May/June 2020
ADVOCACY. SERVICE. INNOVATION.
Columns & Features In This Issue GMA President & Dublin Mayor Phil Best Shares Leadership Memories & City Success | GMA Virtual Convention Guide
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GMA President Phil Best shares an inside look into his time as president and highlights development projects in the city of Dublin including the Jackson Street Plaza.
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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W W W . P A R K E R Y O U N G . C O M
Table of Contents FEATURES PRESIDENT’S YEAR IN REVIEW: MAYOR PHIL BEST............................................ 5 CITIES SHINE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC........................................... 21
GMA 2020 VIRTUAL CONVENTION GUIDE................................................. 26 CITIES AND COUNTIES TEAM ON T-SPLOST .................................................. 41
CITYSCAPES....................................................................................................... 8 + GMA President Editorial + GMA Executive Director Editorial + Expert Editorial: Importance of Planning for Rural Communities
CITY DESK.........................................................................................................12 + Cities Find Success with Land Use + Small Town,Big Impact: Baxley Leans on Community-wide Planning
President Best Leaves Office with Lifelong Lessons, Memories and Friends For many of GMA’s member cities and leaders, it’s hard to believe that it’s been an entire year since current GMA President and Dublin Mayor Phil Best walked onto GMA’s Annual Convention stage to Tina Turner’s hit “Simply the Best” to greet municipal leaders and guests as the association’s new president.
+ City Spotlight: Nicholson
INSIDE GMA......................................................................................................18 + Inside GMA + Advocacy Opportunities Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic + Cities Recoup Revenue with Franchise Fee Compliance Reviews + GMA Shares Teleworking Tips for a Secure Remote Environment
ADDITIONAL + Downtown Developments..............................................................................36 + Census Spotlight...........................................................................................40 + Towns & The Law ..........................................................................................44 + Federal Focus: Cities’ Call to Congress.............................................................46
CITYLITES......................................................................................................... 48 + Fairs & Fests + Georgia Gem
FOLLOW GMA ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook & LinkedIn: Georgia Municipal Association & Twitter: @GaCities SIGN UP FOR GMA’S CITIES IN THE NEWS: This daily email shares news from across the state. Visit: www.gacities.com/News/Cities-in-the-News
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May/June 2020 | gacities.com 5
DURING HIS ACCEPTANCE SPEECH THAT SUNDAY
in Savannah, President Best reminded attendees of the importance of governing with a spirit of humility and that leadership is a privilege, not a right. Many can attest that these truths have remained a constant for President Best over his past year of service to GMA. Georgia’s Cities caught up with him to learn more about his journey, plans after his presidency and projects underway in Dublin. GC: What have been some of your most memorable moments serving as GMA president? PB: Obviously, one would be my induction. Having my GMA family, my Dublin family, my wife Cile, my sons and daughter-in-law and my grandchildren there to help celebrate was a marvelous feeling. The second is having the privilege of working with the GMA team. What an experience! This is truly the most professional group of people that always has the best interests of Georgia’s cities on their mind. Lastly, Cile and I were able to attend the National League of Cities (NLC) Conference in San Antonio, TX. and got to see our good friend, Vince Williams installed as NLC’s Second Vice President. This was a proud moment for all of us and especially GMA. GC: In your acceptance speech during the 2019 GMA Annual Convention, you stressed the importance of humble leadership to GMA members. What are some practical ways for city officials and staff to embody this type of leadership? PB: One of the most practical ways is to always remember that we are elected to serve, not to be served. If one would really try to live by that, humble leadership will come easy. GC: During your acceptance you also shared four steps necessary to serve the common good, which included engaging the talents of others and cooperating to meet collective goals. How have these steps served you successfully throughout your time as both the mayor of Dublin and GMA president?
I’ve had the pleasure of working with one of the best city councils and city staff in the state. If you want to do an exercise in team building with your council and staff, experience and navigate a pandemic together. These folks also fall under the definition of good partners.
PB: Well first I’d ask, who in the world can accomplish anything worthwhile by themselves? I guess I really became aware of this in 1997 when Cile and I were completing our Leadership Georgia class. They did a great job starting in the very first session with a series of exercises of working together with people that didn’t think like me. The importance of collaboration really hit home for me in that session and throughout that year, I saw what you could accomplish by including others. I’m often reminded of the importance of engaging the talent of others but seem to always circle back to that experience in 1997. GC: While on the topic of talent engagement, you were a valuable supporter of GMA’s 20 Under 40 Initiative and the association’s Children and Youth Advisory Council, why is investing in emerging leaders important to you? PB: I learned the importance of including emerging leaders from personal experience. I credit the success of Dublin’s Downtown Renaissance to a group of young professionals under 40. Our city council made the wise decision to empower this group to lead us as a city to what we have today. We started with one project, which led to many more. Even though some of the same people are over 40 now, they are bringing in a new group
to follow in their footsteps, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for our community. As far as the Dublin Youth Council, Julie Driger, a retired councilwoman lobbied us constantly to start a youth council. She had already been instrumental in creating our Teen Court program. The year after she retired, we began the Youth Council and we could not be more pleased with the young people that have served and currently serve. We have used the council as an advisory committee on several projects and are looking for ways to include them in more. They have truly been a blessing to our community. GC: You are ending your presidency in the middle of a global pandemic and health crisis. What lessons have you learned about Georgia’s cities, your residents and even yourself as a leader? PB: I have always known that with a partner, whether it be in business or government, it is easy to have a good relationship when things are going smoothly. You find out what someone is really made of when there are real issues or problems. That’s when you find out if they are a good partner. This pandemic has allowed me to work with a 22-member task force of mayors and city managers from across the state of Georgia, along with Larry Hanson, Bill Thornton and the GMA staff. I will say without any reservations whatsoever that these folks fall under the definition of good partners. I’ve had the pleasure of working with one of the best city councils and city staff in the state. If you want to do an exercise in team building with your council and staff, experience and navigate a pandemic together. These folks also fall under the definition of good partners. Although I’d rather not have dealt with COVID-19 in any capacity, as with any opportunity, there is so much to learn, and it’s safe to say that I have learned much more than I have taught. GC: What words of encouragement or wisdom would you like to share with the incoming GMA President Vince Williams and the other members of the GMA Board of Directors?
PB: Vince already knows, and so do my fellow officers, Linda Blechinger [Auburn Mayor], Jim Thornton [LaGrange Mayor] and Julie Smith [Tifton Mayor], that they have become lifetime friends. My advice to Vince is to breathe—don’t get so busy that you don’t take time to stop and enjoy the experience you have been given. I also encourage him to depend on the GMA staff. They are professionals and know what they are doing. Depend on the membership and tap into its great resources. There are many future GMA leaders right before our eyes. And finally, have fun! GC: As you come to the last few weeks of your presidency, have you thought about what you will do with all your free time? PB: Honestly, no. I am sure something will fill the gap. Thankfully, that’s just the way I am built. GC: Dublin has seen some exciting developments, including the new Jackson Street Plaza, which is featured on the covers of this magazine with you and your city council. Can you share more about this project and the impact it will have on the city of Dublin? PB: The group of young folks I mentioned earlier saw that for the north side of Jackson Street to grow, we had to create more parking. We didn’t want just a parking lot, so we came up with the idea of a plaza and parking. It would be another destination point in our city. Well, they were right again, and as soon as the conceptual drawings were done and the investors knew the city council was committed to the project, the revitalization started happening on that side of the street. Tom Ratcliffe, former mayor of Hinesville and a good friend of mine was the first person I ever heard say, “Private money follows public money.” That was in 2000 and the first year I was mayor. Brothers and sisters let me tell you right now, that statement is the truth. The city of Dublin has seen so many private investments in downtown, simply because we were willing to invest in it first.
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 7
CITYSCAPES
Finding Hope in Our Newfound Gratitude
Leadership in a Time of Crisis
BY DUBLIN MAYOR PHIL BEST, GMA PRESIDENT
BY LARRY HANSON, GMA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dealing with a pandemic as a business owner, mayor or as president of GMA was not on my radar at the beginning of the year.
As we navigate through these unprecedented times, I continue to be so impressed by the leadership and dedication of our city officials.
ITS IMPACT ON US AND OUR cities has been swift and profound. As I move on from my year as GMA president, I’d like to share a few thoughts with you about the time we’re in. I’m reminded of Morgan Freeman’s character Red in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption.” Paroled after serving 40 years in prison, he finds it difficult to navigate his “new normal” and wishes he could do something to get him sent “back where things make sense.” Like Red, I suspect we all wish we could go back before COVID-19 hit, when everything made more sense. That can’t happen, so as Red learned, we must move forward fueled by hope for the future. There are plenty of things to give us hope. We as a society have a much greater appreciation for the work of medical professionals and our frontline public safety providers. Those that had to take a more active role in their children’s education while at home now have a greater appreciation for the work of teachers. And I believe we have a much deeper appreciation for grocery store workers, public works employees and those that make and deliver items we need, to name just a few, in our interconnected economy. This newfound appreciation and understanding of the value of the services these people provide gives me hope. It was with immense pride that I saw city officials from across the state—urban and rural and with
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differing political persuasions—step-up and make incredibly difficult decisions in the face of COVID-19. Since day one local officials have exhibited exemplary leadership that balances the needs of the individual with those of the common good. What you and your cities have done, and continue to do in response to this crisis, gives me hope. The work of Gov. Kemp’s COVID-19 Municipal Advisory Committee has also been a bright spot. The insight of the city officials on this committee has been solid and well thought out. While not every one of its suggestions has been implemented, many have. Different levels of government can work together on pressing issues in a non-partisan manner when we embrace working for the common good. This, too, gives me hope. Finally, I can’t say enough about our association and our staffs work over the last few months. With their lives upended, they have remained dedicated to serving the needs of cities. From providing legal and operational advice and insight to ongoing day-to-day services, GMA staff have been there for us. Them having our backs gives me hope. Friends, COVID-19 is a sobering reminder of our vulnerabilities, both as individuals as well as institutions actively engaged in a democratic society. While some weaknesses have been exposed, the pandemic has also highlighted our strengths and the best in us. And for that I am truly grateful…and hopeful.
OUR CITIES AND THOSE WHO lead them have adapted quickly and successfully and uncovered new ways of conducting business, delivering services and protecting the public and employees. This is a credit to you and an example of how city leaders are innovative and willing to adapt to whatever circumstances they face. I am not surprised that national polling shows the public has the highest level of trust and confidence in their local elected officials over all others. You know best the unique needs of the citizens of your city and its circumstances. We at GMA are proud to stand with you and support you during this time. I hope you have found our communications to be helpful and informative and our legal guidance, webinars, documents, best practices, dedicated website and other avenues to be a trusted resource to assist you. I am also proud of how well our member cities help and support one another and freely share information with each other. I want to update you on several important efforts. First, we continue to work closely and cooperatively with Gov. Kemp and his team. We are also working as partners with ACCG, and together we have made a proposal to Gov. Kemp for sharing of the CARES Act funding. Hopefully by the time you read this, an announcement will have been made to provide funding
to all 538 cities and 159 counties in Georgia, with the exception of four counties and one city who received direct funding from the CARES Act. GMA’s Advisory Committee has met at least weekly to provide leadership and guidance on the CARES Act proposal as well as input on Executive Orders. We continue to advocate for federal funding to support you and remain hopeful that a fourth stimulus bill will provide direct funding to all cities. Our building project continues to move forward and has avoided negative impacts or delays. The structural steel for the new building is going up fast and we recently began construction of the parking deck. This completed parking deck will have nearly 150 spaces and allow us to serve our member cities in exciting new ways. Upon completion, this new four story, 29,000-square-foot building will be connected to our existing building by a 2,500-square-foot courtyard. Our project is on-time and within budget with an anticipated December 2020 ribbon cutting. We can’t wait to share it with all of you! In closing, I again want to express my admiration to each of you for your leadership during these trying times. Please know we are here to serve you, support you and be a trusted resource for you. Please stay healthy, stay safe and stay kind.
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 9
REALISTIC, RELEVANT PLANS CULTIVATE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES FOR YOUR CITY’S FUTURE BY LAURA M. MATHIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MIDDLE GEORGIA REGIONAL COMMISSION
Have you ever heard someone say “I’m not a planner, I’m a doer,” as if to devalue the importance of planning? In my opinion, there is no way to be a “doer” without planning. Everything we do in life requires planning. Routine life chores, such as grocery shopping, almost always results in a stocked pantry, but how it happens can be very different. Some use a list logically organized by the layout of the store, others have a list scribbled on the back of an envelope, while others never have a written list but know the things they always need. The result of all of these approaches is still the same: groceries get purchased. In many ways, community planning is no different than activities like grocery shopping—it is essential for success, and there is more than one way to do it. At its heart, community planning is a process that helps you understand where you are, defines where you want to go and outlines how to get there. Planning, however, only works if it is relevant to the local government—it needs to fit the issues and opportunities that exist in the community. In Georgia, cities and counties are required to have a local comprehensive plan. This five-year document outlines a vision for the community and a work program to accomplish the vision. The comprehensive plan for larger jurisdictions may be more complex with additional elements, such as housing and transportation, but every city, no matter the size, needs a vision and a plan. Many local governments build on their comprehensive plan to develop small area plans, such as urban redevelopment plans or downtown plans, or 10
specialty plans on issues like housing or recreation. Regardless of whether planning is required, or voluntary, local elected officials should strive for plans that are realistic and relevant to the city’s resources. CITIZENS BENEFIT FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENTS’ THOUGHTFUL STUDY OF ISSUES FACING THEIR CITY. HERE ARE JUST A FEW FROM MIDDLE GEORGIA. • The city of Perry identified quality, affordable housing as a community need in its 2011 Comprehensive Plan and has steadily used data from a citywide housing assessment to develop a Revitalization Area Strategy focused on five distinct neighborhoods. As a result of planning, the city has successfully redeveloped houses and critical infrastructure, established a joint Land Bank with Houston County and invested in other community assets such as parks to improve the quality of life for Perry’s citizens.
the years, has been the foundation of Macon-Bibb County’s unprecedented efforts to address blight throughout Macon-Bibb. Macon-Bibb has also strategically used the Urban Redevelopment Plan to incentivize economic investment through the state’s Opportunity Zone Program, foster the creation and implementation of Tax Allocation Districts, and support numerous housing redevelopment projects, especially through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE Just as important as being relevant and addressing a need or desired vision, planning does not have to be lengthy or costly for a local government. Planning should take as long as needed to obtain input from these stakeholders, but if a planning process takes too long, the city may lose momentum and commitment from stakeholders. We’re talking months, not years. Because remember, planning is about doing—it’s about progress. One of the best examples in Middle Georgia is the city of Forsyth. Since 2016, Forsyth has met in a full-day session to prioritize major projects and initiatives for the year ahead. These annual discussions call upon the Comprehensive Plan, Infrastructure Needs
Assessments and other documents to guide the city’s process. As a result of these sessions, the city established an Economic Development position, acquired and developed land for recreation, identified areas for annexation and prioritized capital projects, including a new city hall and water system improvements. Each of these examples included leadership from elected officials, dedicated staff and professionals who are subject matter experts, and input from citizens who would be impacted by the plans and projects. Thankfully, none of these communities were on their own in the planning process. Every city in Georgia has an important resource available to assist in community planning initiatives: your Regional Commission. Two of our core missions are developing and implementing your plans. In addition to assisting with the development of local comprehensive plans, Regional Commissions are available to assist towns and cities with strategic planning, urban redevelopment plans, housing assessments and strategies, bicycle and pedestrian plans, transit plans, wayfinding plans, recreation plans and disaster planning. We are here as partners to local governments, helping city leaders craft and implement their vision for a thriving, vibrant community.
• In 2017, leadership in the city of Irwinton recognized that years of disinvestment had taken its toll on an area known locally as West Irwinton. Characterized by narrow single-lane streets, dilapidated houses and failing water and stormwater infrastructure, the city developed an Urban Redevelopment Plan that resulted in the city successfully pursuing grant funds to improve houses, replace water lines and address drainage in a low-income neighborhood. • Macon-Bibb County adopted its first Urban Redevelopment Plan in 2012. This plan, amended throughout May/June 2020 | gacities.com 11
CITY DESK
Cities Learn Recreational Spaces Can Solve Community Challenges BY GALE HORTON GAY
Across Georgia, land use projects have been completed and are underway that are providing recreational benefits for Georgians and, in some cases, resolving infrastructure problems as well. THE 3.5-ACRE KATHRYN JOHNSTON MEMORIAL Park in Atlanta opened in November 2019 after one year of planning with heavy community input and two years of construction at a cost of $4.5 million. The area suffered negative effects of flooding and combined sewer overflow. In 1999, the city of Atlanta tore down an apartment complex on the site that was contaminated with mold, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the redevelopment started. The park has been designed with underground water retention chambers, rain gardens, constructed wetlands and other green infrastructure features to capture stormwater runoff from adjacent streets, reducing the negative impacts of flooding and improving water quality, according to The Conservation Fund’s website. “It was designed, developed, constructed and activated by those who live in the community,” said
Shannon Lee, senior urban conservation manager with The Conservation Fund (CF). “Residents have been the ones who championed that project and they are the ones going to benefit from it.” Lee, who was involved in the project, is the lead with CF’s Parks with Purpose, which has six projects completed or underway including one that’s an edible landscape. She considers the project, which was a collaboration with the fund, Park Pride and residents, a success. Lee said the key to success with similar projects is inclusion of community residents and garnering community support from the start. Another land use park project that resolved an environmental issue is Rodney Cook Park, which is in the final stages of construction. The 16-acre park came to be after the city of Atlanta and its partners bought several residential properties in an area that was prone
to flooding. The park was planned to be an enhancement to the community and manage the flow of water. According to David Hayes, unit manager of the Voluntary Remediation Unit of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), the park has a storm water management pond, walking paths and plenty of greenspace. “There’s definitely some great benefits to this project,” said Hayes citing the removal of lead impacted soil from the site as well as mitigating flooding. He said communities considering a land use project that has environmental impact issues should first contact the state’s voluntary remediation program through the EPD.
Connecting Communities Through Nature and Recreation The LINC is Newnan’s multi-use path system. It is a 12-foot-wide paved path, a linear park that facilitates recreation, connectivity and economic development. The goal is to provide residents and visitors with access to bicycle and pedestrian trails, offer an alternative transportation venue, serve recreation needs and encourage quality of life. Phase 1 of LINC opened January 2019. Construction of Phase 2 is currently underway and will add 3.4 miles to the current 1.4-mile trail and will extend the trail into Downtown Newnan with a bridge over Interstate 85. Kathryn Johnston Memorial Park
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Grant Opportunities “The LINC emulates the Silver Comet Trail, the Atlanta Beltline, the Carrollton Greenbelt and many more linear parks in the Southwest,” said Kim Learnard, director of Friends of LINC. Inc. on the organization’s website. “Linear parks are now one of the most sought-after amenities for home buyers. They increase property values, improve underutilized greenspace, usher in new business and encourage tourism and special events.” Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides grants through its Outdoor Stewardship Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreational Trails Program. Among the types of projects funded are reforestation, watershed rehabilitation, trail construction and rehabilitation as well as acquisition and renovation of public outdoor recreational areas and others. In Varnell in north Georgia—14 miles south of the Tennessee border—the city aided by a $25,000 DNR
grant added a new playground to its existing Peacock Alley park. “Through community visioning, attracting youth and young families back to the city of Varnell was identified as an important goal of the community,” states a DNR statement about the project. “Quality park and recreation facilities were identified as important factors for millennials in deciding where to live.” Varnell officials apparently agree, as they placed the new play area in the middle of the existing walking track. Varnell hopes to make Peacock Alley Park more attractive to young parents who will be able to watch their children play while exercising on the track. DNR encourages cities to consider outdoor recreation when doing land use planning, and to explore the various options available to cities on the following page.
GEORGIA OUTDOOR STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM MISSION: To provide dedicated funding to support parks and trails and to protect and conserve critical conservation lands in Georgia. What types of projects are funded? The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program offers funding to enhance Georgia’s natural resources, cultural and historical treasures, as well as outdoor recreation opportunities. Typical projects come in the form of reforestation, natural landscape restoration, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing development, critical habitat acquisition, watershed rehabilitation, as well as multiple types of trail construction and enhancement. A typical funding cycle begins in the fall of each year.
LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND MISSION: To provide matching grants for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. What types of projects are funded? Land and Water Conservation Fund assistance is available for the acquisition, development and renovation of outdoor recreation lands and facilities. These include community parks, sports fields, picnic areas, water-based recreation facilities such as swimming pools, trails, campgrounds, etc. Certain kinds of support facilities, such as restrooms, may also be eligible. A typical funding cycle begins in the fall of even numbered years.
RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM MISSION: To support recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. What types of projects are funded? RTP funds trail construction, trail rehabilitation, and trail-related facilities. These trails can serve pedestrians, bicycle riders, equestrians, water trail users, and off-road motorized vehicle operators. Applicants include qualified local governments, authorized commissions, and state and federal agencies. A typical funding cycle begins in the fall of odd numbered years.
For more information:
gadnr.org/grants
Contact:
(404) 463 1030
Small Town,
Big Impact
Baxley Leans on Community-wide Planning
WITH A KEEN FOCUS ON BUILDING A THRIVING city, Baxley leans on community planning to make this possible. But in 2014 city officials sensed a division between generations and elected officials and were inspired to solicit a diverse group of residents to organize the Appling County Community Retreat. According to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Keri Crosby, this was not the city’s first retreat, but it was the first time having a more engaging experience. “Twenty years ago, the retreat began as an overnight planning retreat with a facilitator, but elected officials felt disengaged from the community by having a retreat of this caliber,” Crosby said as she described the city’s transition to a community-wide retreat that allowed those to speak who were very interested in their community—but not necessarily running for office. During the revamped community planning retreat held in Jekyll Island, approximately 20 community partners attended and shared their thoughts on the revitalization of their downtown. The event welcomed strategic ideas from all government agencies including the city of Baxley, Appling County School District, Appling County Government, Development Authority of Appling County and the Chamber of Commerce. Breaking into smaller groups, each partner shared their
ideas to address and remove barriers to growth in the city-county nightlife, housing industry and business. Collaboration Breeds Success During one of the planning retreats, attendees expressed a desire for more innovative ways to serve the needs of businesspeople in the city and county. To meet these needs, DDA members plan on attending the Downtown Development Authority training offered through the Municipal Training Institute a partnership between GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. In addition, five years ago during one of these retreats community members focused on attracting a reputable hotel chain to boost tourism. After leaving the retreat, a group of investors partnered with the city, and in August 2019, the Sleep Inn hosted its grand opening. This planning initiative illustrates that the city of Baxley has the potential, the people and the promise to make their community thrive, and city officials hope to see a continuous push from residents to create a live, work, play environment for all ages.
City Spotlight
HISTORY: Situated between Athens-Clarke County and the city of Commerce is the quaint city of Nich-
Baxley Retreat Group POPULATION:
1,696 MAYOR:
olson, formally known as the city of Cooper. When Cooper residents were searching for a new city name, they formed an agreement with an aspiring railroad depot owner by the name of President J. Nicholson. The agreement: if he made a fuel stop in Cooper, which would allow residents to sell their wood, the town’s name would commemorate him. Nicholson honored the agreement, and the city’s name changed in 1876. Over the years, the city of Nicholson has experienced many milestones, including the generous gifting of the Benton Elementary School from the Jackson County Board of Education. The school closed after the 2016-2017 academic year due to limited funds for improvement, and Mayor Jan Bell Webster seized on the opportunity to preserve the school’s history, acquiring the 84,000 square foot building and 16 acres on US-441. With Webster’s vision in mind, a citizens’ committee was created. This 12-member committee donated time and furniture and worked alongside city officials to convert the school into their new city hall. Today, Benton Elementary is home to a daycare center, a library annex, an event facility, a gym, city hall and commercial offices.
Mayor Jan Webster GMA DISTRICT:
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Nicholson
INSIDE GMA
INSIDE GMA
COVID-19 RESOURCES: GMA SERVES CITIES THROUGH A CRISIS Since the beginning of March, the entire GMA staff and leadership team have worked to serve Georgia’s cities through the COVID-19 pandemic. From creating a robust COVID-19 Resource Center for municipal officials to crafting sample ordinances, flow charts and guides to navigate the governor’s executive orders and hosting valuable webinars. Recordings of these information-packed webinars are still available for viewing at www.gacities.com. While on the website, city officials are encouraged to visit GMA’s regularly updated COVID-19 Resource Center for information on state and federal resources, funding opportunities, teleworking, municipal operations and more. Cities have also found the “Plans to Reopen” section of this resource center and a Public Employment Law FAQ series to be very helpful during these unforeseen times. This site will remain live for Georgia’s cities even as cities, the state and the nation return to business. 18
GMA also remains in direct contact with Gov. Kemp’s office regarding ways the state can best work with cities. In early April, Gov. Kemp and his office requested GMA assist in naming 22 city leaders to a committee to provide advice and counsel to the governor’s office. The committee played an integral part in creating beneficial recommendations— many of which were adopted by the governor—to revive Georgia. These advisory committee members represented various parts of the state. GMA continues to urge all city officials and staff to submit their concerns and corresponding solutions to gacities@gacities.com to be considered.
Serving by the Numbers
GMA produced and hosted 4 webinars with more than 400 attendees.
GMA created and circulated more than 40 COVID-19 alerts to 5,800+ city officials, staff and state leaders.
GMA produced more than 20 digital content resources for cities.
GMA created 8 guidance documents to navigate the governor’s executive orders.
GMA & GCF MODIFY AWARD RECOGNITION SCHEDULES GMA extended the nominations deadline for the Municipal Government Hall of Fame to 5 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2020. Due to the 2020 Annual Convention being a virtual event, those selected for induction in 2020 will be honored during a to be determined GMA conference in 2021. Additional information on the awards event will be shared as it becomes available. The Municipal Government Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to recognize current and past municipal officials who exemplify the very best in public service and who, throughout their careers, have made extraordinary contributions to their cities. To be considered, nominees must have: • Served a minimum of 15 years as either an elected or appointed municipal official (an exception is made for city officials who were only able to serve two four-year terms due to term limits);
•
Made significant contributions to the quality of life within their city; and • Been a strong supporter of the Georgia Municipal Association. A maximum of three individuals are inducted each year, not counting the outgoing GMA president who is automatically inducted. No more than two individuals may be inducted posthumously each year. To submit a nomination, please use the nomination form on GMA’s website, www.gacities.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT ALAN DICKERSON AT ADICKERSON@GACITIES.COM.
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 19
THE GEORGIA CITIES FOUNDATION’S 2020 RENAISSANCE AND STARR AWARDS The Renaissance Award, established in 2003, recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the revitalization of one or more downtowns in Georgia. Individuals and organizations from the private sector, non-profit, civic, philanthropic and private academic communities are eligible to receive the award. Governmental agencies and their staff are not eligible. The Starr Award, established in 2019, recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution toward creating a unique and vibrant environment in the downtown area of a city in Georgia. The
award is given annually in memory of Mike Starr, who served as the Georgia Cities Foundation’s President for two decades until his death in 2019. The Georgia Cities Foundation seeks to create this permanent legacy in President Starr’s memory by celebrating those who emulate his best traits: visionary, innovator, servant leader, and champion for downtowns. The deadline for submittal of nominations is Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, at 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Aylworth at saylworth@gacities.com.
Meetings Cancellations and Postponements Georgia City County Management Association (GCCMA) Conference: Adjusting the March 2020 contracts to October 2020 and adjusting the October 2020 Contracts to March 2021. All registrations for March 2020 have been canceled and refunded. Rescheduled: Municipal Training Institute classes and the Knox Leadership Institute. More information to come.
Rescheduled: Georgia Downtown Association’s (GDA) conference to August 2021 dates. GDA Board of Directors is planning a virtual conference for August 2020. Canceled: Southeast Fire Chiefs Association Conference in May Postponed: Gas Section Pipeline Safety Seminar to October
CITIES SHINE
During the COVID-19 Pandemic BY CHRIS OBENSCHAIN
No one was prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic. Not individuals, cities, states or even the federal government. It was an unexpected, unprecedented, cataclysmic event. BUT AS SEEN IN THE AFTERMATH OF 9/11 AND other catastrophes, people tend to help one another in times of crisis. And nowhere has that been more evident than with Georgia’s cities. There are a lot of ways COVID-19 has affected communities, but one of the most sudden and drastic was its economic impact. In April alone, more than 20.5 million jobs were lost in the U.S. Unfortunately, Georgia residents were some of the hardest hit, as almost overnight entire industries were shut down. And many of the stores that remained open have dealt with a dramatically reduced customer presence. To help local businesses, the city of Thomasville’s Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.) and Main Street departments collaborated with the Thomas County Chamber of Commerce to create an innovative, interactive map that allows citizens to see which businesses are open, their hours of operation and more. Residents can search for businesses by name, type of services offered (grocery store, retail, restaurant, etc.) address or general location. The tool is available on Thomasville’s website and on the city’s app. Duane Treadon, director of Thomasville’s G.I.S. department and creator of the map, says it was designed to be used as a lifeline for struggling store owners.
“We understand the environment has changed, but we want to do everything we can to help ensure these businesses don’t lose customers and remain viable now and in the future,” he said. “Their hours or procedures may not be the same as before the pandemic, but we want people to know those businesses are still open and there for them.” However, the G.I.S map isn’t the only way in which Thomasville is aiding the community. “It’s difficult for so many people right now, and we’re committed to helping make sure residents’ services remain connected,” said Chris White, Thomasville’s Director of Public Utilities. “We’ll cut past due bills into four or five monthly payments if we need to. We’ll do whatever we can to help people.”
East Point Serves 20
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 21
In East Point, city employees are taking a more handson approach by physically packing meals for families in need. (All while practicing social distancing, of course!) Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham and other city employees personally help prepare and distribute more than 20,000 pounds of food to East Point residents every week. The city has also started distributing “bucket gardens,” which contain vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes and parsley. “It’s important that the people we help are treated with dignity and respect,” Ingraham said, “and at the same time they also have access to tools that will help them meet their own needs. These gardens do that.” But East Point isn’t stopping there. The city has partnered with MAJL Diagnostic Laboratories to offer free COVID-19 tests to uninsured residents and those on Medicaid/Medicare. “We want everyone in our community to have the opportunity to get tested,” Ingraham said. “When combined with the testing locations Fulton County has set up in East Point, everyone in our community now has the ability to get tested at no charge, regardless if they’re insured or not.”
UNITING TO SERVE Unfortunately, even with help getting the word out about businesses’ hours and operations, more people are staying home, which means many companies have been forced to make hard choices. Municipalities across the state are looking for innovative ideas to help local small businesses stay afloat and keep people employed in these uncertain times. Some are even joining forces, like Athens-Clarke County and the city of Winterville, who have recently created a Joint Development Authority to grant interest-free loans to local small businesses. “Small business loans aren’t the vehicle for everybody’s success,” Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said, “but to the extent that it can be a buffer, we want that tool to be available for the businesses in our communities that can use it.” Of course, not every business has been able to stay open, leaving countless employees out of work and in difficult financial situations. To help ease the burden for so many struggling families, some municipalities, including Thomasville, have placed a moratorium on disconnections for city-run utilities, from basic water to broadband service. Many have also waived late charges and penalties and set up flexible repayment plans, like those mentioned above, to help make sure service continues and people who are already in a tough situation aren’t expected to pay everything all at once or make
Thomasville’s interactive business map 22
the decision between purchasing essential goods or keeping their lights on. In addition, leaders in Athens-Clarke County implemented a new program called Athens Community Core. The Community Core program directly addresses the effects of the pandemic on the community by providing work and lifting the most economically vulnerable citizens, who in many ways have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. “COVID-19 has had a profoundly negative impact on young and already underemployed people in our community,” said Girtz. “And we realized we always have public lands that need kudzu removed. We have a huge backlog of sidewalks that need to be constructed. So, the Athens Community Core program puts the most economically fragile members of our community to work, and it’s designed to help them not just during this pandemic, but hopefully long afterwards, as well.” Girtz explained that the goal of the Community Core program is to help residents climb out of poverty. “It’s great that members of our community now have the opportunity to make $12 or $13 an hour clearing kudzu, but what are their long-term goals?” he said. “Maybe that’s working emergency medicine, becoming a welder or a diesel mechanic or a CDL driver. By working with the Hope Grant Program, which is focused on technical education, we can help people get the coursework they need to achieve these long-term goals. Eventually, we’d like to see the Athens Community Core program help us become a less economically fragile community.”
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CITIES CONTINUE
TO SHINE
GMA has seen so many examples of innovation and strength over the past few months. Here are some of the many. DECATUR NEIGHBORS MAKE SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM POSSIBLE In just the first week of the launch of Decatur’s Emergency Small Business Loan Program, city residents increased its available funds with over $16,000 in personal donations. Such donations added to the $400,000 initially provided by the city and $100,000 from the Decatur development authorities. “This is what neighbors helping neighbors looks like,” said Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett. “These generous contributions are funding additional relief loans that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. To a struggling small business, it’s a potential lifeline.” TELECITYCLERK CONNECTS WITH A SMILE With the approval and support of city leadership, St. Marys City Clerk Deborah Walker-Reed created the city’s first TeleCityClerk page to assist residents and city staff in the comfort of their homes. This virtual service allows users to send contact via email, text or video chat to receive information when necessary
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from a landline or cell phone and their computer or tablet devices. On the city’s website, Walker-Reed shared, “Even though in-person customer service plays an important role in government, we know during this day and time it presents a variety of drawbacks from time, transportation and health concerns. Our goal is to give complete control to residents on how they want to access government.” COMMERCE EMPLOYS CREATIVITY TO HONOR GRADUATES The Commerce Downtown Development Authority and Main Street worked with Commerce High School (CHS) to create a banner row in downtown to honor CHS graduates. This became an inspirational display of community by incorporating local print shop, “Fit to a Tee,” to create banners for the seniors and the city’s public works department installed the banners. The banners were displayed through the month of May and then gifted to the seniors as a memento.
Commerce DDA Director Natalie Thomas shared that this project not only lifted the spirits of the graduates, but of the entire community. She pointed to all the testimonials and photos scattered across social media of seniors standing next to their banners. “This project has united our community and shown the senior class how very proud we are,” she said.
GEORGIA’S YOUTH COUNCILS PROVIDE HELP & HOPE IN HARD TIMES Members of the Dublin Youth Council made it their responsibility to encourage their peers and Dublin residents to adhere to the local ordinances that were adopted by their city and council during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The teens’ first step was to release a letter to the public that included an update on the number of local confirmed cases, inspirational messages and activities for all ages to do while at home. The youth council also created individual videos for the public. These short films displayed the teens sharing their thoughts on the quarantine, how they
plan to grow and spend their time while home and words of encouragement for viewers. In mid-April, the council hosted a canned good and grocery drive. Once gathered, they delivered these packages to residents in need. Members of the city of Forest Park’s Teen Council (now known as the “Walking in Authority Teen Council”) did not let social distancing stop their community service. The group hosted virtual classes and podcasts for their peers that provided homework help, workouts, teen talks and Spanish lessons. Others made calls encouraging residents to complete the census and their absentee ballot request forms. In addition, the LaGrange Youth Council joined in the action by hosting a Facebook Live roundtable discussion on Mental Health Awareness with Licensed Professional Counselor Dr. Kelly Veal. This issue of mental health was adopted by the youth council for the past two years.
Dublin Youth Council
Has your city gone above and beyond to serve? Please share by emailing gacities@gacities.com.
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 25
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN GMA’S VIRTUAL CONVENTION GMA is making it safe and easy to join this year’s convention from the comfort of your own office, city hall or home.
The GMA Convention Website: Visit event.gacitiesconvention.com to access this site. There’s more to explore after the homepage, which includes registration specifics, a countdown to convention. You will find interactive polls, important sponsor and exhibitor information and a community section that will allow you to connect with presenters and fellow city leaders after the virtual convention.
Tips Before Tuning In: · Mark off time in your calendar for sessions and work shops you wish to attend. · Test your Internet connection and your computer’s audio capabilities. · Contact helpdesk@gacities.com for any pre-convention assistance. · Invite your fellow city officials and staff to join.
VIRTUAL CONVENTION KEYNOTE: JOHN C. MAXWELL GMA will host John C. Maxwell as this year’s keynote speaker. During the Opening General Session set for Monday, June 29 from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Maxwell will share lessons on leaderships that he covers in his book, “Leadershift: 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace.” Maxwell, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach and speaker, has sold 30 million books. He has been called the #1 leader in business by the American Management Association and the world’s most influential leadership expert by Inc. His organizations—The John Maxwell Company, The John Maxwell Team, EQUIP, and the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation—have trained millions of leaders from every nation. Visit JohnMaxwell. com for more information.
GMA’S VIRTUAL CONVENTION SET TO INSPIRE, EQUIP AND UNITE In March, GMA made the difficult decision to cancel its in-person Annual Convention in Savannah, and transition to a virtual convention to recognize the sig-
MONDAY, JUNE 29 8:30-9:30 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting
nificant adverse impact the virus has had on municipal budgets and keep cities safe. This new virtual model inspired GMA to reach even more cities and set a goal of having all 537 of GMA member cities engage in the annual convention for the first time in the association’s history. The GMA 2020 Annual Convention theme is “Cities United: Rising with Resilience,” and will take place from Monday, June 29-Thursday, July 2. This virtual gathering is free of charge to all of GMA’s member cities. Use this guide to help navigate through the convention.
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10 a.m.-12 p.m. Risk Management and Employee Benefits Membership Meeting and Board of Trustees Meeting 1:30-2:30 p.m. Opening General Session Tune in 15 minutes before the start of this session to view special presentations and gather important information. 3-4 p.m. (Workshop) Frontline Response to COVID-19: Impacts, Innovations & Lessons Learned In this session, public works and public safety officials from Dalton, Gainesville, Albany and Commerce will share an overview of how their cities planned for and continue to provide mission critical public works
(transportation, solid waste, and water and wastewater) and public safety (fire, police and emergency management) services to meet their community’s needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. City representatives will also share their plans to move forward.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30 9-10 a.m. Policy Feedback Session • Municipal Government • Public Safety • Revenue and Finance 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Workshop) The Known and the Unknown: Managing Healthcare & Costs During COVID-19 This global pandemic continues to have a significant impact on healthcare systems, administration and costs. Many municipalities and government entities are left to answer the question: What are our immediate and long-term considerations for officials and management May/June 2020 | gacities.com 27
of healthcare plans and administrations? This session will recap what is known on managing current requirements or mandates and discuss the developing factors and data that may be driving costs and decision-making as a result of COVID-19. 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Workshop) Governing in a Remote World The methods used by local governments to operate and engage with the public have transformed from in-person to online almost overnight. To help ensure that your community is maximizing the resources available and utilizing secure forms of technology, this session will highlight various meeting platforms, teleworking options, cyber security precautions and existing IT services that are included in your GMA membership. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with the speakers and incorporate the information learned into a more productive and secure working environment during this crisis and beyond. 1-2 p.m. Policy Feedback Session • Community Development • Environment and Natural Resources • Transportation 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Workshop) State and Federal Funds for Cities in Response to COVID-19: Intergovernmental Aid for All Cities Cities are on the front lines of the pandemic, providing essential services to residents and businesses with first responders, utility workers and sanitation workers putting their own lives at risk to protect the public’s health and safety. At the same time, cities have seen significant reductions in revenues—sales tax, hotel-motel tax, TAVT and enterprise funds. During this session, participants will learn how cities can apply for state and federal emergency relief as well as discover innovative ways to utilize the funding to help them meet the challenges brought on by COVID-19. 4-5 p.m. Legislative Policy Council Meeting
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 8:30-9:30 a.m. Federal Policy Council Meeting 28
During this session, participants will hear from the Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs about infrastructure investment, broadband deployment and White House initiatives that impact cities. FPC members will receive an update from Senator David Perdue’s Legislative Director/General Counsel about key priorities in the U.S. Senate that affect cities. Meeting participants will also be obtaining a legislative update from NLC’s Senior Executive and Director of Federal Advocacy. 9:30-10:30 a.m. (Workshop) Local Voices Making Local Choices In the age of COVID-19, local officials are leading in unprecedented ways. City leaders must understand home rule principles and trends of local preemption efforts in Georgia to better advocate for their communities. This workshop will highlight the role of municipal governance and the value of local leadership during a crisis. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. General Session This General Session will feature guest speaker, Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities, and a panel discussion. The panel discussion will include an economist and the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development and will take a look at the economic impact that COVID-19 has had on Georgia’s cities. This session will also highlight opportunities for economic growth for Georgia’s urban and rural areas going forward. City officials from metro-Atlanta and South Georgia will also share their views on the pandemic’s impact on their cities and what city and state leaders should consider as Georgia looks to its collective future. Tune in 15 minutes before the start of this session to view special presentations and gather important information. MODERATOR Bill Nigut, Host and Executive Producer of “Political Rewind,” Georgia Public Broadcasting PANELISTS • Pat Wilson, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development • Dr. Roger Tutterow, Director of the Econometric Center and Professor of Economics, Kennesaw State University • Deana Holiday Ingraham, Mayor, City of East Point • Julie Smith, Mayor, City of Tifton
1-2 p.m. (Workshop) Priming Your Community for Place-based Economic Development This session will introduce participants to the practice of utilizing Placemaking as an economic development strategy and will include an exercise on equitable and inclusive decision-making practices relative to the Placemaking process. Place-based economic development is the art of strategically using a community’s assets and stakeholders in economic and community development decisions and projects. This approach focuses on the development of public and private spaces with the goal of attracting new investment, strengthening existing businesses and creating a cohesive community vision. For local economies recovering from any economic crisis, Placemaking is a proven strategy for augmenting quality of life and encouraging sustainable long-term growth. 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Workshop) Managing Risk During a Crisis In this session, participants will receive an overview and perspective of potential liability as cities navigate through the challenges of operating during a pandemic. Participants will hear discussions on lessons learned and how to mitigate liability risks as cities adapt to the circumstances of a pandemic and prepare for the potential of a second wave. The panel portion of the workshop will provide guidance and insight to help cities address the challenges of navigating through a crisis. 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Workshop) Communicating, Messaging & Engaging: Now and in the Future The pandemic crisis has required cities and city officials to clearly communicate and engage with the public under extremely stressful conditions. This session will explore the crisis communications of two Georgia cities, explain how cities can effectively communicate with their residents during a crisis and provide a framework to increase civic engagement going forward.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
the provision of critical services, protecting front line workers and making sure residents and businesses stay informed and safe through this public health emergency. Managing the crisis in front of us can be exhausting, but it’s important not to lose sight of the big picture and envision ways to build a bright future for our cities. This session features guest speaker Johnny Knatt, Director of Human Resources for the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, who will offer tips on emotional awareness, community resilience and how cities can succeed in the post-COVID-19 world. Interactive breakout sessions will provide participants with a chance to share their stories, to connect and find motivation and inspiration. 9-10 a.m. Metro Atlanta Mayors’ Association Meeting 10:30-11:30 a.m. Rapid Fire Session (Large City) This showcase of successful initiatives will provide attendees an opportunity to hear fast-paced presentations from cities with a population of 10,000 or more from around the state. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Rapid Fire Session (Small City) This showcase of successful initiatives will provide attendees an opportunity to hear fast-paced presentations from cities with a population of 10,000 or fewer from around the state. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Annual Business Meeting GMA’s 2020-2021 Officers and Board of Directors will be elected and installed during this livestreamed event. In addition to an acceptance speech from GMA’s new president, the meeting will feature remarks from outgoing GMA President Phil Best and a State of GMA video report from the association’s executive director, Larry Hanson. All city officials are encouraged to participate in this meeting. Tune in 15 minutes before the start of this session to view special presentations and gather important information.
9-10 a.m. City Managers Meeting: It’s Going to Be Okay City managers in Georgia have been in the thick of the pandemic crisis for four months, navigating an unprecedented landscape, overseeing
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 29
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The COVID-19 crisis has allowed Georgia’s city officials to lead in unprecedented times. Daily actions of frontline first responders boost the confidence of Georgians in a time of extreme uncertainty. Many city leaders acted swiftly to protect their citizens, and city staff continue to provide standard municipal operations while also implementing new policies to ensure public health and safety. “Georgia’s cities are economic engines for the state, and the novel coronavirus has created an uncertain economic landscape for many municipal leaders and citizens,” said Tom Gehl, GMA’s director of governmental relations. “This is the time to reach out and make the case that cities can lead the way out of the anticipated recession.”
CITIES SHOULD FOCUS ON THREE THEMES WITH STATE AND FEDERAL POLICYMAKERS:
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Georgia Municipal Association | New Headquarters, Renovation, and Parking Deck
Financial support is crucially important during this challenging time. Cities will need Congressional action and funding to rebound from damaging financial impact experts are predicting. Learn more about this on page 46.
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Vice President. “While the conclusion to the 2020 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly remains uncertain, city officials need to communicate to state leaders that challenges at the state level mirror those facing local communities. Now is the time for the state to focus on investments in municipal infrastructure, strengthening community healthcare resources and creating a shared vision to build on the strength of local economies.”
3 Relationship building remains important. In addition to staying diligent in identifying resources to tackle budgetary constraints, local officials, state legislators and Georgia’s congressional delegation share the same constituents and should all remember that everyone is experiencing the impact of this COVID-19 crisis together.
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“It is important for mayors and councilmembers to share the challenges they are facing with their state lawmakers,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “It is also helpful to highlight innovative ways city governments are solving problems, connecting with community residents and adapting to virtual communications.”
Intergovernmental partnerships will be essential to recovery. “This crisis has shown the important role local governments have in fighting the pandemic and why Georgia’s state legislative leadership should do everything they can to support and invest in cities and counties,” said Vince Williams, mayor of Union City and GMA’s First
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 31
SERVICE
Cities Recoup Revenue with Franchise Fee Compliance Reviews
GMA Shares Teleworking Tips for a Secure Remote Environment
When the city of Chamblee annexed a part of DeKalb County years ago, it took steps to ensure utilities and affected companies were notified. Associated revenue, such as franchise fee payments, rose accordingly.
BY RYAN WILSON
THERE WERE SOME VARIATIONS IN THE REVENUE STREAM, YES, BUT
they could be explained. Yet, how could Chamblee know that these companies recognized the annexed area now was within city limits? Chamblee city leaders performed an audit of their cable provider. What they found was the annexed area was not recognized by their cable TV provider until a few years after the company was notified, and the city recovered over $180,000 in back franchise fee payments. Similarly, several cities also recovered back franchise fees, including Braselton ($88,000), Woodstock ($184,000) and Avondale Estates ($45,000). The details of these case studies vary widely, and there were special circumstances in each, but the basic facts were the same: jurisdictional errors were observed in their cable TV provider’s data, money was recovered, and the errors that caused the underpayments were corrected going forward thanks to GMA’s Telecommunications and Right of Way Management (TRM) program. The audits were performed under the TRM program, with the actual work being done by GMA and their subcontractor Local Government Services. “We only need a city’s input at the start of an audit, and sometimes we require their input towards the end, but mostly the work is on our end,” said Tim McGraw, franchise fee advisor for Local Government Services. “We want to keep the workload away from the cities as much as we can.”
The audits under the GMA program are termed Franchise Fee Payment Compliance Reviews and are performed by financial analysts from Local Government Services. There is enormous experience in their staff, having performed over 300 such audits covering 26 different cable providers. “Because of our experience, often times our team can decide on whether an audit is recommended, simply by examining a cable TV franchise fee remittance sheet and knowing the location and city limits,” McGraw said. Cable TV franchise fee audits in Georgia universally fall in two categories: state and local. If a cable TV provider has opted for the state franchise, the rules are clear, and the city is obligated to set the franchise fee rate. Under local agreements, the franchise agreement terms, and rate are negotiated bilaterally, and there can be several “one-off” conditions and specifications. In both, the audit is almost always allowed a three-year review period, in accordance with Georgia statute. Whether a state or local franchise agreement, the city is responsible for informing the cable TV provider (and the utility companies) of the change in city limits. This can be done by letter or submission of a form. A standard form can be obtained from Local Government Services. Every city in Georgia should periodically examine their cable TV franchise fee revenue. If there are anomalies or concerns, such as questions about whether annexations were captured properly, then an audit is recommended. These audits usually result in money recovered and/or problems corrected. Sometimes, especially with annexation issues, these recoveries can be large.
Members of the GMA’s Telecommunications and Right of Way Management program may choose to perform this audit by contacting Tim McGraw at tmcgraw@localgovservices.com or 817-980-4516. 32
During this pandemic, we have learned that a remote workforce is a requirement for continued productivity. This work environment has tested the limits of both users and infrastructure in a world where entire cities must adapt to this new normal, which has made way for security issues over the past few months. According to the Chief Security Officer Pandemic Impact Survey, 61 percent of IT and Security leaders are worried about an increase in cyberattacks that target employees who are working from home. In addition, the Center for Internet Security’s (CIS) Security Operations Center (SOC) has seen a major increase in remote desktop protocol attacks in a direct correlation to exploit teleworkers. Post COVID-19 is destined to continue to challenge IT norms and will call for cities to implement practices, including a hosted desktop solution, a work-from-home policy and a review of current VPN policies and infrastructure.
As GMA’s technology partner, I’d like to share several methods for securing city networks for a remote user environment and decreasing the chance of an attack: • Change default passwords on routers and modems • Turn off WPA on wireless routers by logging into your router settings page • Turn on auto-update for both computers and routers
With that level of engagement, there is no surprise of the uptick in “Zoom-bombing” reporting. Zoom bombing is when an uninvited guest finds their way into your virtual meeting. Here’s how you can decrease these interruptions: • Limit reuse of access codes • Use one-time PINs or meeting identifier codes and consider multi-factor authentication (MFA) • Use a “green room” or “waiting room” and don’t allow the meeting to begin until the host joins • Enable notifications when attendees join by playing a tone or announcing names • If available, use a dashboard to monitor attendees—and identify all generic attendees • Disable features you don’t need (like chat, file sharing and screen sharing until needed) • If it is a private meeting, lock the meeting when all attendees arrive to prevent unauthorized access
Secure Audio and Video Conferencing: Audio and video conferencing has not only become a norm but a necessity in a “shelter-in-place” world. We have seen an unprecedented growth in online meetings. Microsoft reported it has grown by 70 percent to 75 million daily active users reported having 300 million active daily zoom participants.
Please contact me at ryan@rundellenterprises.com with any questions and to learn how GMA’s IT Services can help assess, recommend and implement best practices to help secure your network and mitigate teleworking-related risks.
INNOVATION
GMA’s Local Government Practicum:
Lending a Helping Hand from a Safe Distance The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed lives, and cities were forced to learn on the fly how to provide services remotely and conduct virtual meetings. BUT THEY ALSO HAD TO REVISE THEIR BUDGETS AND OTHER PLANS for the year. Meanwhile, universities closed campuses and switched to online instruction. Internships were canceled for students, who look with uncertainty towards the summer and fall. Why focus on these examples? Because GMA has been partnering with several universities in Georgia to bring together graduate students seeking practical experience and cities that need help with research-driven projects. GMA is encouraging its members to submit Local Government Practicum projects, ideally as soon as they finish reading this issue of Georgia’s Cities. While primarily focused on Master of Public Administration candidates, the practicum has grown since its inception in 2007. Dr. Cary Christian teaches a Local Government Practicum class at Georgia Southern University every fall, which now attracts “a multidisciplinary group of students looking to see how their graduate preparation in history, business or the sciences can translate into service for municipalities.” HOW IT WORKS Any city in need of assistance can visit the GMA website to fill out a brief application that describes the scope of work and a point of contact who will coordinate the project with the student. There is no cost to cities, no deadline to apply, and the program guidelines are minimal. Since most students participate in the practicum for the summer or a single semester, the timeframe of a project should not exceed four months. Students will select projects according to their educational background, expertise and academic/professional goals. They are also expected to familiarize themselves with the location and staff of the city they choose, which can be done remotely to accommodate current public health concerns. Unlike an internship, the student works independently—and more importantly these days, remotely—on a single project so there is no need for a manager to provide day-to-day supervision.
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At the end of the semester, the city will receive a report, usually delivered in a formal presentation before the city council. Throughout the project, GMA serves as a liaison between the city, the student and university faculty and remains in contact with each participant to assist as needed. BENEFIT TO CITIES For cities, the practicum is not only a way to receive objective advice— it can also serve as a workforce development initiative. As Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales can attest, “Input from the next generation of leaders is essential in the success of any city.” Last spring, she worked with a Georgia State student who helped attract and secure a new business in town catering to outdoor enthusiasts. That student’s professor, Dr. Carrie Manning, described the practicum as a useful way to introduce promising graduate students to a career they might not have otherwise known about. “Students find out that local government is where problems get solved, and where citizens have their most direct contact with government,” Manning said. Manning’s colleague, GSU’s Dr. Charles Hankla, associate professor of Comparative and International Relations, Political Science, also credited the program for equipping students with new skills and experience that can be translated directly into the job market.
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WHY DOES VERIZON SUPPORT THE SUCCESS OF CITIES? Our goal is to help improve the quality of life for people living in cities and increase the ways and efficiency in which cities operate. As cities grow bigger and more complex, they are facing new challenges. They must maintain high standards of livability, resiliency and sustainability. At Verizon we recognize that city leaders are turning to technology to help meet the social,
economic and environmental demands that population growth has on city economies. Verizon is committed to helping communities become centers of innovation and sustainable growth.
WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON FOR VERIZON? The building out of 5G technology, which will offer better speed and better connectivity. 5G is known as the fifth generation of wireless technology and one of the more robust technologies that we will see. It will mean faster downloads and lower latency. 5G will have a massive impact on how we live, learn, work and play. Autonomous cars, smart communities, the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), immersive education—they will all rely on 5G and it will pave the way for unprecedented innovations that will reshape the world. Verizon is excited to be leading the charge in innovation.
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 35
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENTS Restaurants as Fundraisers: Restaurants have been leaders in providing food for people in need during this crisis. Salaryman, in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta, has an option to provide a meal for a medical worker at the local VA Hospital each week. Fat Man’s Café in Augusta has partnered with Augusta University and 54 other local restaurants and food purveyors to provide discounted gift cards to healthcare workers through their #OurAUHeroes program.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENTS GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS: ‘OPEN’ FOR INNOVATION BY CHRIS HIGDON, GMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
In my position working for GMA and the Georgia Cities Foundation, I have marveled at the innovation I have seen around the state during this crisis. While no longer able to conduct business as usual, small businesses have reacted with creativity and determination. Local governments, development authorities and other organizations have likewise found ways to respond to the needs of their local business community. The small businesses mentioned here are among the many creative and nimble entrepreneurs in our state that are fighting for survival through new and innovative ways of doing business. These businesses are no doubt fighting a difficult fight. The purpose of highlighting them isn’t simply to provide much-needed good news, but to also share examples and spark ideas.
Adding New Products: Many restaurants around the state have started to provide family meals to-go instead of, or in addition to, their normal menu. Isaac’s Bakery in Downtown Bainbridge used social media to pre-sell their petit fours, which were rarely offered before. The bakery sold enough in one weekend to pay a month’s mortgage.
RESTAURANTS USE THEIR RESOURCES WISELY
Providing Safe Entertainment: Shenanigans restaurant in Dahlonega has provided weekly entertainment in addition to their curbside service. Their Sunset Drivein Concert series allows guests to park within view of the band and enjoy live music, food and beverage from the comfort (and safety) of their cars. Maddy’s Public House in Downtown Washington continued their weekly team trivia virtually. Conducted live, but with participants playing from home, they provided entertainment to their customers and had a “tip jar” to raise funds for displaced staff.
The Restaurant as a General Store: Many restaurants around the state utilized their supply chain, which is separate from those serving the grocery stores, to provide difficult-to-find items to their community (flour, eggs, toilet paper, etc.). Through providing this service, the X-Factor Grill, located in Downtown Toccoa, discovered their venue was the preferred and safest option for people who are immunocompromised, because of the decreased contact with other grocery shoppers. 36
Drinks To-Go: One of the most talked about restaurant innovations during this pandemic has been to-go alcohol offerings. As many communities have relaxed their regulations on restaurant alcohol sales, restaurants have found creative ways to fill the void lost from their on-site drink sales. The Southern Philosophy Brewing in Bainbridge purchased a Crowler machine, which seals draft beer in a 32 ounce can, to offer to-go packaging that complies with Bainbridge’s open container entertainment district ordinance.
SMALL BUSINESSES GET SAVVY
More in Bainbridge, who use this live streaming option for virtual sales. Buyers simply comment live when they want a product and then the item can be picked up curbside or delivered locally. A group of local retailers in Downtown Washington have created a regular Facebook Live streaming event, alternating retailers, creating what some people have called a virtual Washington Downtown Shopping Network. The Business of Safety: Some small businesses have actually gone into the business of providing COVID-19 safety products. In addition to providing signage to assist in social distancing, Keen Signs & Graphics in Augusta added a new product line by modifying their equipment to manufacture sneeze guards for essential businesses. Pretoria Fields Brewery in Downtown Albany was one of the earliest companies in Georgia to switch part of their production capacity into making hand sanitizer, which is now available throughout the state. New Ways to be Seen: Movie theaters, as with other entertainment venues, have effectively been shut down during the pandemic. Ciné, an art house theater in Downtown Athens, offers paid streaming options of their current releases for safe, at-home viewing.
Virtual and Appointment Retail: Some retailers have found innovative ways to serve their customers safely while adhering to social distancing practices. Troup’s Studio and Gifts, a Toccoa-based Hallmark retailer, offers a personal shopping service where an employee will walk through the store to help you shop virtually from the safety of your home. Story on the Square, a bookstore in McDonough, offered private shopping hours by appointment to limit the number of customers in the shop to safe standards. Some retailers are using Facebook Live to reach their customers in new and Showpony creative ways, including Reeves Gifts, Jewelry &
Retail as a Fundraiser: Showpony, a marketing and promotions company in Downtown Augusta, has launched their #WeGiveaShirt campaign. Showpony works with small businesses to create limited edition t-shirts, sold online for only a week and then shipped directly to the customer. The profits then go to the small business featured. To date, this campaign has raised over $110,000 for small businesses affected by the pandemic.
VISIT GMA’S WEBSITE FOR MORE INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR BUSINESSES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. May/June 2020 | gacities.com 37
TOWNS & THE LAW
Cities Contemplate the Legal Issues of Virtual Operations BY RUSI PATEL, GMA GENERAL COUNSEL
It was not long ago that many of us were at the Cities United Summit in Atlanta attending various sessions and trainings in-person to educate ourselves and help educate others on community improvements.
IN MANY WAYS, THE CITIES United Summit feels like it happened in a different lifetime, when the biggest news stories in the world were the Australian wildfires, the impeachment trial of President Trump, and sadly, the death of Kobe Bryant. It would have been hard to fathom in late January that none of those stories would be anywhere close to the story of the year. The COVID-19 crisis, of course, hit like a fury and has caused largescale impacts in every facet of society. Many of these impacts will not be realized for months or even years. Legal issues relating to local governments are not immune to these lasting impacts, and many municipalities are discovering the needs of their communities. Infrastructure needs in particular have changed, and such changes involve potential legal issues because the laws may or may not be equipped to handle these novel times. For instance, Georgia’s Open Meetings laws specifically allow for teleconference meetings during emergency conditions, but many cities discovered their public technology infrastructure was sorely lacking for such a situation. Cities across the state were left scrambling to piece together public technology infrastructure tools which could be utilized to hold public meetings and to allow city workers to continue to provide valuable services to residents while working remotely. While some Georgia laws, such as the Open Meetings Act, do provide for municipal flexibility, other laws
or the lack of laws prevented action or caused confusion. As an example, questions as to how public hearings could be conducted during the COVID-19 crisis abounded. Additionally, purely virtual meetings and teleworking options raised questions about accessibility requirements under the law. How would a city accommodate disabled or elderly people on such virtual meetings? What resources needed to be made available for disabled employees so they might continue to work? Remember, technological infrastructure is still infrastructure. The legal questions around these issues will not disappear with the hopeful elimination of the coronavirus. The world is changing, and municipalities will have to contemplate the legal issues around new and improved types of infrastructure that allow the world to operate virtually and remotely. These legal issues range from legal challenges to the provision of broadband, to how to electronically execute contracts and permits for new projects or conduct meetings virtually. Even though the COVID-19 threat will eventually pass, the new normal in terms of infrastructure needs will not, and municipalities will need to prepare themselves for the variety of novel legal issues which such needs will present. GMA will continue to serve as a resource and advocate on behalf of cities for their infrastructure needs as we progress into this new era.
GMA will continue to serve as a resource and advocate on behalf of cities for their infrastructure needs as we progress into this new era.
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May/June 2020 | gacities.com 39
2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19 The 2020 Census is underway, and households across Georgia are responding every day. Considering the COVID-19 outbreak, however, the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting some of its operations. While the updated schedule below may affect specific local outreach and marketing efforts, please continue to encourage your residents to respond to the Census online, by phone or mail.
• Nonresponse Follow-up (NRFU) for Census takers to interview house holds in person is set to last from Aug. 11 to Oct. 31. • In-Person Group Quarters Enumeration will begin on July 1 through Sept. 3.
• The Self-Response Phase is extended to last from March 12 to Oct. 31.
• Other enumerations (such as those at soup kitchens, shelters, and
• Field activities are expected to resume after June 1, 2020, as Area
regularly scheduled food vans), mobile questionnaire assistance, the
Census Offices begin returning to full staff capacity. • The Group Quarters E-Response and Paper Enumeration began on April 2
count of people experiencing homelessness outdoors, and people living in transitory locations require further review and coordination with outside partners and stakeholders.
and will continue until Sept. 3. • Update Leave (when Census takers deliver invitations to respond and paper questionnaires to five million households while updating the
Other Census resources, tools and news can be found online in GMA’s 2020
addresses) is scheduled to take place from June 13 to July 9.
Census Toolkit.
Do your part to make sure that Every. One. Counts.
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NEW ROADS PAVE THE WAY FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
BRING ON THE OPPORTUNITIES By Nikki Perry There is a phrase that characterizes the city of Richmond Hill’s careful methodology to create a haven for economic development along I-95. “‘Infrastructure prior to development’ has been our mantra, and the city strives to take a proactive approach to the development of infrastructure in the area,” said City Manager Chris Lovell. It is a vision that many local governments adopt but few can achieve, especially when transportation and economic development projects commonly span a decade. However, successful cities, and the industries they attract, reaffirm the importance of long-range infrastructure planning that paves the way for private investment.
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 41
INTERSTATE 95, RICHMOND HILL Though construction will not be completed until 2021, a new Interstate 95 interchange in Richmond Hill already has secured 1 million square feet of industrial development and 150 new jobs. Medline, the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, announced plans in March to build a $70 million distribution center in Belfast Commerce Park. The 1,000-acre industrial park is adjacent to the new Exit 82 interchange at Belfast Keller Road, and is made even more attractive by direct rail access into the Port of Savannah. The Medline announcement is an early reward for years of patient investment and planning by the city of Richmond Hill. Since 2013, the city has purchased and annexed more than 5,000 acres that could hold at least a dozen more commercial-industrial developments as large as Medline. “With the opening of Exit 82, Richmond Hill will have three exits on I-95. The economic impact of the new interchange will be phenomenal, but not just more hotels, restaurants and other retail businesses. The exit will provide essential transportation to our adjoining industrial park,” said Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter. “Already, with the recent site selection by Medline, this investment is paying off. This means more plants, factories and jobs. Bring on the opportunities!” Carpenter said.
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The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) expects to open the new Exit 82 in the second quarter of 2021. Funding for the interchange project came from the city of Richmond Hill, Bryan County, GDOT and Rayonier, one of the country’s largest timber real estate investments trusts, that owns land near the project site. Rayonier also donated $450,000 in land to a companion project on the east side of the new interchange, the Richmond Hill Regional Connector Road. In April, the city of Richmond Hill awarded the contract for the $4 million TSPLOST project, and construction is slated to begin in May. To be known as Great Ogeechee Parkway, the road will work together with the interchange and serve as an eastwest connector for the 11,000 homes projected for the immediate area. Including a public-private partnership in the city’s long-term vision has proven to be critical to Richmond Hill’s budding success. In addition to land donations for transportation, Rayonier has contributed $4.5 million (50 percent of the cost) for critical water, sewer and reuse infrastructure, land for a new elementary and high school to accompany the existing middle school, and a fire station and police sub-station in the interchange area, Lovell said. “The infrastructure payment and land donations that the city will receive from Rayonier in the previous and current agreements are in excess of $8 million. To put that into perspective, if the city was to try and get that amount of money by another means like
impact fees, it would require close to 2,250 homes to be constructed and 15 more years of impact fee collections,” Lovell said.
ROME-CARTERSVILLE DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR After decades of land battles and clearing environmental hurdles, GDOT kicked off the Rome-Cartersville Development Corridor (RCDC) project design, holding the first public open house in 2018. Less than a year later, economic development along the corridor gained traction when a developer announced plans for the 700-acre Busch Commerce Park in Bartow County. The property will have access to the RCDC, which will connect I-75 to US 411 in Bartow County. The connection will streamline freight movement between I-75 and Rome in the west, and between I-75 and the Appalachian Regional Port only 30 miles north in Murray County. Foxfield Company President Harry Kitchen Jr. said that it took only eight months for his team to purchase the Busch Commerce Park near I-75 Exit 296, sell three parcels, and begin the process of obtaining land disturbance permits for $200 million in vertical development. His swift success is due to decades of work on the part of Bartow County to provide transportation infrastructure, utilities and entitlements to a prime piece of real estate, he said.
“It goes back to Bartow County having a vision 10 years ago for who they are going to attract,” Kitchen said. Kitchen, who has invested all over Georgia, credits Bartow County Commissioner Steve Taylor with creating a “forward-thinking and supportive” environment for development. “When everyone has a common goal, you can create tax revenue and jobs that strengthen the economy in Georgia,” Kitchen said. On the other end of the RCDC in Rome, City Manager Sammy Rich said the connector would open doors for industrial recruitment. “As the community has continued to grow and develop, raw land has become increasingly more difficult to find and prepare for future development. Our Highway 411 corridor has virtually remained a last frontier as our community has waited patiently for the Rome-Cartersville Development Corridor to finally come to fruition,” Rich said. This long-awaited transportation project will be the catalyst of land development that previously was not considered due to lack of a direct connection to I-75. “As industrial recruitment has become increasingly fierce with more global competition, every available tool and advantage needs to be deployed on behalf of a community to remain competitive,” Rich said.
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 43
TOWNS & THE LAW
How FEMA Can Assist
Georgia’s Cities THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) IS the federal coordinator for the operational and logistical response needed in communities that are struck by disasters. Originally created in 1979 and part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since 2003, the agency’s mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. But what can FEMA do specifically to assist Georgia’s cities? With a disbursement of over $5 billion since 2017, Public Assistance (PA) is FEMA’s largest and arguably most important grant program for local governments facing fiscal challenges due to a disaster. The program begins when an area has received a Presidential Declaration of Emergency, as is the case nationwide as of March 13 for the COVID-19 pandemic. FEMA issued more specific cost guidance for the COVID-19 pandemic, which only renders Emergency Protective Measures (Emergency Work category B) eligible for reimbursement. These are actions taken by a community to save lives, protect public health and safety and prevent additional damage to improve public and private property. Examples of covered items include the disinfection of eligible public facilities, personal protective equipment and local government force account overtime costs. Services and costs typically ineligible under the PA grant program are loss of revenue and certain operating costs, such as administrative activities. FEMA is also legally prohibited from
duplicating benefits from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Health and Human Services (HHS) or other agencies. Local officials in need of additional details should consult two online resources created by FEMA. The 2018 “Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide V3.1,” provides exhaustive documentation of the entire PA grant lifecycle, from incident to closing of the program award. Within this publication, the chapters on cost and work eligibility may be especially helpful. In April 2020, FEMA released a new “Disaster Financial Management Guide” to support jurisdictions in establishing and implementing sound disaster financial management practices, which are critical for successful response and recovery. Since the guide is not specifically written for the coronavirus pandemic, the basic concepts are relevant for all disaster recovery situations. “Even as we are still working through the implications of the current crisis, Georgia’s cities are encouraged to familiarize themselves with available programs to streamline funding processes before the next disaster occurs,” said Becky Taylor, GMA Research & Federal Relations Director.
Visit www.fema.gov to learn more.
Additional Federal Funding Options for Cities FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program is one of several funding opportunities related to the coronavirus pandemic. Other federal and state-level programs providing much-needed assistance to cities include: • Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - COVID-19 Supplemental (AFG-S) (FEMA) • Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program (U.S. Department of Justice) • CoronavirusemergencyfundingfromtheCentersforDiseaseControl and Prevention • Coronavirus emergency loans from the Federal Reserve • The CARES Act allocated additional funds to programs including transit, airports, nutrition, health and human services, housing and community development In addition, several agencies have extended application deadlines or implemented loan repayment deferrals. Examples include: • Deferral of principal and interest payments for up to one year upon request for the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program (USDA – Rural Development) • Additional filing window for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program (USDA – Rural Development) • Extension of the USDA ReConnect competitive rural broadband grant/loan program through FY2021 • One-time 90-day extension upon request for the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts and/or FY2019 Report of Local Government Finance due to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (originally due between March 31 and June 30)
Consult the COVID-19 Resources and the Grants & Awards pages on the GMA website for additional information.
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PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY COMPONENTS: • The applicant (local governments, among other entities) • The facility or facilities impacted by the disaster must be a building, public works, system, equipment or natural feature. Cities should immediately start assessing the damage in their communities by conducting a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) of their area in relation to the incident. • Work, categorized as either emergency or permanent work, must be the result of the declared incident, located within the designated disaster area and the legal responsibility of the applicant. To facilitate the processing of PA funding, FEMA separates Emergency Work into two categories (A and B) and Permanent Work into five categories (C through G) based on general types of facilities. Emergency work must be completed within six months and permanent work within 18 months to be eligible. Applicants may submit a request for a time extension. • Cost is the funding tied directly to eligible work and must be adequately documented, authorized, necessary and reasonable. Eligible costs include labor, equipment, materials, contract work, as well as direct and indirect administrative costs, but the program includes a 25 percent non-federal cost share. It is recommended that cities create emergency codes (“E-Codes”) in their financial management system, save all documentation related to these costs and be able to explain why and how funds were expended.
FEDERAL FOCUS
GMA Federal Focus:
Call to Action At the time of print, Congress has approved four measures to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In early March, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020 (HR6074) provided $8.3 billion in emergency funding to fight coronavirus. IN MID-MARCH, THE FAMILIES FIRST Coronavirus Response Act (HR6201) provided free testing for coronavirus, paid emergency leave, enhanced unemployment insurance and improved food and health security. In late March, the third aid package, the CARES Act (HR748) provided $2 trillion in relief for individuals, small businesses, hospitals and state and local governments over 500,000 in population. And in midApril, Congress passed an interim bill to increase funding in the $484 billion CARES Act 3.5 for the Paycheck Protection Program, hospitals and virus testing. “So far, local governments have largely been left out of Congressional action to provide federal aid in response to the crisis,” said Becky Taylor, GMA Research & Federal Relations Director. “GMA continues to work with Gov. Kemp, members of Congress and the White House to secure direct assistance for local governments of all sizes that are on the front lines of this pandemic.” It is imperative that the federal government supports cities who are meeting the challenges of the pandemic head on. Cities are Georgia’s economic centers—they are home to 69.4 percent of jobs in the state and account for 90.4 percent of the GDP. “If the federal government fails to support cities, they will succeed in setting back the nation’s economic recovery by years. Failure to help local governments may hit rural areas the hardest, according to some economists,” Taylor said. 46
Georgia’s Cities: Responsible Stewards of Public Resources Cities are required to adopt balanced budgets every year and observe conservative financial practices and sound management across the board. As an example, in GMA’s experience with its leasing programs, no city has failed to appropriate payments and therefore, GMA has no defaults in over 25 years and almost $2 billion in financings to our members. An examination of the 38 Georgia cities that are rated by S&P shows an average AA rating supported in part by high reserves, averaging 44.5 percent for these municipalities. Despite having good financial practices before this crisis, municipal leaders have raised the alarm that revenues for essential services are declining as more and more customers are unable to pay their bills. Cities face difficult decisions about which services to cut, considering that statewide, 70 percent of municipal expenditures are for public safety, public works, health and welfare services and housing and development. Cities are also considering layoffs and furloughs. “Now is a critical time for every city official to remain in touch with federal leaders to explain what is going on in your communities,” Taylor urged. “Congress must understand the challenges you’re facing.”
Cities’ Call to Congress Below are excerpts from letters already sent from city officials to their members of Congress.
[Our city is] the provider of electric, natural gas, water and wastewater services to our citizens. We have committed not to disconnect any customer for non-payment in order to lessen the extreme hardship on citizens who have lost jobs in the face of this virus. You must know, as do I, that this will have a dramatic impact on our collections and bad debts. Simply stated, we cannot, I repeat, cannot overcome this loss. The city will face, if not bankruptcy, an inability to meet our debt service obligations.
Our community is hurting from the shutdown of local businesses and the inability of manufacturing to reopen because of a cluster of COVID-19 positive tests. We will need help to get back on our feet and move forward with uninterrupted services for our community.
We are working at the county and municipal level as partners to provide unique and non-duplicative services to protect public health and economic stability, despite significant losses of revenue as a result of public health measures requiring a pause on most economic activity. We simply can’t wait any longer. (Federal) funding is critical for our day-to-day operations, and your consideration of this interim supplemental offer is greatly appreciated.
Resources are being reallocated to essential services, including additional overtime for public safety and E-911 personnel and increased costs for hazard mitigation. Non-essential programs have been reduced or eliminated due to cost constraints or social distancing limitations. GMA encourages all cities to send their own letters with specific examples. Visit GMA’s website for talking points and a template letter. Contact Becky Taylor of the GMA staff for any questions at btaylor@gacities.com.
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 47
G EORG IA CITIES W EEK
CITYLITES
Fairs and Festivals June 6-7 Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival Douglasville
June 19-21 Take it to the River Lantern Parade Sandy Springs
Celebrate Braselton 4th of July Festival Braselton
June 12 – July 12 Copper Creek Farm Sunflower Festival Calhoun
June 20 Scavenger Hunt at Chenocetah Tower Cornelia
July 18 Back to School Bash Hoschton
June 13 Honeybee Festival LaFayette
BluesBerry Beer and Music Festival Norcross
June 13 & 14 Cave Springs Arts Festival Cave Springs June 19 Suwanee Summer Porch Jam Suwanee
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*Before you make plans to attend, check with cities to see if these events are postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 25 Summer Sip n’ Stroll Cornelia July 4 SpringsFest on the 4th Powder Springs
Due to the global pandemic, GMA has postponed the 2020 Georgia Cities To place a free Fairs & Festival listing contact gacities@gacities.com. Please submit listings at least eight to ten weeks ahead of publication date.
Week. There is still time to register to participate in the fall observance and receive your Resource Kit by emailing gacities@gacities.com.
May/June 2020 | gacities.com 49
GEORGIA GEMS Elberton: The Granite Capital of the World DID YOU KNOW THE CITY OF ELBERTON produces more granite monuments than any other city? The self-proclaimed “Granite Capital of the World” boasts a history that has revolved around the granite industry, following the opening of the first commercial quarry and manufacturing plant by Dr. Nathaniel Long in 1889. In the city of 4,300, approximately 1,500 residents work for the nearly 150 granite companies in Elberton. “The hub of Elberton’s economy is found in the busy granite quarries and plants that have experienced phenomenal growth in the past four decades,” said Elberton Mayor Larry Guest. Approximately 2 million cubic feet of select bluegray granite is quarried annually and used as cemetery memorials in all 50 states and several countries. In recent years, Elberton’s stone industry has produced an average of 250,000 granite markers and monuments. This North Georgia Gem is also home to a granite auditorium, granite road signs, granite monuments, granite homes, granite banks and best known by tourists for the Georgia Guidestones spotted in the Netflix original “Stranger Things.” Many visit the city in search of America’s Stonehenge, a19-foothigh monument that displays a 10-part message promoting the conservation of mankind and future generations in 12 languages.
While the Georgia Guidestones draw a ton of tourists, Elberton also has a rich history around its sporting facility. “Dedicated to domination, we’re the Blue Devil football nation!” chant residents and visitors every Friday night during football season. In 1995, the Blue Devils won their first Class AA football state championship against Washington-Wilkes of Wilkes County. Considered the jewel of Elbert County, the Granite Bowl has a rich history. In 2003, the stadium celebrated 50 seasons and has been listed as an important site by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. According to Elbert County Athletic Director Brian Turner, the stadium only had five or six rows when it opened. After renovations, the stadium could hold up to 20,000 people and received a scoreboard donated by the University of Georgia in the 1980s. Some will tell you that graduating in the stadium is also a rite of passage for seniors in the community.
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GMA’S 2020
VIRTUAL CONVENTION
Georgia’s cities help GMA make history with our first-ever Virtual Convention! Reserve your spot at event.gacitiesconvention.com Cities will be Inspired, Equipped and United by:
Inspiring Keynotes & Presentations
Important GMA Business & Advocacy Updates
Expert-Driven Workshops on Crisis Management & Tools to Rebuild
View the full Virtual Convention guide inside this issue for several ways to navigate through the convention, and to connect with fellow city leaders and workshop experts.