Viewpoints

The Georgia General Assembly closed the 2026 legislative session in the early morning hours on April 3, and when the dust settled, Georgia's cities were in a better position than most had expected going in.

GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson pushes back on the argument that local zoning is to blame for the state's housing affordability problem — and makes the case for partnership over preemption.

"A new year is a good time to recommit to serving our communities with dedication and passion. For Georgia’s city leaders, it is also a reminder of the responsibility we share to serve our communities with vision, integrity, and an eye toward the future."

"When we approach advocacy as stewardship, we reframe the conversation from lobbying for special treatment or defending turf to honoring our responsibility to the people who call our cities home."

"Many of our leaders—past and present—have called for unity, only to abandon the idea when it becomes inconvenient or politically risky. Yet we often vote against the very thing we most need: strong leadership that helps us come together."