July/August 2019
ADVOCACY. SERVICE. INNOVATION.
Natural & Historic Preservation
Columns & Features In This Issue Milton Conserves Its Natural Character | GMA Annual Convention Recap Historic Cities Connect with the Present | Dublin: Where the Dream Began & History Lives On
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“By celebrating our heritage, we celebrate our people. By preserving our historic assets, we provide a stronger sense of place for all.” – BRUNSWICK COMMISSIONER JULIE MARTIN
July/August 2019 Volume 1 • No. 1
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EDITORIAL BOARD James Brent Charlotte Davis Alan Dickerson Philip Dobbs Felicia Evans Tom Gehl Aileen Harris Chris Higdon Chris Obenschain Holger Loewendorf Rusi Patel Brian Wallace GMA OFFICERS President: Phil Best, Mayor, Dublin First Vice President: Vince Williams, Mayor, Union City Second Vice President: Jim Thornton, Mayor, LaGrange Third Vice President: Julie Smith, Mayor, Tifton Immediate Past President: Linda Blechinger, Mayor, Auburn
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Table of Contents FEATURES MILTON CONSERVES ITS NATURAL CHARACTER ............................................ 05 GMA ANNUAL CONVENTION RECAP ...............................................................10 HISTORIC CITIES CONNECT WITH THE PRESENT ..............................................18 DUBLIN: WHERE THE DREAM BEGAN & HISTORY LIVES ON ............................ 28 CITYSCAPES .................................................................................................... 06 + Transformative Leadership is Humble, Servant Leadership + Cities United: Lead to Succeed + Cities: Home to Our Cultural Icons
CITY DESK ....................................................................................................... 20 + Atlanta Food Forest Enhances Fresh Food Access + City Spotlight: Welcome to Williamson + Georgia’s Cities Urged to Participate in #CityHallSelfie Day + Small Town, Big Impact: Washington Retrofits + Four Cities Receive Smart Communities Challenge Grants
INSIDE GMA .................................................................................................... 32 + Innovation: Two-day Fall Training Event + Local Officials’ Role in the 2020 Census + The Value of Georgia’s Cities + Advocacy: GMA Prepares for 2020 with New Policies + Service: Cities Receive Home Depot Rebates
ADDITIONAL + Downtown Development: Breweries Trend Small in a Big Way ............................ 42 + Towns & The Law: Cities Review Separation of Church & State ............................44 + Building Roads Less Traveled: The Recreational Trails Program ............................45 + Federal Focus: Ways to Connect with Georgia Congressional Delegation ............46
CITYLITES ....................................................................................................... 48 + Fairs and Festivals + Georgia Gems: The Longest & Largest Canopy Tour in the U.S.
NEW WEBSITE: We’ve updated our web address to: www.gacities.com. Visit the updated site today! FOLLOW GMA ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook & LinkedIn: Georgia Municipal Association & Twitter: @GaCities
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MILTON CONSERVES ITS
NATURAL CHARACTER
Natural land conservation has found favor among the public, civic leaders and local officials, with many communities taking steps to preserve and protect those lands. According to Katherine Moore, vice president of programs and director of sustainable growth with the Georgia Conservancy, the city of Milton is one of those communities and has seen development from a bucolic horse farm community into a fast-growing one. This growth and the city’s unique history have led residents to want to protect its character. Through a Fulton County ballot referendum in 2016, residents of Milton and Johns Creek overwhelmingly supported bond packages for land conservation and greenspace totaling $65 million. During the fall of 2017, the Georgia Conservancy began working with Milton’s leadership to prioritize properties that could be acquired or put under conservation easement. Milton has acquired 345 acres, spending about $15 million of their greenspace bond fund, with additional acreage undergoing due diligence. Georgia Conservancy conducted a greenspace analysis for Milton and presented results to a citizen Greenspace Committee for final recommendations. Milton’s seven-member Greenspace Advisory Committee oversees implementation of the city’s $25 million greenspace bond.
KICKSTARTING GREENSPACE CONSERVATION Moore cites former Gov. Roy Barnes’ 1999 greenspace initiative to protect 20 percent of land in rapidly developing counties and municipalities as the first of several efforts statewide. She pointed out that what’s happening in places such as Milton along with last year’s statewide passage of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act are positive signs. Through the act, designed to protect land and water, 75 percent of tax revenue collected from the sale of outdoor recreational equipment goes to fund conservation land. “The state continues to grapple with growth and greenspace protection,” she said, adding that land conservation is as important as infrastructure planning and needs to be prioritized. Planning, having the right people in place and spurring community support are necessary for communities to kickstart local conservation efforts, according to Moore and her colleagues. Charles McMillan, natural resources director for Georgia Conservancy, said having the right people who have the “energy and background to carry something like this forward” is one of the elements necessary for success. Georgia Conservancy Advocacy Director Leah Dixon shared, “We have a lot of work to do across the state to educate and talk to communities about natural resource amenities. Georgians have a lot of greenspace at their fingertips, and they should utilize it, because it’s not guaranteed.” “Once it [nature] is gone, it’s gone,” said Moore.
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 5
CITYSCAPES
Transformative Leadership is Humble, Servant Leadership BY DUBLIN MAYOR PHIL BEST, GMA PRESIDENT
The theme for GMA’s 2019 Annual Convention was “Cities United: Lead To Succeed.” IT WAS PERFECT AS IT REFLECTS who we are. We’re united together through GMA and our shared experience as local officials. We all aim for success for our cities, and we must actively lead our communities to make it all happen. The theme this year also allowed me to share with convention attendees my thoughts on how we should lead our communities to success and that is with a significant dose of humility. Leading with humility is grounded in the ideal of the servant leader. True, transformative leadership is based in service to others, not the other way around. The humble leader is one that listens deeply, has respect for varying and diverse views and welcomes feedback and suggestions from others. Humble leaders value cooperation, transparency, decency and civility. Let’s be clear, humility does not mean one is weak or indecisive. Far from it. Authority combined with humility is quite powerful. In fact, research shows that the most effective leaders are those that are humble. Don’t believe me? Do a search on Google and let me know what you find. What we do in our hometowns shouldn’t be a zero-sum game with winners and losers. Being a leader is not about winning at all costs. It’s not about our social media following or our ability to put down those
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that disagree with us. It’s about finding solutions to the challenges we face, solutions firmly rooted in the “common good.” That's what should drive us forward. To work toward the “common good” we must be willing to listen to and seek to understand others, admit when we are wrong, cultivate and engage the talents of others and cooperate to meet our collective goals. It requires leadership steeped in humility. Our nation was founded on great ideals that have been continually tested since its birth. But, it was built upon the strength of its communities and the local institutions found in them. In my mind, that puts “Lead to Succeed” in a different light. You see, what we do in our cities isn’t just about our hometowns, as important as that is. It’s really about the continued health and success of our 243-year-old experiment in democracy. If the weight of that doesn’t encourage us to bring a little humility to the table, I don’t know what will. At this time in our history, with so much bitterness and excessive pride displayed by so many people, I believe our country needs…is thirsty for… the positive example of humble leadership. And who better to do that than local officials? We must be willing to forge a new path. A path that isn’t loud or brazen or ruthless, but rather one grounded in those attributes that best reflects our humanity, our need for each other and the uniqueness of our communities. We’ve been given the privilege of leadership. I encourage you to govern in a spirit of humility.
Cities United: Lead to Succeed BY LARRY HANSON, GMA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Wow, what an amazing Annual Convention we experienced in Savannah! trafficking and workforce development to name a few. It WE SAW RECORD-SETTING takes courage to tackle challenges, but it’s the only way numbers with convention attenwe can address them and make our communities even dance at over 2,300 city officials better in the future. Thank you all for your engaged parand guests present, over 2,100 trainticipation in GMA and for making our association sucing seats filled and a record number cessful, forward thinking and member centered. of exhibitors. We’re proud that our member cities and Among the many takeaways for me from the contheir elected and appointed officials see the value of vention were the reminders of the importance of courtraining, education, networking, relationship building age, of teamwork, of realizing it’s OK to have civil deand learning from experts and from each other. bate and of addressing and overcoming adversity and We made several changes to the convention schedchallenges. It’s not just through our similarities of servule this year and most were very well received. Many of ing cities and sharing our stories that make us better, it’s the changes resulted from feedback we received from also our differences you, our members, over the It takes courage to tackle challenges, but it’s and even our diffiyears and we appreciate that. the only way we can address them and make cult conversations I hope you enjoyed the openour communities even better in the future. that open our hearts ing general session and the and minds to views three shorter presentations of others. Through this we gain a better understanding centered around leadership, courage and inspiration. It and appreciation of viewpoints different from our own. was exciting to have an astronaut, a Super Bowl chamGMA is blessed to have all 538 cities as members pion and a former CEO in our midst to share powerful and the leaders who provide invaluable guidance. We messages. We’ve emailed all convention attendees an must respect that in any family, organization or instituevaluation survey asking for feedback so that we can tion there are times where disagreements or differences continue to improve and be responsive to your conof opinion occur. The fact that we may have a different structive ideas. Please take the time to share your feedposition should not define us. What defines us is how back, and rest assured that we read and discuss every we handle disagreements and differences. That’s why response. it’s critical for any family, governing body or organizaOne of the things that impresses me the most about tion to resolve to move past differences and build conGMA and city officials is that we are about more than sensus. Being together and being united is what leads just gathering to celebrate our successes and accoto success. The sky is the limit when we appreciate our lades. While that is certainly important, it’s also importsimilarities and respect our differences. Let’s continue ant to have the courage to discuss the challenges we to be Cities United as we Lead to Succeed. face in our communities. We are willing to have honest discussions about challenges such as literacy, human
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 7
CITIES:
HOME TO OUR CULTURAL ICONS BY MARK C. MCDONALD, PRESIDENT AND CEO, THE GEORGIA TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
THROUGH THE HISTORY OF OUR planet, the concentration of people in villages and cities has been the key factor in the development of civilization. The exchange of technology, specialization of craftsmanship, trades, agriculture and communication between citizens has created freedom from subsistence which has enabled man to develop philosophy, religion, arts and humanitarianism. The gathering of human beings in urban areas has also created the phenomenon of cultural individuality. The relationship between the climate, geography, customs and history makes each city a unique place. We can look at culture by examining its cuisine, music, religion, art, political structure and other means. I am particularly interested in the icons of a city or culture. Icons are those symbols which represent the collective memory, ideals and values of a particular culture. Frequently these symbols are buildings
or monuments and the complexity of a city can be expressed by the number and enduring quality of the places. A small town in Georgia may only embrace one building such as a county courthouse as a symbol while a huge city may have dozens of icons. Often the symbols of a city change as that city develops. For instance, the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta would not have been seen as a landmark 40 years ago, but now it is unquestionably so and reflects the complexity of Atlanta’s culture and history. As Americans, we have a great opportunity to better define ourselves and reclaim our individuality by preserving the buildings, monuments and sites which set us apart from other nations. As citizens of our distinctive and unique cities, we possess the ability to restore and revitalize our city centers, historic neighborhoods, churches, schools, theatres and other places which illuminate our history and culture.
Quotables
We undertake the revitalization of our historic towns and cities for cultural and economic reasons. Studies have repeatedly shown that those places that are distinctive and have a high quality of life attract higher economic investment. Economic investments mean higher paying jobs, an expanded tax base, philanthropy and development of the local culture and other amenities that in turn spurs more investment. This cycle often starts with an area’s decision to perceive itself as a place of quality and is followed by the development of a strategy to preserve those landmarks that define it as a place of culture for future generations. As a city is an assemblage of its neighborhoods and commercial areas, Georgia is a collection of our urban areas spread across a beautiful rural landscape. Our country and state deserve no less than our complete devotion to preserve and enhance the icons that make our cities and towns unique.
“Recognizing history in a city, establishing a monument—similar to Dublin’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Park—and publishing that history serves as motivation and encouragement to that community.” — FORMER DUBLIN COUNCILMEMBER JULIE DRIGER, WHO MARCHED WITH DR. KING IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. DURING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT.
“It’s important for the city of Griffin to preserve and share the story of local historic places and appreciate the architectural details and community investment over the past generations.” — GRIFFIN COMMISSIONER DOUGLAS HOLLBERG ON THE CITY’S NEWLY RENOVATED HISTORIC CITY HALL, WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY CONSTRUCTED IN 1910 AND NOW HOUSES GRIFFIN’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
“History is Cave Spring’s main attraction. We rely on tourism and the natural springs to keep the city flourishing.” — CAVE SPRING MAYOR DENNIS SHOAF HIGHLIGHTS THE ONLY GEORGIA-SHAPED, SPRING-FED SWIMMING POOL, TWO-STORY CABIN AND THE RESTORATION OF THE FAIRVIEW COLORED SCHOOL IN CAVE SPRING.
SPECIAL SECTION
GMA ANNUAL CONVENTION RECAP
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DUBLIN MAYOR PHIL BEST NAMED PRESIDENT OF GMA
DUBLIN THRIVES UNDER BEST’S LEADERSHIP Dubbed Georgia’s “Emerald City,” Dublin’s proximity to interstates and the Port of Savannah has attracted international companies from Germany, Japan, Denmark, Latvia and Israel, which has added more than 1,500 jobs to the workforce over the last seven years. This development success was spearheaded by Best, Dublin’s longest-serving mayor. The McRae (now McRae-Helena) native attended Floyd Junior College (now Georgia Highlands College) in Rome and DeKalb College in Atlanta. After moving back to McRae in 1978 to work in his family’s business, he met the love of his life, Cile. The two wed and raised two sons, Phil Jr. and George.
In addition to job creation in the city, Dublin leaders have also focused on secondary education—made evident by their work with Oconee Fall Line Technical College, Georgia Military College’s Dublin extension center and Middle Georgia University. Under the mayor and city council’s leadership GMA named the city of Dublin a Certified City of Excellence, a Certified City of Ethics, a Plan First community by the Department of Community Affairs, a GICH community participant and a recipient of the 2017 Live, Work & Play Award presented by GMA and Georgia Trend Magazine. Professionally Best is a qualifying broker for his sons’ real estate firm, Premier Properties. He also works closely with Garbutt Construction and their business development team. In addition to identifying and implementing ways to improve his community, Best works to advocate for and serve Georgia’s cities through his past and present positions with GMA. He’s been a member of the association’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, a district nine president and the chair of the Environmental and Natural Resources Policy Committee. He was also the chair of GMA’s Federal Policy Council, the Legislative Policy Council and the GMEBS Board. Best has led several entities as a director including the Dublin Rotary Club, the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce and the Dublin Country Club. His guidance and expertise have earned him the title of the 2018 Elected Official of the Year by the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association. His other leadership roles include a member of the Laurens County Board of Health and Community Mental Health Board for the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority. The Leadership Georgia Graduate was also appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue to the Workforce Development Council and the President’s Advisory Council for Middle Georgia State University.
GMA ANNUAL CONVENTION RECAP
“We can’t work toward the common good unless we decide to get real, drop the pretense and bring some humility to the table,” said Dublin Mayor Phil Best during his acceptance speech as the 2019-2020 president of GMA. Best began his political career by serving four years on the McRae City Council. After relocating to Dublin, Best was elected to the Dublin City Council, where he served for six years. He then ran unopposed for mayor, a position he’s held for over 20 years. Best also encouraged Georgia city leaders to embody the convention’s theme, “Cities United: Lead to Succeed” and to practice humble leadership. He charged convention attendees and city leaders to follow a new path to leadership. “A path that isn’t loud or brazen or ruthless, but rather one grounded in those attributes that best reflects our humanity, our need for each other and the uniqueness of our communities,” he said. “You see, what we do in our cities isn’t just about our hometowns— as important as that is—it’s really about the health and success of our 243-year-old experiment in democracy,” Best said. “If that doesn’t encourage us to take stock and bring a little humility to the table, I don’t know what will. We’ve been given the privilege of leadership. I encourage you to govern with a spirit of humility.”
PATHS TO LEADERSHIP:
CONVENTION SPEAKERS LEAVE INSPIRATIONAL CALL TO ACTION BY LINDA HARRIS, CHIEF OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, CITY OF DECATUR
“How many of you have had a conversation that changed your life?” asked session facilitator Otis White, president of Civic Strategies, Inc., as he convened the opening session of the 2019 GMA Annual Convention. White reminded elected officials and GMA guests to “not fear the citizens.” He shared that while he hasn’t pinpointed the exact cause of prosperity in one area and not another, what he’s seen in those flourishing communities is that “leaders do big, difficult things,” with their ability to inspire others, persevere and work together. He also noted that those thriving communities have leaders who understand they can’t succeed on their own, who have a knowledge of their cities' assets and needs, and practice transparency. Three different leaders took the stage using a TED-Talk format to share their stories. First up Alex Gregory, retired CEO of Japan-based YKK, who was the first non-Japanese group officer, board member and board chair. He made his case for the power of courageous leadership citing first and foremost the global YKK organization trusting him to run its North and Central Group, including the organization’s first manufacturing centers located in the Southeast in Macon and Dublin, Ga. During his tenure as CEO, he worked to build lasting relationships and partnerships, which ultimately benefited both YKK and each community. Gregory shared YKK’s philosophy created by founder Tadao Yoshida, “No one prospers without rendering benefit to others.” Joan Higginbotham, former NASA astronaut and the third African American woman to go into space, spoke to the power of teamwork as she shared the story of serving aboard Space Shuttle Discovery during a 12-day mission to the International Space Station in December 2006.
MALCOLM MITCHE
The crewmembers’ work included rewiring the space station’s power system, retracting a solar panel and helping prepare the facility for future missions. Higginbotham said the near perfect launch was only possible through the impeccable teamwork achieved with only one year of the highly diverse group working together. She cited the crew commander, Mark Lewis “Roman” Polansky’s strong vision, effective communication skills and ability to delegate as critical to the mission’s success. She noted that it was his ability to move between leader and follower and trust in the team to complete the mission. Higginbotham said a good astronaut and a great leader should be dedicated to the goal, trustworthy, and above all, a team player. Malcolm Mitchell, Valdosta native, and former UGA and New England Patriots wide receiver took the stage and told his story of personal transformation, the need for courage during times of change and the willingness to ask for help. The Super Bowl champion spoke about being fearless on the field, yet fearful in the classroom and making it to college before he was comfortable with reading. It took courage as he surrounded himself with a group of readers who were his polar opposites and asked for help. Mitchell shared a memory of a time when he feared change and vulnerability, his mother got out three pots, filled them with water, set them on the stove and turned it on. She dropped a carrot in the first pot, an egg in the second pot and coffee beans in the third pot. After twenty minutes, she placed the pots in front of Mitchell—the carrot started out hard and became soft; the egg started out fragile and became stiff; but the beans were special. They didn’t allow the water to change them, instead they changed the water—turning it into coffee. JOAN HIGGINBOTHAM
LL
ALEX GREGORY
Mitchell applied this story to his life and was determined to learn how to read. He now empowers people to find a love of literacy, “In order to succeed, you have to read,” he said.
While Mitchell signed his children’s book, “The Magician’s Hat,” after the session, the GMA team handed out specially prepared small packets of coffee beans with “Be the Bean” on them reinforcing his message in a tangible way.
GMA INDUCTS OFFICIALS INTO THE MUNICIPAL HALL OF FAME
PEGGY MERRISS Merriss began her city government career in Decatur’s employment services office in 1983. After serving in a few different positions, she was appointed city manager in 1993, a position she held until her retirement in 2018. Under her leadership, the city renovated or rebuilt all of its facilities and city parks. The city’s downtown MARTA plaza was redesigned and rebuilt to make the area more pedestrian friendly and appealing for shopping and dining. The city now boasts over 200 restaurants, pubs and shops. She oversaw the city’s 2009 Community Transportation Plan. Based on the commitment to implement this plan, the city continues to receive such recognitions as a Bicycle-Friendly City, a Silver Walk Friendly City, and a thriving Safe Routes to School program which encourages students to walk or bike to and from school daily. When controversy surfaced over complaints of racial profiling, lack of affordable housing and decreasing diversity in the city, Merriss played a key role in a year-long community visioning process that resulted in an action plan and an advisory board to oversee the plan’s implementation.
Her commitment to the arts led to a collection of over 500 pieces of public art that are displayed in city owned properties. Further, Decatur’s commercial districts are now enhanced with art and the city has partnered with the local arts alliance to create its first-ever public art fund. “Peggy served on the GMA Board of Directors and the City Managers Advisory Group. She was involved with GMA policy committees and served on several GMA task forces,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “Most recently Peggy served on GMA’s E-scooters Advisory Group. She has provided counsel and guidance to many city managers throughout the state and has been dedicated to attracting young people to the field of city management.” MAYOR EVA GALAMBOS Galambos, who passed away in 2015, was a longtime proponent of creating the city of Sandy Springs and became the new city’s first mayor in 2005, after voters overwhelmingly passed the resolution creating the city. Under her leadership, the city operated with no long-term debt and vastly improved the city’s infrastructure and quality of life for its residents. Among the improvements during Galambos’ tenure include more than 168 miles of road paved, 32 miles of fiber installed and activated, 129 traffic signals brought under a unified control system, 32 miles of sidewalk installed, more than 930 stormwater repairs implemented, more than $185 million in funded Capital Projects and more than $18 million invested in recreation facilities, including the creation of several new city parks.
GMA ANNUAL CONVENTION RECAP
GMA inducted immediate past president Linda Blechinger, mayor of Auburn, former Decatur City Manager Peggy Merriss, Georgia Cities Foundation’s Mike Starr and former Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos into the Municipal Government Hall of Fame during the association’s annual convention in June. The Hall of Fame honors municipal officials who exemplify the best in public service, and who, throughout their careers, have made extraordinary contributions to their communities and Georgia’s cities.
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 13
“Mayor Galambos was associated with GMA long before she became mayor and her work as a consultant benefitted many Georgia cities,” said Hanson. “After she became mayor she was very active in our Legislative Policy Committee, and her involvement at the legislature really opened the door to new cities being created in Georgia.” GEORGIA CITIES FOUNDATION’S MIKE STARR From 2000 up until his death on April 6 of this year, Starr served as president of the Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF). Through the visionary leadership and dedicated service of this volunteer president, the GCF is recognized nationally as a catalyst for downtown and Main Street revitalization in Georgia. GCF has provided more than $25 million in low-interest loans for downtown projects in cities throughout Georgia, helping to create 279 new downtown businesses and 1,600 new jobs, while leveraging more than $133 million in private investment. Additionally, the foundation has partnered with other organizations to develop training and technical assistance programs designed to help local leaders focus on the importance of downtown planning and visioning.
In 2010, due in large part to Starr's leadership, the foundation was designated as a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, allowing it to receive federal funding for downtown lending. Starr also supported the cities of Georgia in his roles as Board Chair of Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, Board Member of GeorgiaForward and as an Advisory Committee Member of the Fox Theatre Institute. He spent countless hours with city leaders, listening to downtown development concerns and offering practical guidance on matters regarding redevelopment, historic preservation, project finance and public-private partnerships. “I was continuously amazed by the passion and energy displayed by this volunteer president, day after day, month after month, and year after year. I can truly think of no individual who has given more time and effort to help revitalize Georgia’s downtown areas than Mike Starr,” said GMA Director of Community and Economic Development and Managing Director of the Georgia Cities Foundation Perry Hiott. “His passion for strong cities, vibrant downtowns and historic preservation were evident to all who knew him. A true servant leader and a champion of cities, Mike Starr’s impact on the downtowns of Georgia’s cities were without equal.”
Former GMA Presidents Linda
Blechinger and Dorothy Hubbard
around Savannah. A mobile training workshop
Reading with Malcolm
Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp joins Camila Zolfaghari with Street Grace, GMA’s Joel Wiggins and GBI Director Vic Reynolds.
AWARDS GALORE:
GMA CONTINUES WITH RECOGNITIONS GMA requires cities with the designation to recertify for the program, ensuring that ordinances maintain the standards of the program and city officials are regularly reminded of their ethical obligations as individuals and as a governing body. Each city is required to apply for recertification every four years. A panel of attorneys reviewed the ordinances to determine if they comply with the criteria set by GMA. The certified cities receive a plaque and are authorized by GMA to use a “Certified City of Ethics” logo on city stationery, road signs, city vehicles and for other uses. CLERK OF THE YEAR PRAISED FOR LEADERSHIP Described as the “gatekeeper between the staff and council who keeps city leaders on the right path for the betterment of the city,” Butler City Clerk Vicki Wainwright was named the 2019 Clerk of the Year by the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association (GMCA). Nominated by Butler Mayor Barry Whitley, Wainwright has her Georgia Clerks Masters Certificate and a Certified Municipal Clerks Distinction through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Wainwright serves on the GMCA Board of Directors as the District 8 Director. She has also served on the Bill Cain Scholarship Committee and the Clerk of the Year and Hospitality committees.
Georgia Clerks
GMA 2019-2020 First Vice President, Union City Mayor Vince Williams; Second Vice President, LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton; and Third Vice President, Tifton Mayor Julie Smith
er) Clerk of the Year Vicki Wainwright (cent
of Fame Peggy Merriss inducted into Municipal Hall
GMA ANNUAL CONVENTION RECAP
The awards portion of the GMA Annual Convention rounded out with two local governments recognized for adopting ethics ordinances and a city clerk honored for keeping her city on one accord. The city of Crawfordville was recognized as the most recently certified City of Ethics and Gilmer County also received the County of Ethics certification, while 36 additional cities received recertifications: Acworth, Barnesville, Brunswick, Buford, Centerville, Clarkston, Dawsonville, Donalsonville, Dublin, Dunwoody, Grantville, Helen, Hinesville, Hiram, Lakeland, Luthersville, Madison, Maysville, Meansville, Midway, Moultrie, Mount Airy, Mount Vernon, Newnan, Nicholson, Powder Springs, Reynolds, Sandersville, Savannah, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Swainsboro, Sylvester, Tifton, Trion and Vienna. The City of Ethics program began in 1999 and was developed by a panel of business and government leaders to encourage cities to adopt and adhere to a set of key ethical principles and adopt a local ethics ordinance. The ordinance must contain definitions, prohibited conduct and due process for officials accused of violations in areas such as financial disclosures, conflicts of interests and outside employment. The ordinance must also contain penalties for city officials who violate the ordinance.
DOWNTOWN DISTINCTION:
LEADERS AWARDED FOR DEDICATION & DEVELOPMENT The Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF) applauded Moultrie Mayor Bill McIntosh for his “visionary and inspirational leadership” in making Downtown Moultrie “a vibrant thriving area in which to live, work, play and learn,” during the presentation of the inaugural Starr Award. This award, which was presented during the GMA Annual Convention, is given annually in memory of Mike Starr, who served as GCF President for two decades until his death in April. The nomination for McIntosh noted: “During the past three decades, the city of Moultrie, through its Main Street program and Downtown Development Authority, has spurred the rehabilitation of many buildings, served as a catalyst for many new businesses, helped to create hundreds of jobs and conducted numerous events downtown that continue to attract thousands of people each year. A visit to Moultrie’s historic downtown district provides ample opportunities for residents and visitors to stroll, shop and dine in over 30 specialty shops and unique restaurants.”
GCF Acting President Pam Sessions said, “A true servant leader, Mayor McIntosh’s effective, visionary leadership for more than three decades has helped to transform downtown Moultrie into a vibrant and thriving activity center while preserving its sense of place. He truly epitomizes the type of leader envisioned by the Starr Award.” FATHER-SON DUO RECOGNIZED FOR REVITALIZATION The Georgia Cities Foundation also named Greensboro City Development, LLC and its principals, John and Nathan McGarity, as the recipients of its 2019 Renaissance Award. The Renaissance Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the revitalization of one or more of Georgia’s cities.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE 2019
GMA ANNUAL CONVENTION TWITTER CONVERSATION @FeliciaAMoore: Great info sharing at the Georgia Municipal Association’s 2019 Annual Convention, during the Large Cities Rapid Fire. Cities share their programs and best practices with attendees. #gacities @Georgia_AG: On Sunday, our Director of External Affairs addressed the @gacities #PublicSafety committee during their annual conference in @cityofsavannah. It is imperative that we continue working together to protect our communities from #HumanTrafficking & #GangActivity. #GaCities @Wendy4Rome: What an afternoon - lessons in leadership from a real live astronaut and a SuperBowl champ! Thank you @Flygirl_Joanie and @MalcolmJarod #GaCities #bethecoffeebean 16
@aileenonthego: Our @gacities and @CVIOG_UGA training classes at the GMA Annual in #Savannah are often interactive where city officials learn but also share their expertise #gacities @TerryNall: Leaving #Dunwoody this morning for Savannah, GA to attend @gacities annual training event to learn more on best practices for @DunwoodyGA. GPS map reports it takes 3 days to walk and 23 hours to ride a bike. #gacities @CrozerWilliam: Enjoyed speaking at the @gacities Annual Meeting on the Administration’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis and other priorities including trade (#USMCA), economic development (opportunity zones), and infrastructure. #GaCities
John and Nathan McGarity receive the Renaissance Award.
osh Moultrie Mayor Bill McInt . ard Aw rr Sta ral receives the inaugu
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GMA ANNUAL CONVENTION RECAP
Greensboro City Development, LLC has played a major role in the revitalization of Downtown Greensboro. Their first investment in Greensboro was the Mary-Leila Lofts project, as they were the initial developers of this $12 million mill redevelopment project, which now houses 71 workforce housing units in the downtown area. The company has also rehabilitated the dilapidated former Chero Cola building in Downtown Greensboro, which is now home to Oconee Brewing Company, a craft brewery and event center. This $2.7 million investment has turned a building that was once an eyesore into a tourist destination within this community of 3,300 residents. In her remarks during the award presentation, GCF Acting President Pam Sessions shared that, “John McGarity often jokes that if the roof of a building is beginning to collapse, then it’s ‘our kind of building.’ Where others might view dilapidated buildings as too risky or too costly to rehabilitate, John and Nathan McGarity see them as opportunities.” Additionally, the two have also served on the city’s housing team and the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing. They currently serve on the city’s Placemaking Team. “Without question, the McGarity’s efforts have been instrumental in helping turn Downtown Greensboro into a vibrant place to live, work and play,” Sessions said.
HISTORIC CITIES CONNECT THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT Not even the massive fire in 1898 could completely destroy the Victorian Gothic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Georgia’s oldest Roman Catholic Church and a prominent Savannah attraction.
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THE CATHEDRAL, WHICH IS HIGHLIGHTED ON the cover of this issue, was rebuilt in 1899 from the original architecture plans. Its French-Gothic style pointed arches and ornate details dominate the skyline of Georgia’s first city, ranks on many of the “Top Georgia Attractions” lists and serves as a focal point of Savannah’s record-breaking tourism industry. At nearly 300 years old, Savannah knows many of its treasures lie in its historic preservation and architecture as the nation’s largest Historic Landmark District. According to the Longwoods Travel USA 2017 Visitor Final Report, Savannah's special interest tourism activities focused on historic places was more than 40 percent higher than the national average.
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About 80 miles south of Savannah, the city of Brunswick is making significant strides to maintain its unique history, which started with the founding of its Historic Preservation Board in the 1990s. Brunswick Planner and Historic Preservation Officer John Hunter spearheads these efforts. Founded in 1771, Brunswick features remnants of Jones Shipyard and the deep roots to Gullah Geechee heritage, and is laid out in traditional British fashion with a grid-like street pattern scattered with squares and pocket parks. “Our streets are laid out with intention,” Hunter said. “Before we alter that plan, we have to really think about the impact that will have on our community’s history.”
Several local and state partners have joined city leaders in this preservation mission including Signature Squares of Brunswick, Inc. (SSB). This nonprofit started raising funds in 2005 for the restoration and preservation of Brunswick’s 14 historic squares with Hanover Square being its first project. In 2005, SSB Co-founder Julie Martin (who now serves on the Brunswick City Commission) asked the city to match the $20,000 that SSB privately raised for the restoration of Hannover Square. “They agreed, and we got started,” she recalled. “On July 4, 2006 the community came together to celebrate the renovation of the fountain and landscaping.” To date, all three phases have been completed for Hanover Square. Martin shared that in addition to Hanover Square several other squares have been fully renovated including Jekyll Square, Machen Square, Blythe Square and Queen Square. SSB’s strategic partnership with the city of Brunswick is instrumental to the nonprofit’s success. Martin explained that the city does not pay the organization for anything, and that SSB reimburses Brunswick for specific purchases that are installed in each park. “We are able to utilize the city’s municipal buying power for many of these hardscape items. In addition, the city provides in-kind services through their public works staff and equipment used during each project,” she said.
Martin also acknowledged Georgia Power for its cooperation in relocating power poles and lines as needed, and the Jekyll Island Authority who sends over professional landscaping crew members to assist on the day of installation. City-sponsored initiatives aren’t the only projects taking shape in Brunswick. The city has also seen plenty of individual building restorations completed by private-sector investors downtown and in residential neighborhoods. Hunter credits this growth to investors being motivated by the city’s square development, their embracing the importance of historic preservation and the buy-in from elected officials who’ve experienced the success of historic preservation. This buy-in has catapulted many of these city projects and even saved treasured buildings from demolition, Hunter said. “Twice in the four years I’ve been here, the historic preservation board has denied permits to demolish historic structures, and the city commission has stood behind them,” he said. “One of those projects is now part of the new brewery project. The other property was a house that was donated to the city. The house is now for sale as part of our Land Bank program in partnership with the Georgia Trust.” Hunter continued, “Historic preservation is about memories as much as it is about buildings and it connects people to their community.”
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 19
CITY DESK
Photo: Trees Atlanta
Atlanta Food Forest Enhances Fresh Food Access & Builds Community The Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill is putting the city of Atlanta one step closer to its mission of 85 percent of residents living within a half mile of fresh food by 2022 and making national news as the largest food forest in the U.S. at 7.1 acres. The community was as an integral piece to the project’s development—from serving as sources in a 12-month effort of the city to engage door-to-door or hosting fieldtrips to assist in devising an accurate Community Vision Plan that reflected the neighborhood’s needs. Georgia’s Cities learned more about this project from Mario Cambardella, Atlanta’s urban agriculture director.
GC: Why was the Lakewood-Browns Mill community selected as the forest location? MC: The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Community Forest Program (CFP) works with local governments to protect forestlands. In 2016, the city won a grant for CFP funding to establish a food forest. The Browns Mill location fulfilled the CFP grant criteria, as it was greater than five acres, suitable to
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sustain natural vegetation and at least 75 percent forested. Not only was this location eligible for the grant, but it was also a perfect fit for the fresh-food-access mission of Atlanta. In the community surrounding the Urban Food Forest at Brown’s Mill, more than a third of the population lives below the poverty line and 26 percent of the population doesn’t have access to a vehicle. There are few sidewalks and cars race by at high speeds.
GC: How has your office attracted and organized so many partnerships? MC: The Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill was an innovative project, which meant there were no experts on the best practices for its creation and development. Our office needed to utilize collective knowledge to succeed, and by working collaboratively, we shared expertise. Additionally, each partner helped the overall group by providing further exposure. Instead of competing for resources, collaboration allowed both our office and our partners to reach individual goals while working on the greater project of developing the food forest at Browns Mill. GC: What impact has the conservation of the Lakewood-Browns Mill community and its natural resources had on the project? MC: A food forest mimics the ecosystem of a true forest using permaculture principles. Plants are grown in layers to work in concert with one another. The natural by products of one plant may help the others grow, and less inputs are required as nutrient pathways in the soil are more self-sustaining than in a typical garden or farm. In this way, a food forest is highly sustainable and efficient and poses an attractive option when working to conserve natural resources. The pecan and mulberry trees that were present on the property when it was originally chosen to be the site of the food forest were able to be preserved and utilized to compose the canopy of the multilayered food forest system.
Photo: Trees Atlanta
When The Conservation Fund secured the land that would become the urban food forest, it was vacant property that did little to culturally connect or support the community of Lakewood-Browns Mill. The farm that had once utilized the land was known for leaving parcels of food on their fence post for neighbors to share. That practice left its mark on the community and gave the land a history rooted in agriculture and generosity. The Browns Mill Urban Food Forest preserves that cultural legacy to teach ecological literacy. GC: In addition to reaching Atlanta’s goal of putting 85 percent of residents within a half mile of fresh food by 2022, how else is the forest improving and educating the community? MC: In addition to growing produce, the park contains community garden plots, a mushroom walk, beehives, a community compost station and medicinal plants. It hosts events and educational workshops to help community members understand the process of growing food, nutrition and steps towards healthy living. Witnessing and learning about the process of planting and growing fosters greater understanding and consciousness of the local food system and everyday consumption. With these new experiences many neighbors of the food forest are now planting fruit trees in their private yards.
Photo: Trees Atlanta
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 21
FOX THE ATRE INSTITUTE PRESEN TS
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS DRIVIN N CRYIN DODD & THE COUNCILMEN FEATURING BILL BERRY OF R.E.M. AND SPECIAL GUESTS
HOSTED BY KEVN KINNEY
SEPTEMBER 13TH FOXTHEATRE.ORG
GC: How is the program marketed and how is food distributed to the community? MC: The food forest is open to the public, and most of the fruit planted this first year will be available for harvest in three to five years. Neighborhood residents and partners are developing opportunities and guidelines for the public to learn, volunteer and harvest food produced on the property. For example, the community garden vegetables are divided amongst participating neighbors first and seniors. Volunteers receive produce next. Bounty beyond that is harvested by residents and placed on the community harvest table for anyone that wishes to eat from the forest. GC: How does the city plan to expand this project or ones like it? MC: The city of Atlanta’s AgLanta “Grows-A-Lot” program uses a similar concept to revitalize unused land to improve communities through urban farming.
The program invites entrepreneurs, non-profits and residents to apply for a five-year renewable license to adopt a vacant, city-owned property to start a new urban garden or urban farm in Atlanta.
LEARN MORE ON URBAN FORESTRY: THE VIBRANT CITIES LAB Urban Forestry Toolkit
USDA URBAN AGRICULTURE TOOLKIT AGLANTA.ORG The section on the Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill contains process documents and steps to developing the food forest.
City Spotlight
City of Williamson
HISTORY: Described by residents and city officials as a “small town with a big heart,” William-
POPULATION:
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MAYOR:
Steve Fry GMA DISTRICT:
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son is located in Pike County. The city showcases its motto, “Cherish our past, plan our future,” by blending reminders of their rural roots with newer offerings including the Williamson Library, Education and Arts Facility. Judge Ike Williamson farmed in the community and eventually purchased thousands of acres there. His arrival was timely, because in 1887 the railroad running through the small town put Williamson on the map. There were two lines; one from Atlanta to Fort Valley and the other from Atlanta to Columbus. The lines crossed through the city, which was named after Judge Williamson for his donation of the land needed for the railroad. Today, a caboose stands in the spot that once held the Williamson depot and paved roads have replaced the dirt where people lined up to pay last respects as the train passed carrying President Franklin Roosevelt’s body to Washington, D.C. from his home in Warm Springs. EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS: Visit the Huey helicopter in Williamson Memorial Park and the Benson Hilley Park.
#CityHallSelfie
Georgia Cities Urged to Participate in
#CityHallSelfie Day
On Aug. 15, GMA and Georgia cities will join municipalities nationwide for the third celebration of #CityHallSelfie Day. THIS DAY, CREATED BY THE ENGAGING LOCAL Government Leaders (ELGL) organization, highlights city officials and staff at their places of work and also encourages residents to visit their city halls. Last year Georgia won the “State with the Most Selfies” award, all thanks to the support and participation of more than 100 cities. ELGL credited GMA for its “stellar advance work” at spreading the word. City officials, staff and residents are asked to participate by taking a selfie in front of their city halls on Aug. 15 and posting to their social media platforms. Here are more details: + Take Selfies: Encourage all of your residents, staff, elected officials, friends and family to take selfies in front of the city halls and government buildings in their communities. + Post to Official Social Media: Remember to post on Aug. 15 and tag: @gacities (twitter), @Georgia Municipal Association and @ELGL on all social networks. You can also tag: #GaCities. 24
+ Send GMA Your Pictures: In addition to sharing on your individual social media platforms, GMA would like to spread the Georgia #CityHallSelfie activity as well. Please send photos to kbennett@gacities.com or direct mention GMA on social media.
To view selfie examples from years past, visit the GMA's Facebook page at facebook.com/ GeorgiaMunicipalAssociation and search the hashtag #CityHallSelfie and #GaCities on Twitter.
Small Town,
Big Impact Washington Sees $85,000 Gain with Sanitation Overhaul Population: 4,000 THOUGH SMALL IN POPULATION, THE CITY OF Washington is profiting from a large gain of $85,000 over a three-year timeframe thanks to its recent sanitation overhaul. The multi-phased sanitation plan included the purchase of a new front load trash truck and retrofitting their existing UTV’s. Mayor Ames Barnett played a large role in this project. He used his knowledge as a civil engineer and owner of Barnett Southern Construction to turn these UTV’s into more efficient machines. “He came up with the idea of a dump bed versus its factory-standard flat bed,” said Washington City Administrator Sherri Bailey. “Another invention he had for the UTV was retrofitting it with a side-arm that would be able to lift the roll-out container without the assistance of our employees or the garbage truck.” Bailey added that this invention is also less physically stressful on city staff because they no longer have to lift heavy containers. The city also placed trash bins in key locations throughout town for the trash pickup units instead of having a garbage truck following them around to dump into and built a recycling facility. These changes resulted in a savings of $125,267 since 2015. “Now the trash truck does its regular route of commercial pickup, our team run the routes in the Kubota’s and Bobcats and the trash truck comes and picks up the bins as they get full,” Bailey said. In addition to the lucrative system retrofit, the Washington recycling center for residents eliminates
manpower and staff hours caused by the previously used door-to-door pickup system. Washington allows Wilkes County residents to bring their recycling as well. “We provide reusable bags for them to bring in their recycling and canisters are outside the gate for those who need to come and drop-off after hours,” said Bailey. "Elderly and those with disabilities can still have home pickups if requested." “With these changes, we were not only able to lower costs, but also maintain the same level of service with backdoor pick-up that our residents loved and were accustomed to. We were able to reduce our staff to half through natural attrition as they retired,” Bailey said. “We offered some retirement packages to allow them to retire earlier than planned. We also save on fuel due to more efficient operations, and on costly repairs that we had with our old rear loading garbage truck.”
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 25
Four Cities Selected to Receive Smart Communities Challenge Grants After a successful launch in 2018, Georgia Tech’s Georgia Smart Communities Challenge named four new grant recipients at a special event in Macon on June 18. “Georgia Tech is very proud to have played a leaderTHE 2019 WINNING PROPOSALS ARE COLUMBUS ship role in the Georgia Smart program, which we beSmart Uptown, Macon Smart Neighborhoods, Milton lieve will improve the quality of life in the participating Smarter Safer Routes to School and Woodstock Smart communities and also provide models for other comMaster Plan and Corridor Study. munities throughout Georgia to consider as they strive This is the second round of Georgia Smart Comto make life better for their citizens,” said Georgia Tech munities Challenge, a funding and technical assistance President G.P. “Bud” Peterson. program for local governments in the state of Georgia. “The projects that were Recipients are to develop a Georgia cities are utilizing funded this year are perfect pilot project around mobility examples of how Georgia and equity and smart resilsmart solutions to address cities are utilizing smart soluience with assistance from a the challenges they face. tions to address the chalGeorgia Tech researcher. The lenges they face,” said GMA projects utilize smart technolExecutive Director Larry Hanson. “GMA is proud to be ogy such as intelligent infrastructures, information and a supporter of this unique effort and continues to be imcommunication technologies; Internet-of-Things depressed with the creative efforts being undertaken at vices; and other computational or digital technologies the local level to create data-rich environments to help such as data centers and portals, web and smartphone solve pressing local issues.” applications and automated digital services.
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COLUMBUS SMART UPTOWN, COLUMBUS The project seeks to improve safety and security, transportation systems and connectivity to drive economic growth in the uptown district through the installation of Internet-of-Things devices, providing public Wi-Fi, and integrating data into management. Georgia Tech researchers involved include John Taylor of civil engineering and director of the Network Dynamics Lab, Neda Mohammadi of civil engineering and Russ Clark of the College of Computing. The collaborators include Uptown Columbus and the Muscogee County Schools. MACON SMART NEIGHBORHOODS, MACON-BIBB COUNTY This project will address underserved areas of the community by installing smart kiosks that will provide internet connectivity and on-demand services. This will promote community empowerment and give an equal voice to all residents. Working with Arthi Rao of the Georgia Tech College of Design and the Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development, the project’s collaborators include the Macon Transit Authority, Macon-Bibb Urban Development Authority, Downtown Business Improvement District, Eisenhower Business Improvement District, Bibb County Schools, Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, Central Georgia Technical College and Wesleyan College. MILTON SMARTER SAFER ROUTES TO SCHOOL, MILTON To promote walking and biking to school, this project will create a network of programmed devices such as smart phones to connect students and parents and arrange supervised groups, designate safe primary routes and provide wait times for students wishing to join the walking/biking groups. Kari
Watkins and Angshuman Guin of the Georgia Tech School of Civil and Environmental Engineering will provide technical assistance, and the key collaborator is Fulton County Schools. WOODSTOCK SMART MASTER PLAN AND CORRIDOR STUDY, WOODSTOCK This project will conduct a smart corridor and infrastructure study to improve mobility and congestion in the city and deal with rapid growth and uneven commuting patterns. Ramachandra Sivakumar of the Georgia Tech College of Design and Center for Spatial Planning Analytics and Visualization will consult. Collaborators include the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority and Black Airplane Design and Development Agency.
“We are proud of the work and accomplishments the first class of Georgia Smart has already achieved and know most will continue their research partnership in year two. We are also looking forward to bringing a new class in and expanding the portfolio of smart applications for community and economic development,” said Debra Lam, managing director of Smart Cities and Inclusive Innovation at Georgia Tech. “Most importantly, though, we remain committed to all communities in Georgia and will continue to provide programming and opportunities for them as they develop their own smart future.” In addition to the GMA, collaborators in the Georgia Smart program include Georgia Tech, the Atlanta Regional Commission, the Georgia Association of Regional Commissions, ACCG, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Planning Association, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Technology Association of Georgia and Georgia Power.
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 27
Dublin, Georgia
WHERE THE DREAM BEGAN & HISTORY LIVES ON BY KELLI BENNETT
Painted with electric blues, bright yellows and dark outlines, a mural of a young girl welcomes visitors and residents to Downtown Dublin, Ga. This 54-foot-wide by 10-foot-high mural by Georgia artist Corey Barksdale symbolizes the need for future generations to carry Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s peaceable-change message and serves as the focal point of one of the city’s most prized projects, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Park. The park represents the site where a 15-year-old King gave his first public speech on April 17,1944.
ALTHOUGH THIS PROJECT ISN’T FOCUSED ON THE revitalization of a brick and mortar building, city leaders believe it’s a form of historic preservation that some may overlook. “Historic preservation is also capturing a city’s story,” said Rebecca Johnson, executive director of Visit Dublin GA and a leader in the park project. “When I first interviewed for the job, Councilman Jerry Davis mentioned that King had given his first speech here, and that was my first inkling into how badly I wanted to help develop the project.” Johnson, a Las Vegas native, understands the importance of “24/7 tourism” and brought that belief into the park’s development. “We wanted to make sure that the story was told, and people were inspired in a way that was accessible for everyone, all the time,” she said. With this in mind, the monument also includes “Freedom Ascension,” a 7-foot-high sculpture, also created by Barksdale; a vinyl mural capturing the interior of the First African Baptist Church where King gave his speech; and an audio tour that brings the era of the Civil Rights Movement to life with four recordings including a young man reading King’s first speech, “The Negro and the Constitution,” and an interview with Dublin community leader, Julie Driger, retelling her experiences marching with King in St. Augustine, Fla. The site also provides a Downtown Dublin historic walking tour and the Footsteps of MLK Trail. The monument has gained worldwide attention with visitors traveling from afar including Europe and several from Germany, Johnson said. “There is not a day that goes by that the park isn’t seeing traffic, both national and international traffic,” Johnson noting as the visitor rate grew from 12,000 to 28,000 in the last two years. Though the economic impact from visitors patronizing Dublin businesses is felt throughout the community, Johnson also credits the King monument for promoting another benefit—keeping King’s legacy “fresh and alive.”
According to Johnson, the monument park was made possible by several factors—one of the most important being community service. The project’s volunteer committee was comprised of city and county officials and the Dublin Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Georgia Power, the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Georgia Council for the Arts and members of Visit Dublin and the First African Baptist Church were also involved. As for funding, the committee first started with two Tourism Product Development Grants from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The Downtown Development Authority applied for one and the city of Dublin applied for another. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Park is just one example of Dublin’s historic preservation efforts, said Tara Bradshaw, executive director of Dublin DDA.
“We knew that the biggest attraction to downtown was the historic architecture, and if we could find modern uses for these old buildings, then that would be the key to drawing in small businesses,” she said. Dublin and DDA leaders looked at tools that would attract developers including local and state revolving loan funds, historic tax credits, resources from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Georgia Cities Foundation. The city’s first tax credit project saw completion in 2013, with the restoration of the Old First National Bank. Affectionately known as the "Skyscraper” the building is the most historic landmark in the city and the tallest building between Macon and Savannah, and today houses Georgia Military College, restaurants, a bookstore and study areas.
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 29
“It [tax credits] made it easier for the developer to go out and spend $2 million on a building with the incentive that they would receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits on qualifying costs,” Bradshaw said. “It also made the
banks a little happier to know that there’s some already existing equity in the project. You get your banks on board, and you can really make anything happen at that point.”
THE HENRY FUSES HISTORY WITH CONTEMPORARY CONCEPTS When Riverboat Captain Robert C. Henry built The Henry in 1898, he probably didn’t guess that the two-story, 13,500-square-foot brick building would be home to Dublin’s first Piggly Wiggly store, a Belk Matthews and now serves as a mixed-use development anchored by a collaborative working environment. Bradshaw highlighted The Henry as another notable historic preservation project for Dublin. Today, The Henry houses four retail units on the first floor and a “co-working” office space on the second floor. This space offers paid passes for entrepreneurs and traveling business professionals to use Wi-Fi, utilities, concentrated working spaces and janitorial services. The Curry Companies, now led by President Will Curry, a fourth-generation family member of the company, acquired The Henry in the ‘80s and identified three main reasons to redevelop the space: the family pride and heritage that lived in the building’s history, the desire to restore the building to its original “look,” and the ability to construct a project of economic size that would support downtown employment, new business, investment and hospitality. In 2014, Curry and his team began researching the mixed-use and collaborative office space concepts, and the possibility of redeveloping the historic building. “A co-work space in a downtown is a perfect match because you already have a built-in community,” 30
Bradshaw said. “Most of our micro entrepreneurs interested in this space are millennials. We’re even getting into some GenZs at this point that are wanting to open businesses downtown. So, having a space like this where they can feel part of a community, but still be a sole proprietor of a business and can afford it is pretty incredible.” This collaborative working space not only serves as a hub for creativity, but as a resource for those Laurens County residents and others close to Dublin with decreased access to the Internet. The Curry Companies relied heavily on support from the city, DDA and state and local resources. The DDA underwrote some of the pre-development costs including supporting costs of architectural schematics and application fees. “It’s a great way for us to inject funding into the project, and also have some buy-in on decision making,” Bradshaw said. “Dublin and Laurens County is a community where our governments and our business leaders work together to find a solution to our problems,” Curry said. “It’s not about who gets the credit, but how do we get it done. It’s very much appreciated as a developer and a business owner, that we have that type of environment here.”
LOCAL HISTORY REALIZED Both Johnson and Bradshaw point to research, investments and partnership as keys to city leaders uncovering historic gems in their communities. “Talk with your newspapers and historic societies to see what unique ways and small stories you can use to tell the larger story of your community,” Johnson said. In terms of investment, one city-sponsored amenity is a parking lot in Downtown Dublin that sits on the same block as The Henry. In 2013-2014, the city and DDA acquired property and designed a parking and a greenspace project to attract and retain business for the buildings set for future redevelopment. The Jackson Street Plaza and Parking Project includes a large 87-space parking lot. “This $3 million public investment has already stirred $6.5 million in private investment in one city block. Here, we’ve seen 10 commercial spaces added, 13 new residential units and two business expansions," Bradshaw said. With their sights set on preserving more pieces of history and development initiatives, Dublin leaders keep especially one group in mind—the community’s children. “They should live in a place that’s vibrant,” Bradshaw said. “Building a solid foundation of small businesses in your downtown is really the start of economic prosperity throughout the entire community that will last.”
NO! DIGGING CAN BE JUST AS DANGEROUS Contact 811 before you dig to have utility lines marked AND help protect yourself from injury and expense.
INSIDE GMA INNOVATION
Holtz Training Institute to Hold Two-day Fall Training Event in Valdosta The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute will hold its Fall Two-day Training in Valdosta from Sept. 26-27. The training will be held at James Rainwater Conference Center, 1 Meeting Place, Valdosta, GA 31601. Four six-hour classes will be held on Thursday and Friday. Each class is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. The registration fee is $265 per class through Sept. 12 and $275 after Sept. 12. The fee covers instruction, a light breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks. Cancellations will be assessed a $50 administrative fee after Sept. 11. No refund will be given for cancellations after Sept. 20. Municipal elected officials and city managers/administrators and assistant city managers/administrators will receive sixhours of training credit for each class completed during this training event.
CLASSES INCLUDE:
Thursday, September 26 Conflict Resolution*
Recommended for newly elected and first-term officials
Governing the Commons: Collective Decision Making in Complex Systems* (advanced leadership class, maximum of 35 participants)
Municipal Finance Recommended for newly elected and first-term officials
Service Delivery Strategy – Efficiency & Tax Equity for Local Governments
Friday, September 27
Community and Media Relations* Recommended for newly elected and first-term officials
How Shall We Live? Practical Ethics for Public Life* (advanced leadership class, maximum of 35 participants)
For more information or to register, visit GMA’s website at www.gacities.com. A downloadable registra-
Making Citizen Engagement Work in Our Communities*
tion form that can be mailed is also available on the website.
Municipal Finance II*
For this event, GMA has reserved a group of hotel rooms at the Hampton Inn and Suites, across the street from the Conference Center, for the nights of Sept. 25 and Sept. 26. The room rate is $94 a night, plus taxes and fees for King and Double rooms and $109 a night for suites. Reservations must be made by Aug. 10 to get the block rate. Call the hotel at 229-241-1234 and ask for the GMA block rate. 32
* This class is on the “required” list for the Holtz Municipal Training Institute certificate program
For questions and more information, please contact Aileen Harris, GMA training manager aharris@gacities.com.
Training Certificate Recipients Awarded at the GMA Annual Convention Certificate of Recognition Tyrone Adkinson, Unadilla Maryline Blackburn, Smyrna Jimmy Bray, Oglethorpe Demario Byrden, Cairo Ken Clark, Hawkinsville Reggie Copeland, Marietta Eartha Cummings, Tennille Jeffrey A. DeTar, Morrow Peter Dillard, Moultrie Ronald Feldner, Garden City Jay Flowers, Thomasville Booker Gainor, Cairo Nathan Gaskin, LaGrange Carla Shy Gowen, Fort Valley Carmalitha Gumbs, South Fulton Amy Harrelson, Metter Ronald Hays, Camilla Christina Hobbs, Union City Eric Howard, Valdosta John Howard, Monroe Amelia Inman, Lithonia Chris McCorkle, Warrenton Derik McDowell, Bainbridge James McLaughlin, McRae-Helena Errol Mitchell, Hampton Dennis Mock, Dalton Mike Morris, McRae-Helena Willis NeSmith, Jr., Lyons Venterra Pollard, Camilla Artiffany Stanley, Dublin Truman Tinsley, Griffin Tim Turner, Barnesville Elaine B. Walk, Tennille Jason Ray Weaver, Screven
Certificate of Achievement Diane Daniels Adoma, Stonecrest Mike Barfield, Nicholson Don Bethune, Garden City Patrick Bordelon, Powder Springs David Brock, Griffin Eric Christ, Peachtree Corners Marcia Daniel, Garden City Michelle Duquette, Clayton Bill Durrence, Savannah James Eubanks, Pelham Mike Gowen, Douglas Harry Harvey, Summerville Diana Roe Hollis, Stone Mountain Tyson Jackson, Social Circle Hardy Johnson, Braselton Julian Miller, Savannah Brett North, Acworth Mickey O’Malley, Ball Ground Liz Ordiales, Hiawassee Mary Parham-Copelan, Milledgeville Jessica Payton, Cedartown Randy Quick, Rome Allen Rassi, Jr., St. Marys Janie Reid, Eatonton Becky Richardson, Braselton Matt Robbins, Tucker William C. Rosenfeld, Tucker Carolyne Sanders, Lenox Terry Scott, Thomasville Rashida Taylor, Metter Stanley Todd, Jesup Walter Turner, Reynolds Patsy Ann Watkins, Carnesville Tad Williamson, Pelham
Certificate of Excellence Rufus Davis, Camilla Tyree Goodlett, Dalton Teddy Harris, Rossville John T. Howard, II Forsyth Debbie Johnson, Port Wentworth Gary Johnson, Dublin Bennie Jones, Dublin Robert Moore, Blairsville Vesta Shephard, Cordele Sandra Thornton, West Point George Wangemann, Gainesville Carol D. Witcher, Walnut Grove Certificate of Distinction An’cel Davis, Riverdale Wanda D. Doyle, Tybee Island J. Micheal Evans, Centerville Maceo Mahoney, Washington Royce Reeves, Sr. Cordele Neat Robinson, Stockbridge Alphonso Thomas, Stockbridge Susan D. Wilkinson, Smyrna Certificate of Dedication James M. Burnette, Jr., Suwanee Anthony S. Ford, Stockbridge Christopher Hightower, Barnesville David Keener, Social Circle Brenda Lewis, Waynesboro Mickey McGraw, Trion David Miller, Riceboro Craig Newton, Norcross Gregory L. Paige, Sr., Adel Denese Shinholster, Milledgeville July/August 2019 | gacities.com 33
Local Officials’ Role in the 2020 Census
“Count Everyone Once, Only Once and in the Right Place.” CONDUCTED SINCE 1790, THE DECENNIAL census is the largest peacetime mobilization in the country and far more than an “actual enumeration” as outlined in the Constitution. Census data determines political representation at every level of government, the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funding, business decisions, strategic planning and other activities across the public and private sector. The 2020 Census is important for Georgia’s cities and local officials to play a vital role in ensuring a complete and accurate count in their communities.
and should represent a cross-section of the community. A city can either create its own organization or form a joint city/county committee–there is no wrong approach except inaction.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T PROMOTE THE CENSUS IN MY
WHAT CAN I DO AS PART OF A COMPLETE COUNT COMMIT-
COMMUNITY? According to George Washington Uni-
TEE? Besides securing funding and staff, a CCC needs
versity, Georgia received about $23.8 billion in FY2016 through 55 federal spending programs guided by 2010 Census data. These numbers imply that a community receives more than $2,300 per person annually – but only if that person is included in the census count.
to establish clear, achievable goals as it creates customized promotional materials for the census and its benefits. Working with community-based organizations that have direct contact with hard-to-count households helps identify areas that may require extra efforts.
WHAT ARE COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEES? The key to
WHO CAN HELP ME PROMOTE THE 2020 CENSUS IN
creating local awareness for the 2020 Census are Complete Count Committees (CCCs). Think of them as grassroots action plans whose effectiveness rests on local officials’ ability to act as trusted voices in the community as they educate residents and promote the census through targeted outreach efforts. CCCs are usually formed by the highest elected official in a jurisdiction (such as a mayor or commissioner)
MY COMMUNITY? GMA’s 2020 Census Toolkit at
WHEN SHOULD I START PROMOTING THE CENSUS? Although
Census Day is April 1, 2020, your leadership matters now. The more informed your residents are about the 2020 Census, the better their understanding of the process. Understanding builds trust and increases everyone’s willingness to be part of a successful count.
www.gacities.com/census features state and federal resources, census tools, materials from regional workshops and news. U.S. Census Bureau Partnership Specialists can be reached at Atlanta.rcc.partnership@2020census.gov or at 404-730-3832 or 1-800-424-6974.
IDEAS FOR COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES Host a Census Workshop + Involve local government employees in a 2020 Census Awareness Campaign + Encourage organizations to become official sponsors of your census activities + Have census posters, banners and other signage placed in highly visible public locations + Include the 2020 Census logo and messages on city communication, utility bills and social media + Sponsor a census booth at community events + Sponsor a contest to design a sticker or poster promoting the 2020 Census + Have census information available in all municipal buildings 34
2019-2020 GMA Board of Directors SOUTH President Sandra Vincent, Councilmember, McDonough SOUTHWEST President Tom Reed, Mayor, Chattahoochee Hills CENTRAL President Cleta Winslow, Councilmember, Atlanta FOURTH DISTRICT President Douglas S. Hollberg, Commissioner, Griffin First Vice President Joel Rogers, Mayor, Franklin FIFTH DISTRICT President Steve Quinn, Mayor, Jefferson First Vice President Jan Webster, Mayor, Nicholson SIXTH DISTRICT President Ed Barbee, Mayor, Gray First Vice President Shelly Berryhill, Commissioner, Hawkinsville SEVENTH DISTRICT PAST PRESIDENTS: President Ames Barnett, Mayor, Washington Dorothy Hubbard, Mayor, Albany First Vice President Chris McCorkle, Mayor, Warrenton Boyd Austin, Mayor, Dallas EIGHTH DISTRICT Mike Bodker, Mayor, Johns Creek Keith Brady, Mayor, Newnan President Walter “Butch” Turner, Mayor, Reynolds First Vice President Valery Davis, Mayor, Marshallville Beth English, Councilmember, Vienna NINTH DISTRICT Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem, Columbus President Len Tanner, Mayor Pro Tem, East Dublin Bill McIntosh, Mayor, Moultrie First Vice President Matt Donaldson, Hobby Stripling, Mayor, Vienna Mayor Pro Tem, Twin City -TENTH DISTRICT DISTRICT OFFICERS: President Melvin Powell, Councilmember, Sylvester FIRST DISTRICT First Vice President Dan Ponder, Mayor, Donalsonville President Terry Crawford, Vice-Mayor, Ringgold ELEVENTH DISTRICT First Vice President Dennis Shoaf, Mayor, Cave Spring President Matt Seale, Mayor, Ocilla SECOND DISTRICT First Vice President Vivian Miller-Cody, President Brandon Johnson, Mayor, Hartwell Councilmember, Valdosta First Vice President Annie Sutton, TWELFTH DISTRICT Councilmember, Cleveland President Ken Lee, Mayor, Rincon THIRD DISTRICT First Vice President Hugh “Bubba” NORTH Hodge, Mayor, Darien President Donnie Henriques, Mayor, Woodstock -NORTHEAST GMA DIRECTORS AT-LARGE: President Johnny Crist, Mayor, Lilburn Pete Bridges, Mayor, Tallapoosa EAST Ollie B. Clemons, Jr., Mayor Pro Tem, Austell President Jonathan Elmore, Mayor, Avondale Estates Hardie Davis, Mayor, Augusta WEST Eddie DeLoach, Mayor, Savannah President Valerie Anderson, Councilmember, Austell PRESIDENT Phil Best, Mayor, Dublin -FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Vince Williams, Mayor, Union City -SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Jim Thornton, Mayor, LaGrange -THIRD VICE PRESIDENT Julie Smith, Mayor, Tifton -ACTIVE PAST PRESIDENTS: IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Linda Blechinger, Mayor, Auburn
Buddy Duke, Mayor, Adel Andrea Gibby, Mayor, Young Harris Cornell Harvey, Mayor, Brunswick Deana Holiday Ingraham, Mayor, East Point Felicia Moore, Council President, Atlanta Kay Pippin, Mayor, Jackson Buddy Pittman, Chairman, Eastman Robert Reichert, Mayor, Macon-Bibb County Keith Turman, Mayor Pro Tem, Royston Mike Young, Mayor, McRae-Helena -GEORGIA MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES BENEFIT SYSTEM (GMEBS) CHAIR: Ken Usry, Mayor, Thomson -GMA SECTION PRESIDENTS: CITY ATTORNEYS SECTION Chris Balch, City Attorney, Brookhaven CITY MANAGERS SECTION Blaine Williams, Manager, Athens-Clarke County CITY CLERKS SECTION Dianne Landers, City Clerk, Thomson -GMA POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIRS: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE: Michelle Cooper Kelly, Councilmember, Marietta -ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY COMMITTEE: Steve Edwards, Mayor, Sugar Hill MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT POLICY COMMITTEE: Randall Walker, Mayor Pro Tem, Perry PUBLIC SAFETY POLICY COMMITTEE: Fred Perriman, Mayor, Madison REVENUE & FINANCE POLICY COMMITTEE: Jim Elliott, City Attorney, Warner Robins TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE: Isaiah Hugley, City Manager, Columbus -HAROLD F. HOLTZ MUNICIPAL TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAIR: Matt Donaldson, Mayor Pro Tem, Twin City
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 35
The Value of Georgia’s Cities Cities play a vital role in the state’s economy:
9.2% LAND
68% JOBS
43.1%
POPULATION
91.6% GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
Cities are home to: 65.7%
Cities comprise only 9.2% of land mass in Georgia, yet...
44.5%
58.8%
of commercial property in the state
50.3%
Cities are responsible for providing a variety of services to tax-exempt properties.
of industrial property in the state
of assessed value of property in the state
Cities provide 68% of jobs in Georgia
of all tax exempt property
Cities are growing at a faster rate than the state’s overall population:
Cities contain 43.1% of population in Georgia
Population Growth In Cities
Population Growth In The State
between 2007 and 2017
between 2007 and 2017
17.4%
Cities account for 91.6% of GDP in Georgia
9.3%
Daytime Population Population in Georgia cities increases during the daytime by 27.4% due to commuting, and cities provide services (water, sewer, fire and police protection, etc.) to both daytime and resident population.
27.4%
Local governments are investing in the future:
Federal Intergovt. 3% Service Charges 5%
Health & Welfare 2%
Parks & Recreation 10%
l
MunicipalRevenue by
Source, FY201 36
State Intergovt. 4% Local Intergovt. 7%
Other Revenue 12%
Public Works 22% Public Safety 36% Administration 21%
Courts 3%
Exp en FY ditur 2 0 17 es
Property Taxes 27%
Licenses, Permits, Fees 4%
u n i c ipa
Sales Taxes 19%
Excise Taxes 19%
MUNICIPAL EXPENDITURES by Category, FY2017
M
MUNICIPAL REVENUES by Source, FY2017
Housing & Development 6%
b
SPLOST and TSPLOST Revenues 94% of SPLOST referenda in the past ten years have been approved by local residents.
$2.4
billion in SPLOST revenues were collected by cities to pay for voterapproved capital projects between 2013 and 2017.
24 Georgia counties have Single County TSPLOST in place,
AND 4
88
counties are either in a Single County TSPLOST or TIA Region. (as of April 2019)
regions have implemented a Regional (TIA) TSPLOST. (as of April 2019)
Local funds will not be enough – a long-term, strong local-state-federal partnership is needed to address our state’s infrastructure needs. Sources: Compiled from data gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Georgia Department of Revenue
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE SINCE 1976
SERVICE
Cities Receive Home Depot Rebates for Purchases To maintain buildings, cities buy basics such as building materials, doors, windows, electrical equipment, flooring, lighting, paint and plumbing equipment. WITH GMA’S HOME DEPOT GOVERNMENT Solutions service, cities get money back on all these purchases made throughout the year. In 2018, Georgia cities in total received more than $1.1 million in rebates as members of GMA’s Home Depot Government Solutions service. With no minimum spending threshold, cities receive an annual rebate of three percent when they purchase items directly from Home Depot through US Communities. There is no cost to participate and no minimum spending requirements, and establishing and activating a city account is easy, with dedicated service to cities from Home Depot. In addition to this three percent annual rebate, cities also receive the following benefits as members of this program:
Items shipped directly to your city. Instead of sending city staff to pick up items at a nearby store, Home Depot ships items direct to city hall or another location you desire. Plus, GMA’s Home Depot Government Solutions service is not only good for cities’ bottom line. This program also provides specialized services that make building repair and implementation needs much easier to solve.
For more information about GMA’s Government Solutions service, reach out to Darin Jenkins at 678686-6264, Eileen Thomas at 678-686-6232 or James Brent at 678-686-6349.
No RFPs or procurement obstacles. Because this program is part of US Communities (contract numbers #16154 and #170009), cities may purchase directly and immediately from Home Depot without worrying about RFPs, competitive requirements or other procurement hurdles. Special discounts and volume pricing. Home Depot offers cities special discounts when they buy through GMA (such as 20 percent off paints, stains and primers). For orders over $1,000, there is special volume pricing that helps reduce costs on major purchases. 38
CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE OFFICIALS RECEIVE THEIR HOME DEPOT REBATE.
Contact: Bill (678) 324-9760 or bill@ecycleatlanta.com
Are Your School Zones Safe For Back To School? Help Keep Kids Safe with Hyper-Alerts™ Hyper-Alerts™ are compact clusters of LED lights built right into the “YOUR SPEED” faceplate of the TC-600 model and provide: Raised Awareness: The LED clusters deliver the same luminescence as a 12″ beacon, only in a more compact surface. This results in an “impossible to ignore alert” even 1000 feet from the sign. Cost Efficiency: Instead of having to choose between flashing beacons or a radar speed sign, now you can have both alerts for slightly more than the price of either one. Scheduling Flexibility: Programmable for an entire year in advance, by date and time, using our Advanced Scheduler/Timer. www.radarsign.com
Get Yours Today! 678-965-4814
ADVOCACY
GMA Prepares for 2020 with New Policies Voting delegates representing GMA’s membership adopted the 2020 Legislative Policies during the association’s annual convention.
MEMBERS OF THE GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES PRESENT DURING GMA'S POLICY COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
THESE POLICY ADOPTIONS CAME BECAUSE OF diligent work and dialogue during this year’s listening sessions held in the 12 districts throughout the state. Prior to adopting the policies at the convention’s business meeting, city officials participated in a wide range of policy discussions important to municipalities and engaged with members of the Georgia General Assembly, agency officials and industry experts. The Transportation Policy Committee discussed the evolving trends in transporting cargo throughout the state. Sen. Steve Gooch and Rep. Carolyn Hugley shared their perspectives on how to balance population growth in the metro area while ensuring inland 40
ports and hub cities play a role in connectivity. Industry representatives from CSX Railroad and Norfolk Southern discussed freight logistics and rail mobility. Sen. Tyler Harper and Rep. Lynn Smith addressed the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, sharing insights on the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act and other important legislation as environmental committee chairpersons in the General Assembly. The committee also received a departmental update from the Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division. Reps. Bill Hitchens and Scott Holcomb spoke to the Public Safety Policy Committee about legislation
local officials to “look to Senate Bill 371, which would that was recently signed by the governor to aggresallow cities to request certain confidential tax informasively address human trafficking and goals for additiontion.” However, he warned al legislation in 2020. that “this is confidential tax Speaking on HB 282, “The relationships city officials information, and there are which would require local have with state legislators is penalties for sharing it withlaw enforcement to hold GMA’s best advocacy tool.” out authorization.” DNA evidence for longer -GMA Director of Governmental Relations Tom Gehl The Municipal Govperiods of time, Holcomb ernment Policy Committee said, “These crimes change panel discussed how service delivery agreements have and damage lives to a degree that is really incredible. been implemented across the state and the various Now that we’ve done all this testing, it may take deissues that arise through revenue scarcity and double cades to get a match on the person who did it.” taxation. Reps. Barry Fleming, Andy Welch and MiThe committee also heard from state and federal nority Leader Bob Trammell all gave their perspectives government staffers who shared the joint efforts on on municipal government operations and shared best combating gang activity and the opioid epidemic and practices for negotiating service delivery and advocatbest practices for local governments to be engaged. ing for local control under the Gold Dome. The Community Development Committee heard GMA’s policy setting process is now complete and from Sen. Ben Watson and Reps. Billy Mitchell and Kaall city officials are encouraged to reach out to the govsey Carpenter. The panel focused on how to balance ernmental relations staff and their legislators to host a local government’s authority to regulate short-term vahometown connection in their communities before the cation rentals while being mindful of private property beginning of the next legislative session. The Legislaowners. tive Policy Council will continue to advise on critical Watson showed concern at attempts by network policies and work closely with staff going into 2020. platform rental facilitators to preempt local control over “The relationships city officials have with state legresidential zoning. islators is GMA’s best advocacy tool,” said GMA Direc“Savannah has done a lot of work to ensure they tor of Governmental Relations Tom Gehl. “Legislative have the right regulations by soliciting feedback from success during the 2020 session of the Georgia Generall parties. I believe the local governments should al Assembly is dependent on city officials voicing their make these decisions as they better understand the concerns and actively participating in the process.” challenges their residents face,” said Watson. Committee members also heard from the Georgia’s Association of Realtors about their legislative efforts on short-term rentals and preemption of residenHost a Hometown Connection tial design standards established locally. Hometown Connections will build momentum Reps. Jay Powell, Jan Tankersley and Shaw Blackfor municipal success during the 2020 mon all spoke to the Revenue and Finance Commitlegislative session. For more information and tee. As the General Assembly continues to modernize tips to planning one for your community and Georgia’s tax code, legislators shared changes to the representatives, contact GMA Governmental TAVT law and taxes levied on internet sellers. Relations Associate Charlotte Davis at When speaking on the possibility of point-of-sale data, 678-686-6291 or cdavis@gacities.com. newly appointed Department of Revenue Commissioner David Curry stated that he would encourage July/August 2019 | gacities.com 41
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENTS
BREWERIES TREND SMALL
IN A BIG WAY BY NATHAN MCGARITY, CO-FOUNDER AND PROJECT DEVELOPER, OCONEE BREWING
With the growth of breweries nationwide exploding from 3,200 breweries in 2014 to more than 7,300 in 2018, it begs the question, “What does that mean for Georgia?”.
ACCORDING TO THE ALCOHOL and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau website, there are over 121 licenses currently in Georgia. At the end of 2018, there were over 80 operating production and brewpub facilities in the state. Following the resounding applause from the craft beer community for the Georgia Legislature, the 2017 passage of SB 85, and its most popular provision allowing the direct sale of craft beer, many anticipated the craft beer renaissance. According to the Brewers Association, Georgia has remained 15th in ranking since 2014 for the total number of barrels produced as compared to other states. It’s a notable curiosity that this 42
position has not moved. Ask any brewery owner how long it took them to open their operations and you’ll likely hear a long and harried tale of deadline delays and budget struggles spanning over the course of a year or more. As the number of breweries have exploded in growth (1,049 breweries in total opened their doors in 2018) Georgia hints at green pastures as seen through its production numbers. The national state average for production of beer per adult over the age of 21 is 3.3 gallons. However, Georgia presents itself as having tremendous market opportunity—producing only 1.8 gallons per adult in 2018.
SO, WHO’S DIVING IN?
According to Taylor Lamm of Oconee Brewing, located in Downtown Greensboro, the market is growing in directions that suggest a niche-based neighborhood format. “When we built a production facility in a town of 3,500 people, our model was based on distribution. Between the distribution and our on-site event space and tasting room, it’s been our tasting room that has been the winner.” For most upstarts, one of the challenges has been where to locate a brewery. The standard production brewery is no less than 6,000 square feet in size and will likely total over $2 million in cost to build. It’s not easy to locate a production facility in a high-rent district due to its size and industrial-like needs. The brewpub, where beer and food are offered together, is more likely a candidate for the high-rent areas. Our brewery, Oconee Brewing, is already working on a new model for a start-up that could be a game-changer for small town breweries. The new structure, called Project Hummingbird, allows for a small or start-up brewery to contract out part of the production process, greatly reducing the size and start-up costs required to launch a brewery. Using this model reduces the space needed for beer production within a building to less than 700-square-feet and an equipment budget of approximately $220,000. The gist: it’s a production service arrangement where the brewer designs the beer, recipes and brand. The wort (unfermented beer) is produced at Oconee, and the unfermented beer is delivered to the member brewer. The brewer then finishes up the production process on their beer. It’s really a holistic model and puts the focus on the brewer/owner, the fun of designing the beer and alleviating tasks that keep the brewer from engaging with the customer. Taylor also shared that in Georgia, 30 percent of the population lives further than 20 miles from any craft
brewery. This translates to almost 2.3 million adults that are exposed to craft beer marketing, but don’t have close access to craft breweries. He believes that small towns are not off limits anymore. On your typical Main Street there tends to be a few vacant storefront spaces. With a tightly run facility, it’s feasible to see big strides in small, locally-focused breweries opening on Main Streets around the state soon. Hear more from Nathan McGarity on this subject at the Georgia Downtown Conference on Jekyll Island August 28-30.
SAVE THE DATE
Aug. 28-30 The Georgia Downtown Conference on Jekyll Island. For information and registration visit: www.georgiadowntownassociation.org Development Sessions Content Available + The “Creating a Buzz in Your Downtown with Breweries and Distilleries” podcast is available at www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org + The “In the Zone: The Wonderful World of Federal Opportunity Zones” webinar is available at www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org Courtesy of GMA, Georgia Cities Foundation and the Georgia Downtown Association, the Development Sessions are designed to provide the most current information and resources available to augment municipal downtown development efforts and initiatives.
July/August 2019 | gacities.com 43
TOWNS & THE LAW
Crossing the Line: Cities Review Separation of Church & State BY RUSI PATEL, GMA GENERAL COUNSEL
The dog-days of summer hit Georgia especially hard and is often associated with unrelenting heat, humidity and storms. THE IDIOM “DOG-DAYS OF summer” did not always solely relate to the weather, but originally was more closely associated with the dog star, Sirius, and its position in the morning sky. Time, however, can change interpretations and today the original meaning of the idiom is lost upon most people. Of the many recent decisions for federal and state courts, the June 20 United States Supreme Court decision in American Legion v. American Humanist Association reflects how another example of changing interpretations can impact original meanings in American jurisprudence. In 1925, shortly after the end of World War I, a 32foot tall Latin cross was built using private funds on private land in Bladensburg, Md., to honor local servicemen who had died during World War I. Over the years, the area of the cross was utilized for several events, including patriotic events but, because of its location in the middle of a traffic island, the cross and other memorials on the traffic island were donated to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in 1961. Thus, the cross became public property. By 2012, residents noticed that taxpayer money was paying for the care of the giant cross and a lawsuit was filed arguing that it violated the principle of separation of church and state. The trial court held that the cross held a secular purpose, but the federal appeals court held that the cross was considered a religious 44
icon for centuries and thus violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court reversed the federal appeals court and held that although the cross was undoubtedly a Christian symbol, this cross was secular in practice. The court saw that many monuments were established long ago and that “identifying their original purpose or purposes may be especially difficult.” They also noted that as time passes, the “purposes associated with an established monument…often multiply.” Further, the Court noted that just as the purpose of the monument could evolve over time, the “message conveyed…may change over time.” At this point, the court noted that even “religiously expressive monuments…can become embedded features of a community’s landscape and identity.” The court even noted that “many cities and towns across the United States … bear religious names.” Finally, the Court noted that “when time’s passage imbues a religiously expressive monument…with this kind of familiarity and historical significance, removing it may no longer appear neutral.” In a similar recent case out of our own 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Kondrat’yev v. Pensacola, a large cross was used as a site for remembrance services of armed forces but was also used for annual Easter services. In September 2018, the 11th Circuit held that there was a violation of separation of church and state. After the decision in American Legion, this case has been sent back for another look.
American Legion and Pensacola could impact the courses of action for cities in Georgia on their own monuments or place names and certainly shows how interpretations and historical meanings can change
over time and could affect the legality of the subject in question. Georgia cities should take note of these case if they ever face questions about their own monuments or place names.
Building Roads Less Traveled: The Recreational Trails Program The Recreational Trails Program (RTR) is a federal grant program funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered at the state level by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). THE PURPOSE OF THE RTP IS TO PROVIDE AND maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities identified in, or that further a specific goal of, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). RTP grant funds are intended to fund recreational trail-related projects for both motorized and non-motorized use. Project uses include hiking, running and wheelchair access, biking, mountain biking, water trail use, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving or using other off-road motorized vehicles. Trails have seen strong support over the last decade. Fortunately, when compared to many kinds of recreation facilities, trails can be comparatively inexpensive to design, construct and maintain when strategically placed and supported by local communities. Trails also support a wide range of outdoor recreation activities. RTP grant requests have no minimum and are limited to a maximum of $200,000 for non-motorized,
single use and diverse use trail projects. There is no maximum grant amount in place for motorized trail projects. RTP grant funds can pay up to 80 percent of a project’s total cost. Project sponsors must provide at least 20 percent of the total project cost as match. RTP functions as a reimbursement grant program. The DNR has announced the 2019-2020 funding cycle for the RTP will kick off Sept. 1, when the pre-application window opens. Applicants must complete an online pre-application, after which successful pre-applicants will be invited to complete a second-level application. RTP funding for the 2019-2020 cycle includes $3 million in total available funds. A series of four grant workshops will be offered throughout Georgia to provide training on the RTP application process.
For more information, including information about grant workshops and a list of previous grant recipients, please visit gastateparks.org/rtp/. July/August 2019 | gacities.com 45
FEDERAL FOCUS
“
Ways to Connect with Georgia Congressional Delegation
”
Federal advocacy is fundamental to keeping city officials’ voices heard in Washington, D.C. GMA’s Federal Policy Council members stay in touch with members of the Georgia Congressional delegation year-round and can attest that federal advocacy comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. The degree to which federal leaders understand and can articulate the importance of cities when they make policy depends on us. If we don’t take part in guiding federal policy on municipal issues, those decisions will be made for us.” – LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton, GMA Second Vice President and Federal Policy Council Chair I’ve been calling on our federal and state representatives for years. The process can seem intimidating if you have never done it before, but it’s actually quite easy. When in Washington, you can try to schedule an appointment with your member of Congress, but they have less control over their schedules in
46
D.C. than they do while in the state or district. I recommend scheduling a meeting in the district office. Have a specific issue or topic in mind and don’t expect more than 15 minutes. The member’s schedule can always change, so don’t be offended if you meet with a staff member. They have the congressman’s or senator’s ear, so treat the meeting as if you were meeting with that representative. Finally, be visible in your community. When you’re aware of your representative attending a community event, go to the event, introduce yourself and start developing a relationship. You will be surprised how quickly you will be remembered.” – Johns Creek Councilmember Steve Broadbent
It’s always good to let other elected officials know the good things that are happening in your city. Never forget to invite your nationally elected officials to take part in the milestones in your community” – Peachtree City Mayor Vanessa Fleisch I try to visit Washington one to two times per year to meet individually with members and staff to update them on our experience with various federal programs and things they can assist us with locally.” – Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul Members of Congress originate more constituent outreach than any other elected officials. Perhaps it is because theirs are full-time jobs and assisted by full-time staffs. I usually communicate with field staff that routinely stay in touch with me and members of our city council. I’ve also found federal and state officials to be more receptive to my contacts/requests throughout the year if I am visible during their re-election campaigns in election years.” – Jackson Mayor Kay Pippin Meeting with Congressman Scott is an ongoing opportunity to create a win-win for my city and for him. Knowledge helps him to better represent us. We meet at least biannually to keep him informed of my city’s issues and concerns. This provides him
knowledge of the issues and a specific city example. The meetings are both in Washington and in the district. The congressman and the staff in both offices know me and Fairburn. His office also shares opportunities that might be of interest. We are our city’s best advocate!” – Fairburn Councilmember Hattie Portis-Jones Macon-Bibb County has determined that an effective way to stay in touch with our congressional delegation is by cultivating a relationship with their field representatives. We invite the field representatives to public relations events and activities and try to keep them updated about significant events, both positive and negative. We’ve also determined that where our congressional member is entitled to credit for a positive development, we do well to publicize that; the only time you communicate with your congressional member should not be when you want something.” – Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert Earlier this year I made a visit to D.C. to visit with Sen. Isakson and Congressman Scott requesting support for local concerns that affect cities and counties. Our Youth Council also conducts a yearly visit with Congressman Scott to discuss legislation that impacts our youth in and out of the classroom.” – Stockbridge Councilmember Neat Robinson
Peachtree City Mayor Vanessa ch Fleis with U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson
Stockbridge Youth Council with Congressman David Scott Fairburn Councilmember Hattie Portis-Jones with tt Congressman David Sco
CITYLITES
Fairs and Festivals
48
August 10 Downtown Nights in Ringgold Ringgold
September 2 Labor Day at The Post Fort Oglethorpe
September 7 Doc Holliday BBQ & Blues Festival Griffin
August 10 Ida Cox Music Series Toccoa
September 5-8 Yellow Daisy Festival Stone Mountain
September 7 Gold Rush festival Villa Rica
August 10 City of White Centennial Celebration White
September 5-October 27 49th Annual Oktoberfest Helen
September 12 Taste of Carrollton Carrollton
August 10 August Concert & Wing Festival Suwanee
September 6-14 Northwest Georgia Regional Fair Calhoun
September 13 Tastes of Statesboro Statesboro
August 10 BBQ Blues & Bluegrass festival Decatur
September 6-14 Chattahoochee Mountain Fair Clarkesville
September 14 Taste of Snellville Snellville
August 17 Taste of Johns Creek Johns Creek
September 7-9 Dahlonega Trail Fest Dahlonega
September 20 Fall Art Walk Newnan
August 17-18 Piedmont Park Arts Festival Atlanta
September 7 River District Music Festival Rome
September 20-21 Clermont Days Festival Clermont
August 31 - September 2 Marietta Art In the Park Marietta
September 7 Holloway Hunny Pot Festival Cedartown
September 20-21 Happy Days Festival Hapeville
September 20-22 Buggy Days Barnesville
September 21 Sunflower Festival Statham
September 28 Peanut Festival Plains
September 20-22 Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival Augusta
September 21-22 StreetFest Marietta
September 28 Lavonia Fall Festival Lavonia
September 20-22 Shrimp & Grits Festival Jekyll Island
September 21-22 Suwanee Fest Suwanee
September 28 Pumpkin Festival Eton
September 20-22 Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival Augusta
September 22-28 Jazz Festival Savannah
September 29 Bridgefest Stockbridge
September 21-22 Shakerag Arts & Crafts Festival Peachtree City
September 27-28 Tennille BBQ Blast Tennille
September 29 La Fiesta del Pueblo Tifton
September 21 Collard Greens Festival Lithonia
September 28-29 Duluth Fall Festival Duluth
September 21 Centerville Fall Festival Centerville
September 28 Cave Spring Pig Out Cave Spring
September 21 Seafood & BBQ Festival Riverdale
September 28 Big Red Apple Festival Cornelia
To place a free Fairs & Festival listing contact Felicia Evans at fevans@gacities.com. Please submit listings at least eight to ten weeks ahead of publication date. July/August 2019 | gacities.com 49
GEORGIA GEMS The Longest & Largest Canopy Tour in the U.S. ONLY IN THE CITY OF WHITESBURG, GA. WILL YOU find the Screaming Eagle Zipline at Historic Banning Mills Adventure and Conservation Center. The zipline, which can travel up to 70 miles per hour, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest and largest canopy tour in the U.S. This record was verified on Nov. 17, 2012. The zip wire course consists of 135 ziplines including the 3,000-foot Flight of the Falcon and would take approximately 12 hours to complete. Historic Banning Mills is a public 501(c)(3) with a mission to preserve the unique ecosystems of the Snake Creek Gorge, Chattahoochee watershed and the extensive history of the Banning Mills township and gorge areas. According to its website, since 2001 the staff has completed programs to preserve the area
Photo: Banning Mills
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including work with the Trust for Public Lands and Chattahoochee River Keepers to maintain 1,500 acres of the Snake Creek Gorge and developing a small history museum and historic resources. The center also has a spa and onsite accommodations including an inn, tree houses, and an RV and camping park. The park features a Wall of Praise with “thank you” notes handwritten by guests to the park’s facility or employees. In one of the many testimonials a guest shared, “Flying down, face down, at such high speed was such a rush. The [park] grounds are just beautiful and the personal challenges made for a spectacular day.”
201 Pryor Street, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30303
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 1959
GMA Services are so Great, They’ll Knock Your Socks Off. Retirement Plans Workers Compensation Property & Liability Coverage Life & Health Insurance Hotel/ Motel Revenue Management Equipment & Real Estate Financing
Newnan Mayor Keith Brady
For more information about GMA services contact:
Eileen Thomas Phone: 678.686.6232 or Email: ethomas@gacities.com