January/February 2020

January/February 2020

ADVOCACY. SERVICE. INNOVATION.

Columns & Features In This Issue 2020 Legislative Session Guide | Visionary City Award Winners | 2020 Georgia Cities Week

Page 22

Meet the winners of the inaugural Visionary City Award.

These cities are creating positive community change through effective civic engagement and collaboration.

FIRE + WATER + STORM + MOLD DAMAGE January/February 2020 Volume 1 • No. 4 AFTER

BEFORE

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PUBLISHER Larry Hanson EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kelli Bennett GRAPHIC ARTIST Lindsay Podrid ADVERTISING SALES Lynne Norton EDITORIAL BOARD Charlotte Davis Alan Dickerson Tom Gehl Aileen Harris Chris Higdon Bria Hunter 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 2020 LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL SECTION ............................................................ 5 GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTS TO FACILITATE FAIRNESS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES ... 18 GEORGIA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK ............................................................. 38

CITYSCAPES .....................................................................................................10 + Positioning Ourselves for the Future + A New Year Abounds with Optimism + Choose to Invest in Your City’s Future

CITY DESK ........................................................................................................14 + Winners of Visionary City Award Announced + Small Town,Big Impact: Hahira + City Spotlight: Mansfield + Q&A: Hometown Connection to Capitol Connection + Capital Needs and Infrastructure Financing

INSIDE GMA .................................................................................................... 26 + GMA Sees Staff Changes + Annual Convention Announcement + Mayors’ Motorcade Highlight + Taking GeorgiaForward to the Next Level + Innovation: GMA’s 2020 Training Schedule + Cities United Summit Details + 2020 Georgia Cities Week

ADDITIONAL + Preparing for the 2020 Census .......................................................................40 + Downtown Developments ............................................................................. 42 + Towns & The Law: The Case of Guns in the Garden ...........................................44 + Federal Focus ..............................................................................................46

CITYLITES ........................................................................................................ 48 + Fairs & Fests + Georgia Gems

FOLLOW GMA ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook & LinkedIn: Georgia Municipal Association & Twitter: @GaCities

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GEORGIA’S CITIES PREPARE FOR THE

2020 Legislative Session

BY BAKER OWENS

HB 302 SB 172

HB 276

GMA is following several issues this legislative session and keeping cities’ interests as its top priority. First is a pair of bills, House Bill 302 and Senate Bill 172, that would prohibit municipalities from regulating design elements for one or two-family dwellings. GMA maintains that residents—not special interests—should decide standards for each community.

More than 50 cities passed an opposition resolution to HB 302 last session.

Rep. Darlene Taylor (R-Thomasville) is also concerned about the bill. According to her, Thomasville has a distinct character with its current design standards, and the bill could undermine this.

“The state needs to have control over structures being secure and mandating strength. But when it comes to design or appearance of local buildings, local politicians are the ones that face a penalty from voters,” said Taylor. “Every community should have that choice at the local level. What works and fits in Atlanta may not work in South Georgia.”

One GMA priority successfully moved through the legislative process in the first week of the General Assembly. House Bill 276, sponsored by Rep. Brett Harrell (R-Snellville) required third-party retailers facilitated on Internet marketplaces (like Amazon or Etsy) to collect and remit state and local sales tax. Due to a loophole in the current state law, these third-party retailers are not collecting and remitting these taxes.

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HB 523

HB Vaping

“The individuals themselves actually owe this today and are supposed to self-report at the end of the year on purchases they made and not paid sales tax on. As you can imagine, literally only 10-12 individuals do this each year,” said Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Rep. Terry England (R-Auburn).

“While we’ve seen some growth in sales taxes, we realize the state and locals are missing out on what would previously have been a brick-and-mortar transaction with sales tax paid and remitted,” England continued. “These are businesses in our local communities providing jobs, paying property taxes and sponsoring ball teams. That’s why this should be important to every Georgian.

None of us like to pay tax, but this is a fairness issue if there ever was one. Again, it is not a tax increase, just a means to collect a tax already on the books.”

One item sure to make the news is HB 523, which would prevent local governments from regulating rental transactions, occupancy, duration or other restrictions on short-term rental properties, such as Airbnb. Snellville Councilmember Tod Warner, who has a real estate background, understands the impact these rentals can have on communities as well as unsuspecting owners. Snellville passed regulations on these types of properties last September.

“Snellville did not regulate Short Term Rentals (STRs) to infringe on property owners’ rights. We were driven to it by the need to protect owners’ rights,” said Warner. “HB 523 pre-empts local governments from regulating zoning and takes away the ability to limit occupancy and use. Residential neighborhoods are designed on certain criteria.

Number of occupants per household affects everything from parking requirements to size of septic fields and overloading them has direct impact on adjacent property owners and the community. The same proposed code section also pre-empts restriction on use, so I guess the brothel, event venue, flea market or haunted house will not be able to be regulated by local authority.”

Finally, GMA is watching legislation concerning vaping or e-cigarettes and focusing on an anticipated bill to be introduced by Rep. Bonnie Rich (R-Suwanee). GMA advocates for the continuation of local regulations on vaping in public spaces and retail sales, and Rich says her bill would not preempt local control.

“My personal experience as a mother of teenagers, is that we’ve been dealing with this problem for years.

We’ve worked with schools but just can’t get ahead of it. It’s too easy for kids to buy it. It’s becoming all too common for kids to experiment, use and become addicted,” said Rich. “We have a new generation that is now addicted to nicotine, and I’m trying to shut that door.”

Connecting with GMA During the Session Both GMA leaders and members of the Georgia General Assembly encourage city officials to remain engaged during this year’s session to continue the association’s 80-plus year history of advocacy.

“Remaining influential in the Capitol halls is a team sport that requires engagement from city leaders,” said GMA Legislative Policy Council Chair Vince Williams, mayor of Union City.

“We urge folks to be vigilant and respond to staff requests for help in getting the right votes from legislators during the 40-day session. Since 2020 is an election year, legislators need to know that officials are monitoring their choices between either special

interests or community values,” said GMA Director of Governmental Relations Tom Gehl.

In addition, House Minority Leader Bob Trammell (D-Luthersville), whose father served nearly 20 years as the mayor of Luthersville, offered advice to city officials. “Get your representatives’ and senators’ cell phone numbers and use them when you need them, said Trammel. “Also, give your legislator as much advance notice as possible about local legislation and any legislative issues that impact your city.”

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 7

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

Connecting to the Gold Dome 101 PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE CAPITOL GMA staff works hard to make sure that Georgia’s cities are well represented at the Capitol.

But the most effective lobbyists for Georgia cities are you—the elected officials and city staff.

GMA encourages members to join the advocacy team both at the Capitol and virtually during the 2020 Legislative Session. Please contact Charlotte Davis at 678-686-6291 or cdavis@gacities.com if you plan on visiting the Gold Dome.

GMA PROVIDES MEMBERS WITH: FREE COFFEE AND PERSONALIZED LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING Before heading to the Capitol, GMA staffers can provide city officials with a personalized briefing about which bills are moving, which committees are meeting as well as provide copies of GMA’s policy one-pagers.

MEETING COORDINATION Not sure where a committee room is?

Don’t know where a legislator’s office is? Need help setting up a meeting?

GMA can help make sure city officials get to the right place at the right time.

FACEBOOK AND LINKEDIN:

Georgia Municipal Association

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LEGISLATIVE EMAILS GMA works hard to stay in touch with its member cities, especially during the Legislative Session. Each week during the session GMA sends out the Gold Dome Update and calls-to-action as needed.

ONLINE BILL TRACKING Updated daily, GMA’s legislative tracking lists the bills GMA is following. This online resource can be found at www.gacities.com/ LegislativeSession.

GET SOCIAL Follow and engage with our official social media accounts, where you’ll find regular updates and interactive posts.

TWITTER:

@GaCities

SOCIAL MEDIA HASHTAGS:

#GaCities, #CitiesUnited, #GaPol

GMA WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU GMA’s legislative staff is listed below. Please feel free to direct all questions or comments on legislation during the session to members of this team. By accessing GMA’s Policy Center website, the legislative point-person for each of the tracked bills pending at the Capitol will be indicated in the GMA legislative tracking system.

Tom Gehl Director of Governmental Relations tgehl@gacities.com 678-686-6247 Charlotte Davis Senior Governmental Relations Associate cdavis@gacities.com 678-686-6291 Joel Wiggins Senior Governmental Relations Associate jwiggins@gacities.com 678-686-6270 Michael McPherson Intergovernmental Coordinator mmcpherson@gacities.com 678-686-6390 Thomaesa Bailey Governmental Relations Associate tbailey@gacities.com 678-686-6355 Emily Hirst Assistant General Counsel ehirst@gacities.com 678-686-6211

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 9

CITYSCAPES

Positioning Ourselves for the Future

BY DUBLIN MAYOR PHIL BEST, GMA PRESIDENT

By the time you read this, the New Year will be a month old, the 2020 legislative session will have a few weeks under its belt, and I’ll be more than halfway through my year-long term as president of GMA. AS WE GAIN OUR FOOTING for 2020, I’d like to share a few thoughts about GMA and my time so far as president.

I’ve been involved with GMA for 30 years now, and as much as any time in the past, exciting things are taking place at GMA. Larry Hanson is now beginning his third year as GMA’s executive director.

Through his leadership and the work of dedicated staff on our behalf, GMA has positioned itself to continue to be a strong, engaged and influential institution that will make positive contributions to our state’s cities, their economic prosperity and quality-of-life.

One way GMA is looking to the future is through the 20 Under 40 Initiative. Established by the GMA Executive Committee in late 2019, this program gave 20 city officials under the age of 40 the opportunity to tell us how they would like to be involved in the association and how we can be more responsive to their needs and concerns. I’m very proud of this new endeavor.

I’m also excited about the potential of the recently appointed GMA Children and Youth Advisory Council.

It will provide a much-needed forum for city officials to exchange ideas and information, as well as explore opportunities for collaboration with agencies and organizations whose mission focuses on assisting children and youth. This is important work that I believe will reflect the desire of so many city officials to create environments where their city’s children can thrive.

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There’s more…GMA’s new non-profit, Georgia Cities Solutions (GCS), now has a managing director in place, and we’re close to naming the members of its Board.

GCS has been created to fund initiatives that will help improve the quality-of-life of city residents and encourage careers in municipal government. In addition, GMA has taken on the responsibility of managing and staffing GeorgiaForward to include its Young Gamechangers program and annual forum. GeorgiaForward’s mission is to improve the state of Georgia by working as a catalyst to promote statewide conversations and partnerships by engaging young professionals and business, political, academic, and civic leaders. Learn more about the new leaders of these two entities on page pages 26 and 30.

We can’t forget the granddaddy of them all, GMA’s new headquarters project, which will include the construction of a new building and parking deck along with updating the current GMA building. In order to meet our future needs, it’s time for us to invest in our physical infrastructure. This project in many ways symbolizes all the great things happening within our association.

It’s an honor and privilege to serve you and Georgia’s cities, and to be completely honest, it’s been an absolute blast so far. Why? Because it’s fun to be involved with an organization that is actively positioning itself for the future. Here’s to a great 2020 and beyond.

A New Year and a New Decade Abounds with Optimism

BY LARRY HANSON, GMA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Or, perhaps a realist? At times we find ourselves in each of these categories depending on the circumstance.

I BELIEVE PUBLIC OFFICIALS SEEK office and a desire to serve because they have an optimistic outlook on the future—they see an opportunity to make a difference, to make things better and improve the quality of life for those they serve. Much like you, when I think about the future of GMA, I share that same optimistic outlook because we have committed leaders serving as GMA officers and Board of Directors, and hundreds of city officials serving in various ways to make a difference for all 538 cities. This optimism has led to 87 years of GMA success with prospects for a continued bright future.

As you read this, we are breaking ground on a new GMA headquarters building that will double our size and parking so that we can meet the present and future needs of our employees and our member cities. The planning effort has been led by dedicated city officials.

Likewise, we have officials on a joint task force with ACCG who are hard at work trying to improve LOST and SDS by reducing points of conflict and improving the dispute resolution process. We are very grateful for their time.

As President Best mentioned in his column, we now have the GeorgiaForward non-profit under the GMA umbrella. This program complements both our

20 Under 40 and Placemaking initiatives and fits perfectly with Georgia Cities Foundation’s economic development programs. In addition, we are welcoming new municipal consultants to our team to better serve our cities and provide you with technical assistance, resources and programs to meet your unique needs. We are doing all this because collectively—as city officials, GMA leaders and GMA staff—we share an optimistic view of the future. Whether big or small, urban or rural, north or south, retail or agricultural, GMA is the entity that brings us together and works to provide the tools, training and resources to help cities grow and prosper.

As we embark on this new year and new decade, I share two observations that encourage a positive outlook as we face challenges and turn them into opportunities. First, great leaders are not defined by the absence of weaknesses, but rather by the presence of clear strengths. Our strength at GMA is the desire and willingness of thousands of city officials to come together with the shared goal of serving others and creating a better quality of life. In doing so, we learn from each other and our experiences. Second, our relationships must always be based on two main principles; we must appreciate our similarities and respect our differences.

Let’s all begin this year and decade with optimism and enthusiasm as Cities United.

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 11

CHOOSE TO INVEST IN YOUR CITY’S FUTURE

BY EAST POINT MAYOR DEANA HOLIDAY INGRAHAM

MANY GEORGIANS HAVE HEARD the story of the pivotal moment when the leaders of two southern cities made choices that would shape the destiny of their communities. One city was Birmingham, Ala., and the other was the city of Atlanta. As history tells us, in the 1950s leaders in Birmingham declined to take advantage of federal matching funds to invest in an international airport. Atlanta, however, jumped at the opportunity. This investment in infrastructure has literally put Georgia on the map, with Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport becoming the world’s busiest airport, the gateway to the world and a major economic driver of the state’s economy. As the daughter of an entrepreneurial father,

who owned and operated a construction company, the importance of building for today and tomorrow was engrained in me from an early age. Now, as the proud mayor of the city of East Point—within a stone’s throw of Hartsfield-Jackson—I am reminded daily of the need to invest in my city’s future.

East Point has been busy. We’ve been developing public art and trailblazing city agriculture master plans.

We’ve won a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency brownfields grant, entered a strategic alliance with the U.S. Small Business Administration to foster small business development, constructed the model mile of our East Point Path and cut the ribbon of our new city hall in the heart of downtown.

East Point City Hall, a 32,000 sq. ft. facility, that includes city offices, a multi-purpose city council chamber, a spectacular water feature and outdoor amphitheater to host major events, is symbolic of the importance of making signature investments in our community’s future. This state-of-the-art facility is catalytic to revitalizing Downtown East Point to one day include a variety of retail, commercial, and residential properties as well as greenspace and public art. Our new city hall is aesthetically pleasing—both on the inside and outside.

Residents have left comments on the city’s Facebook page exclaiming “Beautiful!” and “Well done!”

IDENTIFYING FUNDING SOURCES FOR CAPITAL NEEDS Paying for investments in infrastructure, facilities and other capital needs is often a challenge. We’ve done a good job of identifying funding sources and partners to address ongoing capital projects while not financially overburdening residents with tax increases. City hall, for example, was financed through GMA’s Real Estate Financing program. With GMA’s support, East Point is now using our new city hall as a place to connect and continue to build community with our residents by being center stage for some of our most popular events.

These events included the celebration of the city’s 132nd birthday as part of the National League of Cit-ies’ Love My City Summer of Love initiative and hosting Chamber Music at “The Point” with the Atlanta Sym-phony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program. Our city hall is one that will have a lasting and transformative impact on our community.

A recent survey by GMA indicates that Georgia’s cities are facing $11.2B of capital needs between now and 2022. As an elected offi cial, it is top-of-mind that property tax increases can’t be the go-to for covering the investment needs across the state.

Georgia’s cities are economic engines for the state and should be granted the authority to lead with inno-vative funding sources. Partners at the federal level, state agencies like the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and tools like the T-SPLOST singlecounty tax are all necessary to build our communities.

Yet, we owe it to our constituents to continue to explore innovative and cost-effective financing options to ensure that we meet community needs.

While there are many partners and tools in existence to assist in necessary city investments, the General Assembly should continue to explore other tools that allow cities to make smart investments at the best possible price for municipal taxpayers.

CITY DESK

Sausage Making & Lobbying: Why City Officials Need to Be Involved

BY TOM GEHL, GMA DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

After 30 years of walking the marble halls and lobbies of Georgia’s Capitol, it’s a wonder I don’t hear the House and Senate voting bells ringing in my ears while I sleep. This year, I entered my 31st consecutive legislative session. Here are my top three takeaways: 1. Look in the mirror and say, “I am an elected city official, I vote, and I am powerful.” Sure, there are professional lobbyists, but legislators will tell you, the most powerful “lobbyists” are organized constituents who vote for each of their legislators. Translation: That’s you, a powerful elected municipal official. As the GMA lobbying team works with the members of the General Assembly, it is music to our ears when legislators let us know that they’ve heard from multiple mayors, councilmembers and city staff on an issue. GMA can accomplish so much when the membership and staff are tag-teaming legislators on an issue.

2. It ain’t pretty. While “ain’t” typically isn’t a word I use, sometimes the legislative arena calls for it. “There are two things you never want to see being made, sausage and laws,” so the expression goes. Both processes can be messy. But cities share with us the first-hand benefits of having GMA’s professional lobbying team to help navigate this process. Our legislative team also ensures a consistent, year-afteryear return to policy debates to improve imperfect bills.

I can vividly remember a legislator unironically exclaiming, “Everyone is in agreement on this legislation except for the words.”

Well, after the laughter subsided, it impressed on me the realism that words are the most important part of a bill. This is why GMA works daily to align these words with city interests.

3. If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. While city and state priorities are not always aligned, it is crucial that city and state officials forge partnerships to solve problems for shared constituents. Legislators are people too. So, cut them some slack when they may not be on your side on particular issues and work to develop personal relationships, because you may call on them for future issues important to your city.

So, what makes our job easy? You—city officials and staff. We have the best “clients” among the entire lobbying corps who offer themselves up for public service to improve the lives of their communities.

Thank you for being your city’s and GMA’s most powerful advocates!

Photo Above: The late Government Operations Committee Chairman Culver Kidd, the “Silver Fox,” and former Lt. Governor Pierre Howard with Gehl on the Senate floor in the early 1990s.

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BETTER SERVE YOUR CITY WITH

GMA’s Information Technology Services At GMA, we understand the digital transformation happening around us and that reliable, secure information technology resources are essential for efficient operation of city business. GMA’s information technology services address these realities and help cities make informed IT decisions and implement successful IT solutions.

IN ADDITION TO THE BASE SERVICES TO THE LEFT, AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PLAN WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: INFRASTRUCTURE AND SECURITY ASSESSMENT Identification and documentation of your city’s current IT infrastructure and information security measures, gaps between current status and best practices and recommendations of actions to close these gaps.

INTRODUCING GMA’S IT SECURITY & STRATEGIC CONSULTING SERVICE GMA’s latest IT service offering is the IT Security & Strategic Consulting service. Through GMA’s strategic ally Ryan Wilson, city leaders can benefit from his years of municipal IT experience and receive a range of consulting services. These services will provide clarity and direction through detailed IT infrastructure and security assessments, experienced planning, cybersecurity training and more.

As a valued member of GMA, you’ll have access to the following services as a part of your existing membership:

ON-CALL STRATEGIC CONSULTING SERVICES Cities will have access to expertise on matters including: • RFP review, interviews • Identification of solution providers • Assistance establishing IT support arrangements through state and federal governmental organizations • Review of actions based on recommendations in assessment

• Participation in GMA’s monthly IT services roundtable group

SPECIFIC STRATEGIC CONSULTING SERVICE OFFERINGS Cities may also use the annual consulting hours for a range of projects, including, but not limited to, the following: • Technology Roadmap

• GMA IT webinars

• IT Governance

• GMA’s IT list serve and discussion board

• IT Strategic Planning and Steering Committee

IT IN A BOX This new IT Security & Strategic Consulting Service joins IT in a Box to enhance GMA’s suite of technology services. Offered by GMA’s strategic ally Sophicity, the IT in a Box services range from backing up and securing a city’s data to modernizing your website.

IT IN A BOX INCLUDES: • Cybersecurity and Computer Maintenance • 24x7 Helpdesk Support • Data Backup and Disaster Recovery • Records Management and Email

• Video Archiving for Public Safety Officers • Policy and Compliance Support • Website Building • Vendor Management and Procurement

Enhance Your City’s IT Infrastructure and Security Today!

Contact: services@gacities.com

Small Town,

Big Impact Hahira Bridges the Divide with Art WHEN LEADERS IN THE CITY OF HAHIRA noticed a decline in community engagement, they took flight and hosted their first Honeybee Festival and were intentional about building a stronger com-munity, according to Hahira Main Street Director Emily Davenport.

“We started small, listened to our community and over time found ways to start meeting those needs, which in return has strengthened our community,” she said. “Here in Hahira, we are focusing on bridging the gap between community and government.”

The Honeybee Festival is just one of the components of the city’s community engagement initiatives to meet the city’s goal of being more connected, involved and engaged.

Over the last year, the city has worked to improve communication with the public and to build on existing activities while creating new ones, including art projects that provide opportunities for every walk of life. Through these efforts, the city discovered talented artists in their backyard who wanted to lend a hand and lead community projects. One of these groups was a senior art class, which led to other art opportunities for residents of all ages including “Pop Up Art,” a partnership between the city and local artist Mindy Reese.

“The idea started with creating something easy for the community to enjoy in downtown and provide opportunities for pictures,” said Davenport as she explained the various installations around the city—two sets of angle wings, a honeycomb and a quilting pattern.

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Prior to Davenport joining the city, Hahira did not have a main street director and outsourced community events to the store owners in their downtown community. This group grew into the Hahira Merchant Association (HMA) and met twice a month. They coordinated with the city administrators, city council, the Hahira Police Department and other community organizations.

In the long run, Hahira plans on formalizing its main street program, said Davenport. There are three tiers for Georgia Main Street and the Main Street America program. Currently, Hahira is in the Downtown Affiliate Network tier and plans to advance to the Classic Main Street program later this year. Davenport has hopes of one day seeing Hahira’s Main Street program recognized as one of Georgia’s Exceptional Main Streets (Gems).

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.

City Spotlight

Mansfield

HISTORY: In 1903, a group of businessmen organized the Carmel Land Improvement Company. This team

POPULATION:

437

MAYOR:

G.W. Davis, Jr. GMA DISTRICT:

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facilitated the purchasing of land for the township later known as Mansfield. The city of Mansfield is a quiet little town that takes great pride in its history, homes, local businesses, natural resources and citizens.

In March 2018, two councilmembers spearheaded the efforts for the creation of a city center project, after seeing the need to improve and beautify the city’s commercial center. Their vision for Mansfield focused on rehabilitating the city’s central business district and maintaining existing residential development patterns that define the community.

Now, city leaders are ready to bring their vision to life with the launch of phase one of the city center construction project. This phase will include paving approximately 300 feet of the Cricket Frog Trail. In addition, Newton Trails company will pave a quarter-mile trail running west from downtown. The city center, which is financially supported by a SPLOST, and Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant funds is set to be complete by the spring.

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS: Take a trip to Mansfield and visit Marben Public Fishing Area. Here, you can enjoy over 20 different ponds, ranging in size from one to 95 acres.

General Assembly Acts to Facilitate Fairne ss for Local Businesses

HOW THE PASS AGE OF

HB 276

IMPACTS GEORGIANS

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In the not too distant past, every decision a consumer made had a ripple effect that supported the local economy in that community where those consumers worked, played and called home.

However, technology has outpaced the Georgia Code, said Joel Wiggins, GMA senior governmental relations associate. Thanks to the recent passage of HB 276, that day may be coming again.

“Many online based services that deal in music, eBooks, rideshares, short term rentals and others do not support the government services that support Georgians, who in turn support their industries.”

The late Rep. Jay Powell (R-Camilla) was one of the first members of the Georgia General Assembly to recognize the tax code’s failure to adapt to the changing economy and authored House Bill 61 in response to this evolving economy. The bill, which passed in the 2018 legislative session, taxed all online retail sales of over $100,000 in one calendar year.

“This law initiated an effort in Georgia to level the playing field for local businesses,” Wiggins said. “But while this heroic effort captured major online retailers, it did not capture smaller, third-party retailers that use online platforms to sell their goods including large marketplaces, such as Google, Amazon, Etsy, eBay and platforms like Uber, Lyft and AirBnB.” To continue Powell’s mission of leveling the playing field for local businesses, Rep. Brett Harrell (R-Snellville) introduced HB 276, which subjects all platforms that

facilitate online sales to sales tax. Harrell shared that 53 percent of sales for this past holiday season were made online and that the economies of both the state and communities where these companies are based and/or business originates are left behind.

The feeling of missing out is all too familiar for former Rome City Commissioner Evie McNiece.

“Cities want to support business owners to operate in our communities, but we couldn’t do it alone. We needed the General Assembly to help level the playing field for our local business owners with legislation and are thrilled that they voted to support Georgia businesses.”

GMA is happy to have partnered with several organizations including the Georgia Retail Association and ACCG to pass this legislation in the first week of the 2020 legislative session.

Contact GMA’s Joel Wiggins at jwiggins@gacities.com to learn more about this advocacy effort.

GMA REMEMBERS FORMER ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT JAY POWELL, GEORGIA HOUSE RULES CHAIRMAN Chairman Jay Powell, a steadfast advocate for Georgia’s cities and proponent of home rule, passed away on Nov. 26, 2019.

“This is a tremendous loss of an outstanding public official and a dedicated public servant,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “As a former Mayor of Camilla, a past president of GMA, a House member, Chairman of Ways and Means and most recently Chairman of Rules, Jay has been a friend to GMA and a friend to cities.”

A longtime resident of Camilla, Powell spent years serving the people of his city and state. In addition to the roles mentioned above, he served as a judge for the Municipal Court of Camilla, as a house member on the Appropriations Subcommittee and as co-chairman of the House Rural Development Council. He also held past roles with the Camilla Chamber of Commerce, Camilla Rotary Club, the city of Camilla Development Authority, the South Georgia Governmental Services Authority and the Mitchell County Board of Health.

Powell leaves behind his wife, Deidra, and three daughters, Jessica, Erica and Elizabeth.

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 19

CITY DESK

Q&A: The Long, Winding & Often Unconventional Road to Public Servant Success

BY ALIA HOYT

If ever there was a career where it’s important to learn the proverbial ropes, it’s politics. Georgia’s Cities checked in with four legislators-turned-mayors (and vice versa) to find out what’s worked for them, what they wish they’d known before and how experience in previous government roles helped them along the way.

Prior to his election as a state legislator, Rep. J. Collins (R - Villa Rica) spent four terms as the mayor of Villa Rica, where he guided the area through a significant population boom (5,000 to 14,000).

Mayor Tom Dickson serves Varnell, a small but spirited city in North Georgia. He spent 12 years as the area representative for the Georgia House, where he chaired the Education Appropriations Committee and served on many others.

Rep. Susan Holmes (R – Monticello) spent 12 years behind the mayor’s desk serving the city of Monticello before moving to the Georgia General Assembly. She is vice chairman of the committee on Agriculture & Consumer Affairs and holds leadership positions on several other committees.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul is a triple-threat of political experience, with four decades spent in local, state and federal positions. Currently in his second term as mayor, Paul also served as Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, a state senator and assistant secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

GC: How has your previous role in office informed your decisions in your current role?

NJC: As a former mayor, I think it’s most important to remember that while you’re a state legislator you certainly don’t want to dabble too much into the affairs of local government. I was always an advocate of local control, and state legislators should never step over the bounds and impede upon it.

RP: Having previously served at all three levels of government, I’ve been able to combine that experience.

Knowing how our tapestry of government is interrelated has helped me understand how to access resources at all levels to our city’s advantage.

20

GC: What do you wish you knew before taking your current position?

TD: While in the legislature, I knew a lot of legislators who were mayors or councilmembers or county commissioners before. I just did it backwards. Sometimes they would say, “You need to know more about what cities do to make wise decisions in the legislature,” but I can say the same thing works both ways. You learn as you go.

RP: How much social media has changed not only how government officials relate to and communicate with their constituents, but how it amplifies the echo chamber that exists in every community. We must rely on and

monitor communications channels that include not only the news media, but dozens—maybe hundreds—of apps, social media outlets, emails, blogs and neighborhood websites. This changed environment requires local officials to stay more vigilant about the information (accurate, inaccurate or sometimes misleading) that our constituents are receiving. It requires us to respond faster than ever.

GC: What are some practical ways that public officials can better nurture relationships and a culture of respect while in office?

JC: If you’re an elected official, you have to be accessible and responsive to the people that you’re serving.

Also, be involved in other aspects of your community than politics. If you spend time with your constituents and know the issues, you will earn the respect of your peers and your people. Most importantly, do what you say and say what you do. That’s #1 in my book.

TD: I think personal contact, there’s no substitute for it.

I’ve always known that when I go to the grocery store, I’m fair game, and I think you’ve got to go into that looking forward to it instead of dreading it.

GC: What advice would you give to your colleagues at the State Capitol when it comes to engaging and legislating on city issues?

SH: Get to know the GMA legislative team and learn the pros and cons of pending legislation. Stay in close touch with mayors and councilmembers. Be accessible.

Ask their advice. Make sure they are aware of current bills that affect municipalities. Even though you may not always agree, let them know how you intend to vote.

JC: The main thing I really enjoyed about local government was that the issues were non-partisan, and as a result, we were able to achieve more. I encourage everyone to look at those issues that are facing cities through a non-partisan lens.

GC: What advice would you give city officials about engaging with legislators and participating in the legislative process?

RP: We share the same constituents, but we each have specific, distinct responsibilities. First, educate yourself on the issues that impinge on your ability to fulfill your specific responsibilities. Second, recognize that legislators confront hundreds of legislative issues over their 40-day legislative session. Understanding all the nuances of this range of issues is very difficult, so making your concerns as easy to understand is very helpful. Third, don’t wait until the session begins to launch your conversations with your legislators—start early. Finally, stay alert to the evolving legislative dynamic and be proactive in calling, emailing and meeting with legislators as issues emerge. Bills move quickly, so you can’t delay your involvement or assume someone else will make the call.

GC: How has your experience as a state legislator informed your current role on GMA’s Legislative Policy Council (LPC)?

RP: I understand the unique circumstances that legislators face. Also, if there is an issue that concerns them, they have only one tool to address it: a bill, a law. It’s an imperfect tool for solving most problems, so I look for ways to address their concerns that are less intrusive, more effective and mutually satisfying.

TD: Knowing how the legislative process works encourages patience as opposed to panic. That’s a little extreme, but it’s true. The LPC gives the folks at GMA some real strength when they go into talks, because they have an entire group of city leaders to back them up and explain how a particular policy or bill will affect cities specifically.

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 21

Cities Awarded Inaugural Visionary City Award Nine cities from across Georgia received the inaugural Visionary City Award presented by Georgia Trend magazine and GMA during the association’s Cities United Summit in Atlanta.

Representing three population categories: small (under 4,999), medium (5,000-24,9990) and large (25,000 and over), these cities have fostered healthy working relationships that make their communities places where people truly love to live and work.

“It’s our privilege to honor the elected officials, city staff and community leaders of these nine cities who’ve led these initiatives and projects,” says GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “These cities exemplify what it means to be forward-thinking for their residents and generations to come and also serve as inspiring examples of civility, collaboration and creating communities of positive change across Georgia.”

INAUGURAL VISIONARY CITY AWARD WINNERS: SMALL CITY CATEGORY Hogansville: Recognized for honoring the legacy of Isaiah Lofton, former African-American Hogansville postmaster from 1897, who was nearly assassinated Donalsonville: Recognized for the eDonalsonville initiative, which made affordable, fixed wireless broadband possible for residents and businesses in this rural city Winterville: Recognized for the community involvement used to transform the Winterville Auditorium into a home for the arts MEDIUM CITY CATEGORY Adel: This Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia city is recognized for facilitating a plan to sell its excess electricity by teaming with six other cities and attracting a large business to purchase the excess. This project 22

is expected to bring over $15 million in gross sales annually.

Thomasville: Recognized for the development of the city’s history-rich “The Bottom” creative district Decatur: Recognized for its Better Together initiative, which brought together more than 800 residents who contributed more than 1,300 hours to the yearlong visioning and outreach project aimed at creating a more diverse and welcoming city LARGE CITY CATEGORY Marietta: Recognized for the creation of the Elizabeth Porter Park to honor a beloved community member and give a historic AfricanAmerican community improved recreation options Chamblee: Recognized for their Mid-City Strolls, an engaging approach to gathering community feedback and spreading awareness around city projects Sugar Hill: Recognized for the sense of place created by and community involvement responsible for the creation of the city’s E-Center, a 180,000-square-foot mixed-use development

Judges for the 2020 Visionary City Award represented influential entities including Georgia Power, the Department of Community Affairs and the Atlanta Regional Commission. In addition to being recognized during GMA’s Cities United Summit, winning cities will be highlighted in the February issue of Georgia Trend.

E Donalsonville

Marietta’s Elizabeth Porter Park

Thomasville’s The Bottom District

Hogansville’s Historic Marker Sugar Hill’s E Center

GACP Risk Reduction Certificate

What’s the Purpose?

The Risk Reduction Certificate Program is a cooperative effort between the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) and the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) to help local law enforcement agencies mitigate potential liability. The certificate is good for two years. LGRMS will provide consultation services to governing authorities participaing in GIRMA to receive a reduction in their law enforcement liability premiums upon the request of those such participating employers.

Who can apply?

What are the 10 Policy Directives?

What is the application process?

What is the benefit to the agency?

Where Do I Submit the Completed Application?

Complete the Risk Reduction Certificate, “Application and Participation Agreement” and submit it to the GACP at: Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police 3500 Duluth Park Lane Suite 700 Duluth, GA 30092

01 Georgia law enforcement agencies participating in the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) program are eligible to apply for the Risk Reduction Certificate Program.

02 The GACP Risk Reduction Certificate Program contains the following 10 Policy Directives: 1) Human Resources (Equal Employment Opportunity, EEO) 2) Property and Evidence 3) Vehicle Operations 4) Search and Seizure 5) Use of Force/Response to Aggression 6) Arrest 7) Off-Duty and Extra-Duty Employment 8) Other Equipment 9)Persons Experiencing Mental Health Issues or Persons with Diminished Capacity 10) Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force.

03 To apply for the GACP Risk Reduction Certificate Program, one must: 1. Review the Risk Reduction Directives and Supporting Material.

2. Complete the Risk Reduction Certificate, ‘Application and Participation Agreement’ and submit it to the GACP. 3. Develop and implement policies and other activities required by the certificate program.

4. The Police Chief and City Manager/Mayor must sign compliance affidavit and submit the completed Risk Reduction Certificate to LGRMS once the agency has implemented the program directives.

5. LGRMS will conduct inspection and verify compliance. Once the process has been completed the GACP will provide the agency with their certificate.

6. Sixty days before the expiration of the certificate, the agency must reapply for the certificate.

04 Participating agencies receive the following benefits: 1) Verification that agency is meeting basic risk reduction compliance for 10 high risk critical law enforcement tasks 2) Agency will recieve a 5% discount off their GIRMA Law Enforcement Liability Coverage 3)Agency will be recognized as achieving the GACP Risk Reduction Certificate.

Visit www.lgrms.com to see the full guide to the Risk Reduction Certificate Program.

Share your city’s victories with the community that made it possible.

Triumphant City. Engaged Community.

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LET'S MAKE YOUR CITY SMART. GIVE US A SHOUT!

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INSIDE GMA

GMA SEES STAFF CHANGES GMA Says ‘Goodbye’ to Perry Hiott After 22 Years Perry Hiott, GMA Director of Community & Economic Development and the managing director of the Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF), retired after 22 years of service on Dec. 31. Due in large part to his leadership, the GCF revolving loan programs have made possible the creation of 275-plus downtown businesses, over $133.9M in private investments and 1,264,235 redevelopment floor area (square feet) across the state.

Most recently, Hiott led the critical planning process for the new GMA headquarters project and the creation of the Georgia Placemaking Collaborative, a three-year program designed to assist participating communities in identifying their unique assets to develop strategies and outcomes centered around quality of life and economic sustainability.

Hiott was initially hired in 1997 as the GMA Research and Information Manager. Prior to joining GMA, he served as the city manager of Morrow, the city administrator of McDonough, the director of zoning for Fayette County and the zoning director for the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission.

“Perry’s retirement is a great loss to GMA and to our member cities. He did so much for the association, with little fanfare but amazing execution.” shared GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson with the association’s executive committee. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Perry, and I’m a better professional for the experience. His calm and thorough approach, along with attention to detail, define him and his work. He is a person of great integrity, a consummate professional and a tireless worker.”

GMA Names GCS Managing Director and Director of Communications After completing two advertised candidate search processes, GMA named Kay Love as the managing director of Georgia City Solutions (GCS) and Kelli Bennett as the association’s director of communications. Effective Jan. 1, Love assumed her new role at the head of GCS, a 501 (c)(3) subsidiary of GMA that will fund

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initiatives to help build vibrant, economically prosperous and well-managed cities.

“Kay’s strong organizational and financial management skills, extensive municipal government background and experience as a board member of several non-profit organizations make her the ideal person to lead this new undertaking,” said GMA Deputy Executive Director Bill Thornton. “As a member of the staff team that supported the work of the GCS Task Force earlier this year, she demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges facing cities and the role GCS can play in addressing them.”

Prior to this role, Love was one of GMA’s Member Services Consultants and a GMA District 3 representative since 2017. Her expertise has been especially valuable to cities in metro Atlanta, as she helped to develop and support a wide range of member service initiatives aimed at improving municipal operations and strengthening local leadership capacity.

Before joining GMA, Love was the Roswell City Administrator for over 14 years.

Also effective Jan. 1, Kelli Bennett started her new role as GMA’s Director of Communications. Prior to this role, Bennett served as the interim director of communications and the association’s communications manager.

Bennett joined GMA in 2015 and has since spearheaded the transition of GMA’s newspaper to a more aesthetically pleasing, web and reader-friendly magazine. She also revamped the association’s social media presence, led the creative and administrative processes for the joint award between GMA and Georgia Trend and worked to bolster legislative communications strategies.

In her new role, Bennett will work with the other dedicated members of the GMA team to enhance the association’s digital content and internal communications. She will work to leverage media relationships with state and local stakeholders and continue to position GMA as experts in serving and advocating for Georgia’s cities. Bennett also looks forward to equipping GMA member cities with valuable communications

tools to assist in making their communities and the state of Georgia the best place to live, work and play and highlighting the value of cities.

New Employees Join Team GMA GMA welcomed new team members Lucretia Leigh and Bria Hunter. Leigh works in the Human Resources Department as the administrative assistant and comes from Georgia State-College of Law where she served as the administrative specialist. Prior to that, she served as the program assistant, human resources coordinator and the student affairs specialist for the Technical College System of Georgia.

Leadership from Mercer University. She will be assisting in all functions of the Human Resources Department.

Hunter joined the Communications Department as the communications associate. Hunter brings an energetic enthusiasm to learning more about Georgia’s cities and GMA and has experience in communications, branding, social media and journalistic storytelling.

Prior to joining GMA, Hunter served as the content director for the Atlanta Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Hunter will be lending her creativity and expertise to enhance GMA’s social media presence, legislative communications and magazine content.

Leigh holds an associate degree from Chattahoochee Technical College and is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in Organizational

METRO ATLANTA MAYORS ASSOCIATION EXPLORES HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AT FALL EVENT Metro Atlanta mayors and councilmembers convened during the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association’s (an affiliate of GMA) fall 2019 luncheon to explore housing challenges and solutions in the Atlanta region. The Coca-Cola Company hosted the luncheon at their downtown Atlanta Headquarters on Nov. 12. Urban Land Institute, Atlanta Executive Director Sarah Kirsch moderated a panel of housing experts including Eric Kronberg of Atlanta-based architecture firm Kronberg Wall, Tayani Suma of Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership and Geoff Koski of the Bleakly Advisory Group, which focuses on helping clients understand how market and economic forces impact their real estate development

Panel of housing experts

vision. Koski said 400,000 households in the Atlanta region’s five core counties are experiencing issues with housing affordability, which impacts economic development. Panelists encouraged metro Atlanta city officials to work collaboratively with stakeholders, including residents, funders and developers to address housing affordability and to consider zoning updates that will facilitate flexibility in housing choices.

Union City Mayor Vince Williams shar es with

MAMA attendees.

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 27

2020 ANNUAL CONVENTION, JUNE 26-30, ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS, MARCH 10 The GMA 2020 Annual Convention will take place at the Savannah Convention Center from June 26-30. For more information about the convention, contact Erica Powell Grier at epowell@gacities.com or 678-651-1015. For information about exhibiting during the convention,

contact Yalonde Tanner at ytanner@gacities.com or 678-686-6239, and for information about Annual Convention sponsorship opportunities, contact Kelli Bennett at kbennett@gacities.com or 678-686-6242.

ANNUAL CONVENTION TRAINING CLASS OFFERINGS AND TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: SAVANNAH CONVENTION CENTER, SAVANNAH FRIDAY-TUESDAY, JUNE 26-30, 2020 FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Municipal Training Board Meeting Municipal Training Institute Classes

• Capital Improvement Program • Changing Demographics & Best Practices • Civics in Local Government • Effective Practices for Municipal Operations 101 • (New) How to Attract and Retain Young Professionals in Your Town • Living Beyond Expectations: The Opportunities & Challenges of a Growing Senior Population • Mobile Workshop: Port of Savannah • Municipal Courts Post-Ferguson II: Promoting Justice, Protecting City Assets • Municipal Electric Systems 101 • Municipal Gas Systems 101 • Municipal Taxation 101 – The Basics* • Municipal Water and Waste Water Systems* • Open Records* • Practices for Successful Meetings* • Public Policy Development & Implementation* • Recreation and Parks: Building Communities • Trends in Urban Design for Local Leaders

4:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting

Municipal Training Institute Classes • Building a Hometown Connection: GMA Lobbying 101 • Conflict Resolution* • Creating a Downtown Renaissance: Advanced DDA Training • Downtown Development Authority Basic Training (ends at 4:15 p.m.)

• Economic Development* • Environmental Sustainability • Housing Solutions for Cities (Part Classroom & Part Mobile Workshop)

• Human Resources* • Law Enforcement Services: Trends and Best Practices • Making Citizen Engagement Work in Our Communities* • Money, Money, Money…Money! Funding City Projects & Programs Through Grants & Loans • Municipal Finance II* • (New) Municipal Long – Term Budgeting • Planning and Zoning* • Regional Approaches to Cooperation • Water Management – An introduction for Local Governments

8:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

3:15 – 5:30 p.m.

5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 7:15 – 8:00 a.m.

7:30 – 8:45 a.m.

7:45 – 8:45 a.m.

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

9:15 – 10:45 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

12:45 – 1:45 p.m.

12:45 – 2:00 p.m.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

3:45 – 5:15 p.m.

5:30 – 6:15 p.m.

Mobile Workshop: Placemaking in Action (meets offsite) City Attorneys’ Session and Lunch Exhibit Hall Open Training Ceremony and Reception

Worship Service Hub Cities Meeting MAMA Meeting Exhibit Hall Open (breakfast provided) Opening General Session Policy Committee Meetings Exhibit Hall Open (lunch from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Federal Policy Council Meeting and Lunch City Managers’ Session and Lunch Policy Committee Meetings Policy Committee Meetings Legislative Policy Council Meeting

* This class is on the required list for the Municipal Training Institute Certificate program.

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MONDAY, JUNE 29 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00– 11:30 a.m.

11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

12:15 – 2:00 p.m.

2:30 – 3:45 p.m.

6:30 – 10:00 p.m.

GMA Business Meeting & RMEBS Annual Meeting of the Membership Concurrent Sessions RMEBS Board of Trustees Meeting Rapid Fire Sessions Awards and Installation Luncheon Concurrent Sessions Closing Event

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2020 8:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Municipal Training Institute Classes • Employee Benefits 101 (Retirement) • (New) Funding and Programming Transportation Projects In Your Community • Information Privacy and Security Breaches: Prevention & Response • Let’s Get Social • Local Government Debt Methods 101 • Municipal Taxation 102 – The Basics Continued • New and Emerging Technology for Cities • Open Meetings* • Public Works Services* (formerly known as Public Works and Transportation) • Risk and Insurance 101

Last year’s five Mayors’ Motorcade held across Georgia provided holiday gifts and raised public awareness for citizens housed in state institutions. GMA thanks those participating Georgia cities for their generous gifts of clothing, personal care items, gift cards, checks and other items for the clients.

The 2019 motorcades marked the 60th year of the events and final GMA-sponsored Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade events at the five state hospitals. Currently, GMA is creating a Motorcade Toolkit for cities interested in continuing the tradition for years to come in their local communities.

GMA began the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade in 1959 at the request of then-Governor’s wife Betty Russell Vandiver as a way of providing holiday gifts for the patients of Georgia’s mental health and retardation hospitals. The program is also aimed at raising awareness of the needs of Georgia’s mental hospitals.

At the time of the first Mayors’ Motorcade, more than 12,000 Georgians were housed at the state’s only mental health hospital in Milledgeville. Moved by the needs she saw there, Vandiver asked city officials to help remember the clients during the holidays with gifts and needed items.

TAKING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

GMA and GeorgiaForward (GF) entered 2020 with a game-changing partnership and naming Brenda Belcher as the new GeorgiaForward Managing Director.

BELCHER IS AN EXPERIENCED external affairs and nonprofit management leader. Known for her systematic approach and relationship-focused stakeholder engagement, she brings significant knowledge in the creation, growth and management of innovative and sustainable programs. In her new role, Belcher will be a catalyst of cross-sector, statewide conversations and partnerships.

on International Relations. Belcher sits on the Center for Family Resources’ Young Professionals Board and is a proud graduate of the Marietta Citizens’ Academy.

A Promising Partnership In late 2019, GMA and GF entered into an administrative agency agreement to enhance statewide support of GF’s programs. Previously housed at Central Atlanta Progress, GF is a non-partisan, non-profit organization working to strengthen communities, unite Georgia and create a talent pipeline within the state.

Prior to joining GMA and The organization fulfills this GF, Belcher led governmission through its annual ment affairs and policy The 2019 class of Young Gamechangers GeorgiaForward Forum for the American Society of thought leaders and of Safety Professionals idea generators and its flagship program, Young Ga(ASSP). She amplified ASSP’s voice in Washington by mechangers. This leadership-action program brings building advocacy coalitions and spearheading a natogether Georgia’s brightest minds under the age of tional research symposium. Belcher also managed pro40 to help solve community challenges. grams and development with the ASSP Foundation.

“GeorgiaForward is a relatively young organization with large aspirations to improve the lives of Belcher holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and all Georgians. We have chosen to partner with GMA English from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Chamat this point in our history due to the association’s inpaign. She completed two Master of Arts programs credible reach into Georgia’s cities of all sizes and its at the University of Chicago, one with the Harris deep talent of staff and resources,” said A.J. Robinson, School of Public Policy and one with the Committee

30

president of Central Atlanta Progress and chair of the GeorgiaForward Board. “GMA has been a wonderful supporter of our work since our inception, and we know that together we can help take our Young Gamechanger programs to the next level. We are very excited about the 2020 Young Gamechanger programs and those of the future under this new and innovative agreement.”

Through this agreement, GeorgiaForward will remain an independent 501 (c)(3) organization with its existing Board of Directors. GMA will provide GF administrative services for the implementation, management and promotion of its current and future programs. GMA will also coordinate meetings of the GF Board of Directors, maintain all GF financial accounts and procedures and provide GF other administrative, technical and research support as needed.

“GMA is privileged to enter into this agreement and welcome Brenda and her wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for building civic and community identity to the association,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “This new partnership is another opportunity to serve our 538 member cities and complement the efforts of GMA’s Placemaking Collaborative, the Georgia Cities Foundation and our many economic and community development partners from across the state.”

The Economic Impact of Young Gamechangers In 2018, GeorgiaForward hired Dr. Greg George, director of the Center for Economic Analysis at Middle Georgia State University, to present an independent and unbiased assessment of the Young Gamechangers project.

Young Gamechangers has served seven different communities across Georgia and has mobilized over $6.7 million in funding, tax commitments and donations. Combined, these investments will contribute over $12.1 million in economic activity and up to 126 jobs in the served communities as their recommendations are implemented.

Young Gamechangers has contributed proposals that total $3.4 million. If implemented as suggested, the proposals would generate over $60 million in economic activity and support 578 jobs statewide.

The 2018 analysis of GeorgiaForward’s financial statements indicates GeorgiaForward has contributed $1.5 million to regional economic activity and has supported 14 economy-wide jobs since 2011.

Read the full report at www.georgiaforward.org.

Stay tuned for more details and application information on the 2020 Young Gamechangers and GeorgiaForward Forum.

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 31

INNOVATION

Time to Chart Your Classes: GMA’s Training 2020 Schedule Now Available Ready to plan your municipal government training for 2020? Good news, the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute has finalized its 2020 training schedule.

THE HAROLD F. HOLTZ MUNICIPAL TRAINING Institute is operated through a partnership between GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. It is a series of training programs designed to help city officials enhance their knowledge and skills in municipal-related matters. Classes are offered in conjunction with GMA meetings as well as in “stand-alone” offerings throughout the year. Except for the state-mandated Newly Elected Officials Institute,

32

the classes offered are voluntary and offer city officials the opportunity to obtain additional training beyond what is required by state law. By completing this additional training, municipal elected officials and city managers/assistant city managers can earn a Certificate of Recognition, Certificate of Achievement, Certificate of Excellence, Certificate of Distinction and Certificate of Dedication.

In addition to the two days of training held during the January 2020 Cities United Summit in Atlanta, two Newly Elected Officials sessions will be held this year, Feb. 10-12 in Tifton and March 4-6 in Athens.

Registration details are available on GMA’s website: www.gacities.com.

The Robert E. Knox Jr., Municipal Leadership Institute is scheduled for Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris on April 1-4. Registration information is now available on GMA’s website.

The two-day Spring Training Event will also be held at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris on April 3-4.

Three six-hour and two three-hour classes will be held each day.

The GMA Annual Convention in Savannah, June 26-30, will feature 17 three-hour classes on Friday, June 26, 16 six-hour classes and one three-hour class

Find the full schedule and training certificate requirements in GMA’s training brochure or access the brochure online at www.gacities.com

on Saturday, June 27 and 10 three-hour classes on Tuesday, June 30. Training Certificate recipients will be recognized at a special training ceremony and reception on Saturday, June 27. For a full list of the classes offered at convention see page 26.

Other training opportunities include two downtown development classes and a six-hour Service Delivery Strategy – Efficiency and Tax Equity for Local Governments, offered at Brasstown Valley Resort on Aug. 18. The training institute will also hold a two-day Fall Training Event from Sept. 24-25 at the Classic Center in Athens. Each day will feature four, six-hour classes.

The Heart and Soul Downtown Workshop will again be offered this spring and fall. Host cities and registration details will be announced later. Regional classes will also be announced this summer.

January 24-27, 2020 Atlanta Hilton & Towers GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION January 24-27, 2020

GMA has renamed its annual Mayors’ Day Conference to the “Cities United Summit,” which better represents the event’s evolution and target audience. Mayors, councilmembers, city staff and special guests will still enjoy the same four days of access to advocacy tools, policy committee meetings, unrivaled training and networking as offered in years past.

CITIES UNITED SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE Invited special guests including Georgia’s top leaders

More than six opportunities to engage directly with Georgia legislators

CITIES UNITED SUMMIT VENUES The 2020 GMA Cities United Summit will take place at the Atlanta Hilton and Towers.

The 2020 Capitol Connection Breakfast will be held at the Georgia Freight Depot. In 2019, the Capitol Connection Breakfast was relocated to the depot, which is located directly across the street from the Capitol. This location change was well received and made it easy for members to walk across the street to visit the Capitol after the breakfast program.

34

The Capitol Connection Breakfast followed by a "Cities United" trip to the Gold Dome

Unmatched training opportunities offered by the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House have been invited to address attendees and, as usual, all members of the Georgia General Assembly will be invited to attend, providing a great opportunity for networking with state leaders. Shuttle service from the Atlanta Hilton to the Georgia Freight Depot for the Capitol Connection Breakfast will be available from 7 a.m. through the lunch hour.

Email conference@gacities.com with any questions or for more information.

CITIES UNITED SUMMIT SCHEDULE

MONDAY, JANUARY 27

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

7:30 a.m.-8:15 a.m.

Buffet Breakfast

9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Municipal Training Institute classes (6-hour classes)

8:15 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Legislative Networking Breakfast Program

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Municipal Training Institute classes (3-hour classes)

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cities United Day at the Capitol

2-5 p.m.

Municipal Training Institute classes (3-hour classes) 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Municipal Training Board Meeting

CITIES UNITED SUMMIT SPONSORS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

PLATINUM

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Municipal Training Institute classes (6-hour classes) 3:45-5:30 p.m.

GMA Board of Directors Meeting

GOLD

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 7:30-8 a.m.

Devotional service 8-9 a.m.

Federal Policy Council Meeting 8-9 a.m.

Orientation for First-Time Attendees

SILVER

9:15-10:30 a.m.

Policy Committee Meetings 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.

Policy Committee Meetings 12:15-2:15 p.m.

Awards Luncheon 2:45-4 p.m.

Policy Committee Meetings 4:15 -5 p.m.

Legislative Policy Council Meeting

BRONZE

4:15-5 p.m.

Census Meeting 4:15-5 p.m.

IT Security Discussion 5-6 p.m.

Networking Reception January/February 2020 | gacities.com 35

2020 Georgia Cities Week “Building the 2020 Vision” Cities across Georgia will celebrate Georgia Cities Week from April 19-25, 2020.

This year’s theme is “Georgia’s Cities: Building the 2020 Vision” and will give cities the opportunity to: • Share information about the valuable services they provide to residents, including an inside look into city operations and how cities positively impact their quality of life • Highlight successful community projects and infrastructure enhancements • Connect residents with each other • Build or improve working relationships with state leaders and legislators

Now in its 21st year, Georgia Cities Week is also an opportunity to celebrate community achievements and recognize volunteers and city employees.

Sign-up sheets were mailed to cities this month and Resource Kits are soon to follow. The Resource Kit includes ideas for celebrating Georgia Cities Week and supporting materials for media and community awareness.

2020 Georgia Cities Week: Theme-Related Event Suggestions Coordinate a recognition program. Use this program (breakfast, luncheon, ceremony, etc.) to highlight city employees, residents and business owners who have invested their time and talents to building a better community for residents and visitors to live, work and play.

Host a Civic Conversation. Invite residents from different backgrounds and perspectives to spend time together in real and rich conversations that uncover ways to build a stronger community. This conversation could be moderated, based around a meal, in a city park or feature entertainment from local schools and artists.

Host a Hometown Connection. This meeting will create a localized, identifiable and understandable frame of reference for your Georgia Representatives 36

and Senators on opportunities available to your city.

Hometown Connections can include: • A tour of your city and achievements showcase, how state grants/loans have been used and where challenges remain • Invites to other cities in your county or region to participate Remember to have appropriate city employees on hand to answer any questions and to notify a member of GMA’s governmental relations team to attend the Hometown Connection.

Highlight infrastructure projects. Provide your residents an inside look into your city’s infrastructure – roads, bridges, rail, water and sewer systems, the energy grid, telecoms and more.

Other Georgia Cities Week Event Suggestions Hold a city-wide clean up in conjunction with Keep Georgia Beautiful, recycling events • Display city equipment • Move council meetings to different locations (public parks or local high schools) • Invite students to participate in coloring contests or essay contests • Hold open houses at city facilities

A more in-depth document will be sent to GCW participants upon registration. Cities are also encouraged to use social media to celebrate and promote their events, such as using Twitter to send out reminders of events or to post interesting facts about the city using the hashtags #GaCities and #GaCitiesWeek.

For more information about Georgia Cities Week, contact Bria Hunter at bhunter@gacities.com.

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Georgia’s Economy Set to Grow in 2020, But at a Slower Pace UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA FORECAST SIGNALS THE ODDS OF RECESSION ARE HIGH

Georgia’s economic growth is forecast to slow substantially in 2020, but not to a complete stop, according to the latest projections from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.

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The state will grow at a slower rate than the U.S. economy—1.0 percent compared with 1.2 percent estimated for U.S. gross domestic product in 2020— and create less than one-third of the new jobs that were added in 2019, said Dean Benjamin C. Ayers at UGA’s 37th annual Georgia Economic Outlook in Atlanta last December. The forecast is based on the Georgia Economic Outlook report, produced by UGA’s Selig Center for Economic Growth.

“Georgia’s prospects for growth reflect the strength of the consumer, more homebuilding, a pipeline full of economic development projects, and the Federal Reserve reversing course and cutting interest rates,” Ayers said. “Despite these powerful economic drivers, the state’s economy will slow down in 2020. The U.S. trade war with China and other trading partners is the main recession risk. And Georgia faces greater exposure to the trade war than most other states.”

Consumers will be the guiding light of the 2020 economy, buoyed by modest wage growth, available credit and rising home values, Ayers said.

Home sales will likewise benefit.

“Appreciating home values will give people the confidence to buy homes,” he added. “In the third quarter [of 2019], Georgia’s existing home prices were 20 percent higher than their pre-recession peak.

Another factor that will encourage people to buy homes is that rent affordability is at an all-time low.”

Trade Tensions But further escalation of trade tensions with the United States’ major partners will end the decade-long economic expansion, according to the forecast.

“Georgia is the nation’s 11th largest export state and seventh largest import state,” Ayers said. “Any major step back from globalization hurts Georgia’s prospects for economic growth.

“A quick and decisive de-escalation of the trade war would substantially reduce the risk of a 2020 recession,” he added.

Higher tariffs are not the only harmful effect of the trade war. Heightened uncertainty is crushing to business confidence and reduces spending and hiring, Ayers said.

The other concerns topping the Selig Center’s recession risk list are a stock market correction or policy mistake by the Federal Reserve, a leveraged loan meltdown, or a geopolitical hot spot that boils over—from Saudi Arabia and Iran to Brexit.

“Our expectation is that oil prices will not increase very much in 2020, but the political situation in several significant oil-producing countries is tenuous,” Ayers said.

Jobs and Wages Georgia’s non-farm employment will increase 0.5 percent in 2020, or about 21,000 new jobs statewide, but that’s less than one-third of the 69,000 jobs Georgia was projected to add in 2019. The state’s unemployment rate for 2020 is forecast to be 4.2 percent, climbing about half a percentage point higher than the 3.7 percent rate estimated for all of 2019.

Trade-resistant employment sectors—chiefly education, healthcare, professional services and hospitality—will account for the vast majority of new jobs created in Georgia. However, the Selig Center predicts jobs will be lost in 2020 in agriculture, retail and manufacturing. Ayers noted the large number of economic development projects the state has landed will partially offset the drop in industrial production and manufacturing as new projects continue to build out, but the pipeline of expansion and relocation projects in contention will decline significantly next year.

The complete forecast is available for purchase at terry.uga.edu/about/selig/

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 39

Georgia’s Campaign for the 2020 Census: Every. One. Counts.

The goal of the U.S. Census is to count every living person, only once and in the right place.

Many Georgians are considered “hard to count” due to language barriers, socioeconomic status, geography, lack of access to the internet and many other factors. For the first time, Census forms can be filled out online, creating new concerns around security. This is also the first time for many millennials to participate in the census, and not everyone may understand why it is necessary.

The combination of these unique circumstances only highlights the importance of the Census. Georgia is one of 26 states in the country that has committed resources to increase awareness about the 2020 Census and motivate residents to respond. The flow of federal funding from Washington to Georgia and the allocation of the state’s political power, from representatives in Congress all the way down to local school board members, depends on a successful count. As part of this effort, GMA is participating in the Outreach Subcommittee of the State Complete Count Committee, which has created a variety of resources for Georgia’s cities.

While a statewide marketing and media campaign will kick off after the presidential primaries in Georgia, local officials can already access a new Local Complete Count Committee Toolkit as well as customizable marketing materials online at www.census.georgia.gov. Design, editing and production assistance for these materials was provided by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia in partnership with The Networked Planet. The Networked Planet is a multimedia agency that developed the official slogan of the 2020 Census in Georgia, “Every. One. Counts.”

IN ORDER TO DO SO AS THOROUGHLY AND ACCURATELY AS POSSIBLE, LOCAL COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEES CAN RELY ON THE GUIDANCE OF THE TOOLKIT TO: + Know what the Census means to Georgia and individual residents + Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of complete count committees + Understand hard-to-count populations + Plan and conduct outreach activities + Read tips about successful counts from practitioners + Employ key messages and talking points + Find references to other resources + Download posters, presentations, factsheets, videos and radio spots Georgia is relying on local officials to promote the 2020 Census in their own communities. The decennial count will be successful if everyone utilizes the same messages seen in the statewide media campaign. This level of consistency will provide the most cost-effective impact via the collective power of a simple message: Every. One. Counts.

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How to Establish Trust in the 2020 Census Georgia’s local officials know how important a successful count in the 2020 Census is because the results will affect community funding, congressional representation and much more.

These high stakes are amplified by the introduction of new technology, making this the first census to be primarily conducted online.

Ironically, many of the digital media channels that the U.S. Census Bureau and its partners and stakeholders rely on to conduct outreach can also be used to share misinformation or disinformation, either to dissuade

people from responding or to facilitate various criminal activities. To combat these threats along with traditional in-person fraud, here are some of the things local officials need to know to assure the public that the 2020 Census is safe, secure and protected by federal law:

CONFIDENTIALITY: Census responses are used to produce statistics—they cannot be used against a respondent. Title 13 of the U.S. Code prevents the Census Bureau from releasing any identifiable information about individuals, households or businesses, even to law enforcement. Courts cannot subpoena census responses, and they are inaccessible to agencies that determine eligibility for government benefits. Title 44 of the U.S. Code allows the National Archives and Records Administration to release Census records only after 72 years. All Census Bureau staff take a lifetime oath to protect the personal information provided in the Census. Penalties for violating this law include a fine of up to $250,000 and/or up to five years in prison.

PHISHING AND SCAMS: The Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request anyone’s participation in the 2020 Census. It will also never contact the public on behalf of a political party, ask for Social Security numbers, bank account or credit card numbers, request payment or solicit donations. Being contacted via email or phone and asked for any of these details would be a tip-off to a scam. If individuals receive emails that appear to come from the Census Bureau, they should not open any attachments or links in those emails.

CYBERTHREATS: The Census Bureau has taken several measures to protect online responses. Census websites are secure, as any user can verify by checking that the web address begins with “HTTPS” and includes a lock symbol. All data submitted online is encrypted to protect personal privacy. Once the data is received, it will no longer remain online. Census employees who conduct follow-up visits use technology with the same security controls. The Census Bureau has also partnered with the federal intelligence cybercommunity and industry experts to continuously update protections and safeguard census information.

REPORTING A RUMOR: The Census Bureau has developed a website to fight 2020 Census rumors and other forms of misleading information. Anyone who has seen or heard something about the Census that is likely false or confusing can send an email to rumors@census.gov.

SAFETY AT HOME: Census workers who visit homes to follow up with non-respondents will carry a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. Anyone with questions about a Census worker’s identity can call 800-9238282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. If it is determined that the visitor does not work for the Census Bureau, respondents may contact their local police department.

For more information on these and other topics visit www.2020census.gov and GMA’s 2020 Census Toolkit at www.gacities.com/census.

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 41

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENTS

CITIES CALLED TO ENCOURAGE FUTURE HISTORIC BUILDINGS

BY CHRIS HIGDON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, GMA

THE PHRASE, “FUTURE HISTORIC BUILDINGS” seems like a contradiction, right? To translate, we first must think about how buildings become historic. Simply put, for a building, block or district (like a downtown) to survive over the years, it must be built to last and worth saving.

The style and scale of a building, types of construction material, intended use and other aspects all factor into whether people cherish and fight to preserve a building or not.

Preservation of historic buildings and districts has become more important and financially viable. Cities now recognize the economic benefits of preserving the historic character of their buildings because it improves community pride, quality of life and encourages tourism. The movement towards saving historic buildings has helped to create tools like the federal and state preservation tax credits, that level the playing field and encourage preservation. But what seems to be overlooked are the opportunities to create future historic buildings while engaging in historic preservation, downtown development and overall city 42

planning. Future historic building design and materials should coalesce with past historic buildings but also qualify as preservation projects in the distant future.

When looking for examples of cities that have built future historic buildings, it would be hard to find a better example in Georgia than the city of Savannah.

City leaders have literally been building historic buildings for hundreds of years. What comes to your mind when you think of “Historic Savannah?” If you are on River Street or Bay Street, you are in historic Savannah.

If you are on Broughton Street, you are still in historic Savannah. You walk seamlessly on the gridded streets and through the lush parks passing buildings built in the 17, 18 and 1900s—all that you’re seeing is historic Savannah.

How did this happen? Founded by James Ogelthorpe in 1733, Savannah is one of the greatest examples in the U.S. of a planned city. With a plan in place, the city was able to grow organically over centuries. Since the city’s inception, new buildings were built into the gridded pattern that maintained the walkable blocks and the proximity to greenspace necessary for future historic buildings. These buildings—built over time by different developers and designed in different time periods— look authentic to the city’s original buildings in a way that is very hard to replicate. Fortunately, for all of us, this practice is what has created the future historic buildings in Savannah and can be emulated by other cities.

STEPS CITIES CAN TAKE TO ENCOURAGE THE CONSTRUCTION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS: 1. Set an example by using durable materials and quality design for public buildings. Many cities have beautiful historic courthouses and city halls, but every new public building is an opportunity to create something of lasting value. For example, new buildings can include libraries, police and fire stations and public works facilities.

2. Set up design standards to attract quality development and foster cohesiveness and compatibility of design between new and historic buildings. Duluth is a great example of this type of planning. The city has invested in land in its downtown and jump-started redevelopment by constructing an iconic city hall, creating a central gathering space with their new town green and providing events for the citizens with an outdoor stage and events space. All of this was done with quality and design and seamlessly blended into the existing historic fabric of their downtown.

Duluth has done more than lead by example. Through further investment of land in their downtown and in partnership with the downtown development authority, they retained control over aspects of the construction of infill developments in the downtown district. This effort has ensured that infill developments and the expansion of their downtown with projects such as Parson’s Alley, will create lasting building stock for Duluth’s citizens for generations to come.

For buildings in our cities to have sustainability—to be worth saving—we must find ways to encourage quality buildings and developments. As with Savannah, a well-designed plan can encourage quality design and construction for many years. Duluth has demonstrated that a city can lead by example and build public buildings of lasting quality and design. The basic principles are also true for new downtowns or commercial districts that will someday be historic. Cities that utilize the tools and methods available to encourage quality development will be rewarded with long-term economic sustainability and the legacy of quality future historic buildings.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS 2020 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION AND ADVANCED DDA TRAINING SCHEDULE

BASIC JUNE 27 Savannah, GMA Convention AUGUST 18 Brasstown Valley Resort, Georgia Downtown Conference SEPTEMBER 24 location to be determined

ADVANCED JUNE 27 Savannah, GMA Convention AUGUST 18 Brasstown Valley Resort, Georgia Downtown Conference

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 43

TOWNS & THE LAW

The Case of Guns in the Garden

BY EMILY HIRST, GMA ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

The Georgia Supreme Court recently returned a case that, at first blush, appears to turn on second amendment rights, to the trial court.

However, at its core, GeorgiaCarry.org, Inc. et al. v. Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Inc., hinges upon another key question to Georgia cities.

WHAT IS, AND WHAT IS NOT, public property when it comes to the ability to prohibit firearms?

Five years before the case, in 2014, Phillip Evans, a member of the gunrights organization GeorgiaCarry.org, twice visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. On both occasions he openly carried a handgun in a holster on his waistband.

The gardens are operated by a private non-profit corporation, which has an established no firearms policy within the garden grounds. Although Evans was not prevented from entering during his first visit, on the second occasion he was told that firearms were not permitted in the garden, except for those held by police officers.

GeorgiaCarry.org promptly filed suit seeking to overturn the Garden’s firearms policy. The Atlanta Botanical Garden responded to the complaint by citing

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a Georgia statute that permits owners of private property to prohibit firearms from being brought onto their property. The trial court accepted the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s arguments and dismissed GeorgiaCarry. org’s complaint. GeorgiaCarry.org then appealed, arguing that the Atlanta Botanical Garden is not private property because the land itself is owned by the city of Atlanta and is leased to the Atlanta Botanical Garden by the city. The Georgia Supreme Court saw merit in this argument and returned the case to the trial court in 2016.

The trial court once again held in favor of Atlanta Botanical Garden after the Supreme Court sent it back the first time, a decision which was upheld by the Georgia Court of Appeals. Thus, the case came before the Georgia Supreme Court for the second time. This time the Court held that the trial court should have spent time on the merits of GeorgiaCarry.org’s arguments.

Specifically, the Court found that “[b]ecause the lease between the Garden and the city is not in the record and because this question turns on its interpretation, summary judgement in favor of the garden should not have been granted.”

In short, the court needed to see if the Atlanta Botanical Garden actually owned the land for the purposes of the private property exemption. As the land was leased, this is likely the end of the road for this case.

The implications of this decision may be wide reaching. In practice, this could mean that private facilities being operated by private entities on public land (think sports stadiums, art galleries, fairs or amphitheaters) could not prevent people from entering with a firearm. One exception to this rule is that firearms may be prohibited from buildings that contain government offices, per Georgia law. The practical implication from the likely result of this case is that local governments may look at ways to put government offices in buildings that do not currently have such offices. Of course, this does not create a solution to situations in which the public land is being leased by a private party. Without an exemption for such leases, private entities may be reluctant to lease real property from government entities in the future because of the lack of ability to provide desired security measures for their own, private events.

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FEDERAL FOCUS

GEORGIA GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION OFFICE:

How Cities can Benefit from Visualization Technologies Georgia’s Cities met with Susan Miller, Georgia’s Geospatial Information Officer (GIO), to learn more about geospatial data and how it impacts cities. Geospatial information refers to any digital data containing location-based information, which is at the core of nearly all government functions. According to Miller, local, regional and state governments in Georgia use geospatial data to keep track of properties, roads, public works, environmental resources and more within their jurisdictions.

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GC: What does the Georgia GIO do?

SM: Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do.

Geospatial sciences and technologies inspire and enable every level of government to save money, lives and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around us. Proper use of highquality geospatial data enables informed planning, public policy and decision-making, which function together to improve the overall safety and economic prosperity of the State of Georgia and its citizens.

The Geospatial Information Office improves statewide access to the most current geospatial data and facilitates cross-jurisdictional coordination, decreasing data acquisition and creation costs through the realization of economies of scale. Our coordinated approach to data development also maximizes governmental efficiency through the standardization of data, which enables multi-jurisdictional interoperability to better drive economic development and responses to natural disasters, for example. In doing so, the Geospatial Information Office plays a key role in promoting the safety and economic vibrancy of all Georgia communities, while advancing the current administration’s goals to maximize taxpayer value by leveraging technology to best utilize state resources.

GC: What are some GIO projects currently underway that could benefit cities?

SM: There is the Statewide Esri Master Purchasing Agreement, a streamlined way for cities to purchase Esri products and services at a reduced rate (15 percent off ) and without having to do an RFP or sole justification. We also offer the Statewide Imagery Program. Only available for governmental entities, this six-inch imagery is something that only the wealthiest governments have previously been able to acquire. In addition, the statewide Light Detection and Ranging

(LiDAR) program can easily measure elevation and height and is a versatile tool that allows the same datasets to be used for multiple purposes and by multiple users. The GIO conservatively estimates annual benefits of $8.5 million to the top 10 business uses of LiDAR in Georgia.

GC: What are some practical applications of spatial information (GIS) for local government management and policymaking?

SM: GIS data provides a wealth of information for local decision making in areas including strategic growth and land use, energy, water and utilities, healthcare and human services, emergency response and homeland security, and agriculture.

GC: How can I support the continued work of the GIO to update imagery?

SM: The GIO welcomes comments from city officials about the value of imagery to your local government.

Feedback can be submitted online at gio.ga.gov/ success-stories/. The GIO relies on annual state legislative appropriations to keep imagery fresh, so talk with your legislator about how spatial data is beneficial to your city and the importance of state funding to support this vital program.

High-resolution, accurate aerial imagery is valuable to public works departments as a “backdrop” to utility information traditionally stored in CAD and GIS programs. For more information on GIO’s State Imagery Program visit: gio.ga.gov/state-imagery-program/

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 47

CITYLITES

Fairs and Festivals February 7-9 Revolutionary Days Washington

February 17 St. Patrick’s Festival Dublin

March 6 Toast of the Town Columbus

February 8-10 North Atlanta Home Show Duluth

February 21 Arbor Day Celebration Eastman

March 6-7 Folk to Fine Arts Festival Commerce

February 9 Super Museum Sunday Savannah

February 28 Black History Month Dinner Athens

Dahlonega Literary Festival Dahlonega

February 10-27 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Atlanta

February 28- March 1 Thomasville Antiques Show Thomasville

February 13-16 Savannah Book Festival Savannah

March 1 Peanut Proud Festival Blakely

February 15 Arbor Day Celebration Pine Mountain

March 1-2 Azalea Storytelling Festival Weekend LaGrange

February 15-16 Fireside Arts and Crafts Show Helen

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March 7-10 Georgia Elvis Festival Brunswick March 9 Walton County BBQ Festival Monroe March 14-15 Forsythia Festival Forsyth River Town Days Bainbridge

March 14-15 Rattlesnake & Wildlife Festival Claxton Azalea Festival Valdosta March 14 St. Paddy’s on Perry Lawrenceville Beer Fest Suwanee March 17 World’s Fastest Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade Conyers March 20-21 The Wild Chicken Festival Fitzgerald

March 21 Yellow Pollen Street Festival Hampton

March 28-29 Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival Brookhaven

Shamrockin’ for a Cure Alpharetta

April 4-5 Mulberry Street Festival Macon

March 26 – April 11 Savannah Music Festival Savannah March 27-April 5 Cherry Blossom Festival Macon March 28 Southeastern Cowboy Gathering Cartersville

To place a free Fairs & Festival listing contact gacities@gacities.com.

Please submit listings at least eight to ten weeks ahead of publication date.

Fire Ant Festival Ashburn

March 20-29 Spring Wine Highway Weekend Helen

January/February 2020 | gacities.com 49

GEORGIA GEMS The Booth Museum: A Piece of Western Art in The South LOCATED IN THE CITY OF CARTERSVILLE, THE Booth Western Art Museum allows visitors to explore the West while remaining in the South. Housed in the museum, the Carolyn and James Millar Presidential Gallery showcases a portrait and original hand-signed letter from every U.S. President dating back to George Washington. According to museum curators, presidents wrote these letters to friends, family and even opponents reflecting on their hopes, fears, goals and dreams.

“The founder of the museum loved Western art and had a passion for collecting presidential memorabilia,” said Sandy Scott, the museum’s director of marketing. “The letters started from his collection, as he wanted to share this experience with everyone who would visit the museum.”

Open since 2003, the Booth is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. A local family with a passion for art collecting founded the museum and named it after a family friend. According to museum historians, in the world of Western art, the Booth is known for being a

more contemporary museum due to active artists who are still working to build the genre and industry.

In addition to the presidential gallery, visitors can enjoy Sagebrush Ranch, an interactive children’s gallery and the Commanders in Chief project by artist Ross Rossin. This project highlights paintings of the 19th and 20th century presidents. The museum also offers a variety of festivals year-round including the Cowboy Festival and Symposium.

In 2016, the Southeast Tourism Society recognized the Booth Western Art Museum as the “Escape to the Southeast Travel Attraction of the Year,” and True West magazine readers named the museum the “Best Western Museum in America.” Other notable highlights include being named to “The South’s Best Museums” by Southern Living and ranked Top 10 in “30 Must-See Art Museums in The U.S.” by thecareerartproject.com.

To learn more about the Booth Museum visit www.boothmuseum.org or call 770-387-1300.

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