property tax relief tool.

The GMA's Risk Management and Employee Benefit Services (RMEBS) has named Commissioner Shelly Berryhill of Hawkinsville as Chair and Mayor Jason Holt of Fitzgerald as Vice Chair of its Board of Trustees, highlighting their shared commitment to strengthening Georgia’s cities and supporting local employees.