July/August 2022 by GeorgiaMunicipalAssociation

July/August 2022

ADVOCACY. SERVICE. INNOVATION.

Cities Partnering for Success

Columns & Features In This Issue Town & Gown: City-University Partnerships | Carrollton Lends Support to Injured Officer Make Your Hometown Connection | President Julie Smith: Look Forward to Leave a Legacy

THE FUTURE IS NOW.

CPS OFFERS A FULL LINE OF THE MOST ADVANCED SOLUTIONS TO SAVE YOU TIME AND YOUR CUSTOMERS MONEY. From advanced metering and custom control valve solutions to the latest technology available from the best manufacturers, we strive to stay on the cutting edge of the utility, sewer, and water industries. CPS can design, fabricate, and deliver the right product at the right time to support your project needs. Serving industry with pipes, fittings, and valves for more than 60 years.

196 ITY SINC 0 E

Wylie Hotel Atlanta, Georgia

July/August 2022 Volume 1 • No. 19 Editorial and Advertising Offices: 201 Pryor Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 404.688.0472 Fax: 678.686.6289 E-mail: gacities@gacities.com CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Larry Hanson PUBLISHER Amanda Coyne GRAPHIC ARTIST Lindsay Podrid ADVERTISING SALES Lynne Norton EDITORIAL BOARD Charlotte Davis Emily Davenport Alan Dickerson Cindy Eidson Dana Goodall Latisha Gray Gwin Hall Aileen Harris Chris Higdon Kay Love Chris Obenschain Rusi Patel Kristian Serrano Monica Thornton Brian Wallace GMA OFFICERS President: Tifton Mayor Julie Smith First Vice President: Perry Mayor Randall Walker Second Vice President: Madison Mayor Fred Perriman Third Vice President: College Park Maor Bianca Motley Broom Immediate Past President: Jim Thornton

Subscription $36.00 per year. Single copies $4.00. Advertising rates upon request. Approximately 7,000 copies of this issue printed. Our policy is to distribute Georgia’s Cities to Mayors, City Councils, City Managers and other key City Officials. Georgia’s Cities reserves the right to decline advertising it deems unsuitable for its audience or market.

ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING

Designing and Building the Future for our Clients, Colleagues, and Communities.

INTERIOR DESIGN MASTER PLANNING HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADAPTIVE REUSE

www.ssoe.com

N OT H I N G H E L P S

DRIVE G E O R G I A’ S E C O N O M Y QUITE LIKE

AC T UA L

DRIVERS

Table of Contents FEATURES TOWN AND GOWN: RURAL CITIES ENCOURAGED TO PARTNER WITH UNIVERSITIES........................................................................................... 4 CONVENTION RECAP................................................................................ 8 CITYSCAPES..................................................................................................... 22 + GMA President: Look Forward to Leave a Legacy + GMA CEO and Executive Director: Partnerships and Teamwork: A Winning Formula + Expert Editorial: Georgia Reaps Extensive Benefits with Community Branding Projects CITY DESK........................................................................................................ 26 + Carrollton Supports Officer Shot in Line of Duty + City Spotlight: Whitesburg + Norcross Partnering with Trust for Public Land in Buford Highway Corridor Redevelopment INSIDE GMA..................................................................................................... 30 + Teaming Up and Teeing Off for Georgia City Solutions + Legislative Policy Council Updates + Champions of Georgia’s Cities + A Hometown Connection + Municipal Government Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certification Program Launches + Get Connected at 2022 Rural Broadband Summit + City Leaders Step Up for Children’s Literacy + HRAC Courses Being Held in Griffin this Fall + Develop Your City Dreams at Georgia Downtown Conference + GMA Members Utilize Headquarters for Meetings, Retreats + Member Services Advisory Council Closes Out 2021-2022 Term + GMA Finance Team Recognized with International Award ADDITIONAL + Towns & Law: Key Decision Expected on Local Government Partnerships..............44 + Federal Focus: It’s Time to Build......................................................................46 + Downtown Developments: Affordable Housing Starts Locally..............................48 CITYLITES......................................................................................................... 49 + Georgia Gem: Seminole State Park + Fairs & Fests

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

GMA Thanks the 2022 Annual Convention Sponsors! PRESENTING

DIAMOND

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

Town and Gown:

Rural Cities Encouraged to Partner with Universities BY NIKKI PERRY

While metro Atlanta and North Georgia cities have developed close relationships with the University System of Georgia, rural communities in other regions have recently started to see the benefits of these partnerships. IN 2022, VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY ROLLED out the Rural Development Institute to serve communities with populations under 50,000. The eight participating communities worked with the university’s Center for South Georgia Regional Impact and other economic and community development professionals. In June, the teams completed a community readiness index, identified opportunities and challenges and developed a list of potential projects. Darrell Moore, director of VSU’s Center for South Georgia Regional Impact, said there was tremendous involvement from the public and private sector. From Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), Member Services Consultants Emily Davenport and Terrell Jacobs served as mentors at the June summit of all eight teams. “I think everyone in economic development realizes the importance of it, the importance of having a job, adding to your tax digest, providing better opportunities for your citizens,” Moore said. “They want to see these rural communities be successful.” Over the summer, university faculty, staff and students will work with leadership teams from each community to pursue one or more projects. “We want every community to have a win,” Moore said. “Hopefully we’ll work with their leadership, get them engaged, have one or two successes by the end 6

of the year, get them excited, and then they’ll be able to move on to number two, three and four and continue the momentum.” “I’ll be really excited to see what the faculty, staff and students do with the eight communities over the next two or three months. That’s when we’ll really see the positive impact and the benefit that we’re having on the local communities,” Moore said. To participate in the 2023 session of the Rural Development Institute, check www.valdosta.edu/sgri in February for application deadlines.

Other Opportunities

The University of Georgia Archway Partnership has completed 116 projects statewide since its inception in 2005. The Archway Partnership recently launched a new program, the Connected Resilient Community designation, targeted at rural communities with the lowest per capita income and highest percentage of residents living below the poverty level. “Through this program we will work hand-in-hand with communities to build and implement economic and community development plans, harnessing our significant capabilities in data analytics, civic engagement and technical assistance to help them identify future challenges as well as opportunities for growth and prosperity,” UGA President Jere W. Morehead said when announcing the first award recipient, Thomson-McDuffie County, in April 2022. Thomson-McDuffie County worked with UGA experts on three projects to increase community resiliency in the areas of leadership development, tourism asset development and infrastructure improvement. The J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development assisted with a revamp of the Leadership McDuffie program. The College of Environment and Design helped McDuffie County develop a master plan for boat launches and trails to boost recreational tourism. And the College of Engineering worked with Thomson city officials to solve infrastructure issues that were obstacles for downtown development. Four additional communities are working toward the designation. To learn more about the program, visit www.archwaypartnership.uga.edu. GMA’s Local Government Practicum also began as a University of Georgia program in 2007 and now encompasses universities across the state. Cities receive student-led assistance with research projects. Students benefit from hands-on

experience with local governments. And both cities and students benefit from the networking opportunities provided by these connections, said GMA Research Analyst Claire Chan. “Cities really do see it as a way to mentor students who are interested in a career in local government, “ Chan said. For example, during the spring 2021 semester, the city of Marietta reviewed its film permitting process with help from Georgia State University and Valdosta State University students pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. Also, the city of Cedartown worked with two Georgia State University political science students to review the city’s special events and alcoholic beverage permitting processes. Small cities should not be daunted by the level of commitment to the practicum. GMA is available to assist at varying levels of involvement, based on the needs of the city. “Most of our applications are from metro Atlanta and cities in North Georgia. We would like to see more participation from South Georgia and rural cities,” Chan said. Projects are chosen based on student availability each semester. Visit www.gacities.com to learn more about the program and submit a project proposal.

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 7

GEORGIA MUNICIPAL

Hall of Fame Four Georgia Leaders

Four remarkable Georgia city leaders were inducted into the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame during the Georgia Municipal Association’s Annual Convention in Savannah. The Hall of Fame recognizes city officials who have made extraordinary contributions to the city they serve and have exhibited strong support of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). This year’s inductees are:

JIM THORNTON, MAYOR OF LAGRANGE AND GMA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Thornton, a lifetime LaGrange resident, has served in city government for 13 years. He was first elected to LaGrange City Council in 2009 and has been mayor since 2013. During his tenure, Thornton has never stopped looking for opportunities for improvement, from shaving seconds off fire department response time to actively promoting equity and inclusion. He has also prioritized investments in the future and residents’ quality of life, whether it be infrastructure, relationships between residents and law enforcement, or economic development.

As the COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty and downturns for many cities, Thornton led LaGrange through the storm. He served as a calm, trustworthy voice for residents during an unsettling time by ensuring people had accurate, useful information about testing, treatment and vaccines. He convened leaders from the public and private sector to identify key community needs in a time of crisis, all while pushing the city forward. Thornton was also selected as a member of the Governor’s COVID-19 Municipal Advisory Committee, serving as a voice for both LaGrange and GMA’s members during a time of crisis. A longtime leader within GMA, Thornton completed his term as president on Tuesday, June 28. In the years leading to his presidency, he served as first, second and third vice president, each in yearlong

terms. Thornton has been a member of the association’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and has chaired GMA’s Federal Policy Council, Legislative Policy Council and Member Services Advisory Council. Serving as co-chair of GMA’s Equity and Inclusion Commission, Thornton has been instrumental in shaping GMA’s new Excellence in Policing and Municipal Equity and Inclusion programs.

WILLIAM ‘PETE’ BRIDGES, MAYOR OF TALLAPOOSA (INDUCTED POSTHUMOUSLY) Bridges served Tallapoosa for 26 years, including 24 as mayor and two as a councilmember. He was still serving as mayor when he died in December 2020. Bridges was an active, engaged mayor who regularly drove through Tallapoosa to speak with residents and look for items in need of attention. He was instrumental in Comcast’s decision to invest $2 million in the city in order to upgrade the local broadband system, expanding service to areas that were previously underserved. Bridges was dedicated to growing and improving Tallapoosa, helping attract and expand industry, adding seven storm sirens for residents’ safety, starting the “Street Captains” program to work towards a litter-free city and expanding the municipal nine-hole golf course to a full 18 holes. Bridges was also engaged with GMA as a former district president and member of the GMA Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Federal Policy Council and Workforce Development Advisory Council. Over his years in office, he completed 315 training hours through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute and earned the Certificate of Dedication, the highest certificate level possible. LUCIRIA LUCKEY LOVETTE, WALTHOURVILLE COUNCILMEMBER Luckey Lovette has been a member of Walthourville City Council for 20 years, and has served as Mayor Pro Tem. Her work has been instrumental in the management and maintenance of city streets, parks and facilities. Luckey Lovette has also helped lead Walthourville through many infrastructure improvement projects, the construction of a new city hall and collaborations with other municipal and county governments.

Luckey Lovette is a passionate community servant, driving local efforts for increased youth engagement, enhanced public safety and improved quality of life. She was a leader in the 2020 U.S. Census effort to maximize Walthourville’s participation, personally calling many residents to ensure they completed the survey. She is also actively involved with many local non-profit organizations including a domestic violence shelter, the Boys and Girls Club and the Community Health Promotion Council. Luckey Lovette has also served on her local United Way Board of Directors; on a Judicial Circuit Family Violence Taskforce; and as Chair of her county’s Fire Services Board. Luckey Lovette has also been a leader within GMA, serving on the GMA Board of Directors, as a mentor in the association’s elected official mentorship program and as a district president. She has earned the Certificate of Dedication, the highest possible honor from the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, for completing 369 training hours over her two decades of public service. She has also earned her Human Resources Administration Certificate through GMA.

RUSTY PAUL, MAYOR OF SANDY SPRINGS Paul began his career in local government as a Stone Mountain councilmember from 1977 to 1983. Following terms as a Georgia state senator and assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Paul returned to local government in Sandy Springs. He served on Sandy Springs City Council from 2005 to 2009 and was elected mayor in 2014, a position he has held ever since. Paul has been a leader in Sandy Springs and metro Atlanta, partnering with neighboring cities to fight “double taxation” policies, promoting environmental stewardship, supporting local arts initiatives and facilitating public discourse on policing, equity and inclusion. Paul created the Mayor’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion to keep an active conversation ongoing about issues key to residents’ quality of life. As a veteran of state and federal government, Paul has been a key partner with GMA’s legislative advocacy team. He regularly testifies on behalf of GMA to the General Assembly, advocating for home rule and the inherent powers of local government. Paul has also served as a member of the GMA Board of Directors, Legislative Policy Council and Federal Policy Council.

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 11

JIM THORNTON, MAYOR OF LAGRANGE AND GMA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

WILLIAM ‘PETE’ BRIDGES, MAYOR OF TALLAPOOSA (INDUCTED POSTHUMOUSLY)

GEORGIA MUNICIPAL

Hall of Fame

LUCIRIA LUCKEY LOVETTE, WALTHOURVILLE COUNCILMEMBER 12

RUSTY PAUL, MAYOR OF SANDY SPRINGS

Smyre Honored with Key Citizen Award Veteran legislator closing out 48 years of service. GMA WAS HONORED TO WELCOME STATE REP. CALVIN SMYRE to the Annual Convention this year to present him with the Key Citizen Award. This award is GMA’s highest honor, and it is only given when merited. Previous recipients include visionary Georgia leaders like President Jimmy Carter, Gov. Nathan Deal and U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson. Smyre began his legislative career in 1974, when he was elected to a newly drawn Columbus House district. After nearly half a century under the Gold Dome, Smyre will leave the state House of Representatives when his term ends in January. He is awaiting confirmation by the U.S. Senate as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas, a post to which he was nominated by President Joe Biden. Smyre’s 48-year legislative career is believed by historians to be the longest consecutive period any Georgia lawmaker has held office. He didn’t take his time distinguishing himself in the legislature; he was the youngest Georgia lawmaker upon his first election in 1974, and 12 years later, he became the first Black legislator to serve as the House floor leader. Smyre has been a key presence for many of Georgia’s most important legislative advancements in the past 50 years, including the creation of the HOPE Scholarship; establishing a state holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.; removing the Confederate battle emblem from the Georgia state flag; and, last year, the repeal of Georgia’s citizen’s arrest law and passage of the state’s first hate crimes law. Smyre, a Democrat, has been lauded by colleagues and constituents for his ability to work across the aisle. His drive to get significant work done for the people of Georgia has led him to

often collaborate with Republican leadership and Republican governors. Leaders including Gov. Brian Kemp, former Gov. Nathan Deal and House Speaker David Ralston, all staunch Republicans, have praised Smyre for his bipartisanship and willingness to put differences aside to find meaningful compromise. Smyre’s pragmatic, results-oriented leadership has also led to a long, strong relationship with GMA. Through his legislative career, Smyre has consistently supported policies benefitting Georgia’s cities and protecting home rule. GMA was proud to recognize Smyre with the Key Citizen Award. His presence at the Georgia capitol will be missed as he moves on to serve not just Georgia, but the American people.

Renaissance Award The Singfield family, of Albany, were honored by the Georgia Cities Foundation with the Renaissance Award.

Clerk of the Year Georgia’s Clerk of the Year, Richard McCoy, was honored at GMA’s Annual Convention.

Starr Award The Georgia Cities Foundation, a non-profit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), recognized Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette Jr. with the Starr Award at GMA’s Annual Convention.

The Renaissance Award, given annually, recognizes an individual or organization that has significantly contributed to the revitalization of Georgia downtown districts. The Singfield Family — consisting of Glenn, Tandra, Glenn II and Gerard — have been fixtures in the Albany community for decades, owning and operating several thriving downtown businesses. Their entrepreneurial ventures include Tuxedo National Formalwear, the Albany Fish Market and, most recently, The Flint, a popular fine dining restaurant. Parents Glenn and Tandra oversee business, and Glenn II serves as head chef. Gerard served as general manager of the restaurant until a recent move out-of-state.

The Flint is housed in a former cotton factory in the heart of downtown Albany, anchoring a key block for neighborhood businesses and serving as a centerpiece for the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. Inside the restaurant, more than 200 pieces of art by local artists are hung and available for sale. Many diners stay to peruse the artwork after finishing their meals. The Singfields’ dedication to downtown Albany and support of their fellow local entrepreneurs have been key in the city’s downtown revitalization project, and their impact is undeniable. The Georgia Cities Foundation is proud to honor their work.

McCoy, the West Point city clerk, has been in city government for more than 30 years. McCoy is one of the key parts of making city government work. He exhibits professionalism, loyalty and drive on a daily basis. Not only is McCoy a compassionate and effective leader within City Hall, but he is a dedicated public servant for West Point residents. His hard work is appreciated by residents and colleagues alike. McCoy was nominated for the Clerk of the Year award by West Point City Manager Ed Moon.

In 2016, McCoy became a Georgia certified clerk. He became an International Institute certified municipal clerk in 2017, and in 2019, he completed the Masters Education Management Development Program through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Georgia Clerks Education Institute. McCoy is also an active member of the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association, serving as a district director and on multiple committees.

This award, presented annually, honors an individual who has made a significant contribution toward creating a unique and vibrant environment in a Georgia downtown. The award is given 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 Starr’s memory by celebrating those who emulate his best traits: visionary, innovator, servant leader and champion for downtowns. Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette, mayor since 2012, is an ardent advocate for forging a vibrant city center. Burnette has been in local government since being elected to Suwanee City Council in 1996 and was a charter member of the Suwanee Downtown Development Authority from 2001 to 2012. He has been intricately involved in every comprehensive and downtown master plan for the past 25 years. Most

recently, the city undertook a redesign of the area around Buford Highway, transforming it into a walkable urban boulevard. The project is currently near completion. Burnette has also been deeply involved with GMA, frequently attending training classes, including a monthly GMA update in city council schedules and encouraging colleagues to engage with the association. He has been a powerful advocate for local control in the Georgia legislature, building strong relationships with state policymakers on both sides of the aisle. Last year, Burnette was recognized for his work for Suwanee and GMA by being inducted into the Georgia Municipal Hall of Fame. GMA and the Georgia Cities Foundation are proud to recognize Burnette for his longtime commitment to Suwanee.

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 15

A HIGHLIGHT OF ANY ANNUAL CONVENTION IS

THE PASSING OF THE TORCH FROM ONE LEADER TO ANOTHER. THIS YEAR, OUTGOING PRESIDENT JIM THORNTON, MAYOR of LaGrange, closed out his term and welcomed newly elected President Julie Smith, mayor of Tifton. Smith has long been a dedicated servant to her hometown of Tifton. She formed Advantage Realty Partners with two business associates in 2007 and has been engaged with local non-profits and government boards for decades. Before becoming mayor, she served as Tifton’s Main Street Director. She also

dedicated her time and energy to organizations including the Tift County Development Authority, Tift County Board of Health, Tifton-Tift County Tourism Outreach Marketing Group and Tift County Airport Authority. She previously served as the former Co-Chair of the Tifton Heritage Foundation and worked for many years with her local First Presbyterian Church Session. Despite constantly being involved in the community, it took someone else’s push to get Smith to seek elected office.

The 2022-2023 Officers and Board of Directors Consist of:

Officers PRESIDENT: Julie B. Smith: Mayor, Tifton 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Randall Walker: Mayor, Perry 2ND VICE PRESIDENT: Fred P. Perriman, Mayor, Madison 3RD VICE PRESIDENT: Bianca Motley Broom, Mayor, College Park

Active Past Presidents IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Jim Thornton, Mayor, LaGrange PAST PRESIDENT: William McIntosh, Mayor, Moultrie PAST PRESIDENT: Keith Brady, Mayor, Newnan PAST PRESIDENT: John Reid, Mayor, Eatonton PAST PRESIDENT: Linda Blechinger, Mayor, Auburn PAST PRESIDENT: Vince Williams, Mayor, Union City

CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson

Directors At Large Shelly Jackson Berryhill, Commissioner, Hawkinsville Lisa Clarke Hill, Council Member, Moultrie Ollie Clemons, Mayor, Austell Andre Dickens, Mayor, Atlanta Andrea Gibby, Mayor, Young Harris Skip Henderson, Mayor, Columbus Deana Holiday Ingraham, Mayor, East Point Jason Holt, Mayor, Fitzgerald Isaiah Hugley, City Manager, Columbus Michael-Angelo James, Mayor, Waycross Jonathan McCollar, Mayor, Statesboro Lester Miller, Mayor, Macon-Bibb County Liz Ordiales, Mayor, Hiawassee Rusty Paul, Mayor, Sandy Springs

District Officers District One PRESIDENT: Tyree Goodlett, Councilmember, Dalton 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Kelly Bomar, Councilmember, Ringgold

District Two PRESIDENT: Tray Larry Hicks, Councilmember, Hartwell 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Robert Moore, Councilmember, Blairsville

District Three PRESIDENT CENTRAL: Keisha Sean Waites, Councilmember, Atlanta PRESIDENT EAST: Stephe Koontz, Councilmember, Doraville PRESIDENT NORTH: Steven W. Miller, Mayor, Holly Springs PRESIDENT NORTHEAST: Marc David Cohen, Councilmember, Sugar Hill PRESIDENT SOUTH: Anthony Ford, Mayor, Stockbridge PRESIDENT SOUTHWEST: Brett Reichert, Councilmember, Hapeville PRESIDENT WEST: Sam Davis, Councilmember, Douglasville

District Four PRESIDENT: Betty Cason, Mayor, Carrollton 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: William Pearman, Mayor, Senoia

Her longtime councilmember planned to retire in 2012, and he urged her to run. She won, and after a term on the city council, Smith became Tifton’s first female mayor in 2016. During Smith’s tenure, entrepreneurs have launched more than 100 new local businesses, Coca-Cola opened a $65 million distribution facility and multiple new housing complexes have broken ground. Smith facilitated a public-private partnership to create a new local dog park, strengthened Tifton’s relationship with Tift County government and welcomed film production in the city – she’s even made her own on-screen debut as an extra in a locally-filmed production. Smith is no stranger to leadership roles, having previously served as first, second and third vice president of the GMA Board of Directors. In those roles, she also chaired the Legislative Policy Council, Federal Policy Council and Member Services Advisory Council. She has been a key partner in legislative advocacy in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., making regular trips to engage directly with key lawmakers regarding local control and issues critical to the success of Georgia’s cities.

As Smith has taken the helm as president, the roles of other GMA leaders have shifted. Thornton will continue to play a role on the board as immediate past president. Perry Mayor Randall Walker has taken the role of first vice president after serving as both third and second vice president during the 2021-2022 term. Madison Mayor Fred Perriman, who was elected third vice president in January 2022 upon a vacancy, is now second vice president. Finally, College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom was elected third vice president. The board consists of active city officials, including mayors and councilmembers; representatives for city attorneys, city managers, and clerks and finance officers; the chairman of the Georgia Municipal Employee Benefit System. All board members were sworn in at the Annual Convention on June 25. These leaders chair GMA’s committees, advocate for cities’ legislative interests on the state and federal levels and represent GMA in various capacities.

District Five

District Ten

Policy Committee Chairs

PRESIDENT: John Howard, Mayor, Monroe 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: David Keener, Mayor, Social Circle

PRESIDENT: Travis Wimbush, Mayor, Blakely 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Jay Flowers, Mayor, Thomasville

District Six

District Eleven

PRESIDENT: Eric Wilson, Mayor, Forsyth 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Clifford Holmes, Councilmember, Warner Robins

PRESIDENT: Mona Paulk, Councilmember, Ocilla 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Tommy Roberts, Councilmember, Fitzgerald

REVENUE & FINANCE CHAIR: Betty Cason, Mayor, Carrollton TRANSPORTATION CHAIR: Michael Chidester, Mayor, Byron MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT CHAIR: Anthony Ford, Mayor, Stockbridge PUBLIC SAFETY CHAIR: Kelly Girtz, Mayor, Athens-Clarke County ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES CHAIR: Van R. Johnson, II, Mayor, Savannah COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CHAIR: Regina M. McDuffie, City Manager, Brunswick

District Seven PRESIDENT: Alana Burke, Councilmember, Lincolnton 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Jordan Johnson, Commissioner, Augusta

District Twelve PRESIDENT: Allen Brown, Mayor, Hinesville 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Russell Deen, Mayor, Guyton

District Eight

Section Presidents

PRESIDENT: William B. Whitley, Mayor, Butler 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Jesse Simmons, Councilmember, Fort Gaines

CITY MANAGERS SECTION PRESIDENT: Marcia Hampton, City Manager, Douglasville CITY ATTORNEYS SECTION PRESIDENT: Brooke Newby, City Attorney, Perry CITY CLERKS SECTION PRESIDENT: Vicki P. Wainwright, City Clerk/City Administrator, Butler

District Nine PRESIDENT: Shirlene Armstrong, Commissioner, Jesup 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Timothy Varnadore, Mayor, Baxley

GMEBS Board Chair Rebecca Tydings, City Attorney, Centerville

Municipal Training Board Chair Tiffany Walraven, Mayor Pro Tem, Pembroke

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 17

Already missing Savannah? Good news! You can put next year’s Annual Convention on your calendar right now. GMA is excited to welcome city leaders, elected officials and stakeholders to the Savannah Convention Center June 23-27, 2023. Planning is already underway for the bevy of classes, sessions, speakers and events that guests will enjoy next summer.

KEEP YOUR PROJECTS FLOWING SMOOTHLY. When it comes to water and wastewater financing – for upgrades, savings, expansions and more – we are your go-to resource. Contact Tony King and see what Crews can do for you. Tony King

404.992.0707 tking@crewsfs.com

Member FINRA & SIPC

crewsfs.com

THE

Lifetime Service Award EVERY YEAR, GMA RECOGNIZES PUBLIC SERVANTS whohave given their lives to their cities. The Lifetime Service Award is given to retiring or departing city officials, city managers, city clerks and city attorneys who have completed at least 35 years of service. Lifetime Service Award winners are often instrumental in the growth and success of their communities. They create partnerships, lead key initiatives and shape the vision for their cities’ futures. For the 2021-2022 Lifetime Service Awards, leaders like Commerce Councilmember Archie Chaney were recognized. Chaney spent 43 years in local government, including 38 on the Commerce City Council. His work helped create connections between city government and Commerce’s religious and African-American communities. His legacy manifests physically in Chaney Park, a public park named in his honor and created with the guidance of his leadership.

2021

Chaney Park had previously been a Boys and Girls Club, and Chaney was instrumental in converting it into a public park with basketball courts, horseshoe pits and picnic facilities. Another Lifetime Service Award recipient, Mount Airy Mayor Gary E. Morris, helped expand high-speed internet in his community before it was widely available in rural Habersham County. The city’s population doubled during his 35 years as an elected official, and his engagement with local civic groups and leadership in policy has been credited for Mount Airy’s continued growth. Read the full list of Lifetime Service Award recipients below. If you know of someone who deserves the Lifetime Servive Award, contact Pam Helton at phelton@gacities.com or (678) 686-6275.

2022

Archie Chaney Former councilmember, Commerce (38 years)

Gary E. Morris Former councilmember and mayor, Mount Airy (35 years)

Janie Henderson Former city clerk, Helen and Cornelia (39 years)

Kenny Smith Former city manager, Griffin; Chief of police, Morrow; Major/Captain, Henry County; Assistant chief of police, Jackson (38 years)

Gail Hammock Former city clerk, Thomaston (42 years)

Dewayne Streat Former mayor, Nicholls, (48 years) Glenn Wright Former councilmember and mayor, Greensboro (40 years)

Ivelyn Lampkin Former city clerk, Eastman (43 years) Tommy M. Williams, Sr. Former councilmember, Riceboro (37 years) Billy Copeland Former mayor and councilmember, McDonough (40 years) David Nunn Former city manager, Madison; Former councilmember and mayor, Bostwick (38 years)

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 19

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 21

CITYSCAPES

Look Forward to Leave a Legacy BY JULIE SMITH , GMA PRESIDENT

Like the group The Monkees once sang, I’m a believer.

I BELIEVE THAT PUBLIC SERVICE is a noble calling, and I believe in the city officials around the state. What we do day in and day out is important and crucial to Georgia’s future economic prosperity and quality of life. I also believe that we should think about the legacies we’ll leave behind once our time in elected office ends. That’s what I would like us to think about through the lens of the theme of GMA’s recent 2022 Annual Convention: “Georgia Cities: Lighting the Way, Leading the Future.” When you break down what cities do into their component parts, it may not be immediately apparent that cities are involved in activities that light the way and lead to the future. In fact, some may find that a bit pretentious. It’s only when we put the pieces of the puzzle together that we see that the work of our cities – the work borne of our efforts and of those that implement the decisions we make – does indeed make a difference in the lives of our residents. The investments cities make in housing, arts and culture, clean water, public safety and economic and community development have significant and long-lasting effects on people’s lives and the health and prosperity of the places we call home. It is these decisions where our legacies will be defined and judged.

When we put in a sidewalk, it makes it a bit safer for that young child to walk to school; whether they grasp it at a young age or not, it shows we care for them. When we engage with our youth through out-ofschool learning programs, mentoring initiatives or leadership activities, we’re showing them how communities are supposed to support its youngest residents as they grow into their future selves. When we make efforts to ensure healthy food gets on the tables of those that live in a food desert, we’re providing more than nourishment, we’re underscoring their value and importance as members of the community. When we provide recreation and entertainment opportunities and work to ensure a healthy place to live, we’re saying to our residents that “this place that you call home matters” and that we want them to be part of it and to engage with it to the fullest. All of what we do in our cities can be a beacon that guides and inspires those who we serve. And it is my hope that as we work to ensure our individual legacies that we focus on laying the groundwork for both our residents, and those that follow us in service, to be successful. Our legacies as public servants will be based on how well we light the way and lead the future for others. May we do it well.

Partnerships and Teamwork: A Winning Formula BY LARRY HANSON, CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Effectively, change is almost impossible without industry-wide collaboration, cooperation. and consensus.” -Simon Marwaring LIVING, EXISTING AND PROSPEring in today’s polarized times is quite the challenge. Yet, we know the key to success is working together for the common good of those we serve. This is best accomplished through partnerships and teamwork. When we look at local government, there are many partnership opportunities that help us succeed. I believe GMA is at the top of this list because this association exists for one purpose: To meet the needs of our 537 member cities and more than 3,500 city officials. We work hard on your behalf in areas including training, education, legislative advocacy, programs and services to help your city. We offer consulting and outreach for individual support. We communicate pertinent and timely information to keep you informed, and we provide resources to assist you in meeting the needs of the citizens you serve. GMA relies on partnerships to serve you best. Our gold standard training program is through a partnership with the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government. We partner with state agencies like the Department of Community Affairs to provide resources for housing, community and economic development. We partner with sponsors like Georgia Power to financially support some of our most impactful programs, including the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH), our Placemaking Collaborative and our Annual Convention. This partnership allows us to offer more for Georgia’s cities to meet critical needs.

Our partnership with the National League of Cities allows direct contact and rapport with federal agencies like the Treasury Department, where we helped influence final rules on the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to allow their most flexible use. Our partnership with the state of Georgia allows us to work directly with Gov. Brian Kemp and his team on matters such as the CARES Act to help deliver funding to you at a great time of need. Cities have benefitted from this partnership, as the state is using a significant portion of its ARPA funds to enhance broadband availability, local water and sewer systems and economic development. Most of you have received your second tranche of ARPA funding by now. GMA is here to partner with you for issues including training, eligibility of uses and financial reporting. Our team of municipal consultants are here to partner with you for technical assistance, planning retreats, consulting and expert advice and assistance in any area of need you may have. We thrive through partnerships, and we are all our most successful when we partner together to meet common or unique needs. Teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision. I know that we at GMA are here to be your trusted partner and an integral part of your team. In times of challenge, our partnerships and our teamwork will help us not just to survive, but to thrive. Stay strong, stay connected, stay committed to teamwork and partnership and let’s stay Cities United.

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 23

GEORGIA REAPS EXTENSIVE BENEFITS WITH COMMUNITY BRANDING PROJECTS BY KAITLIN MESSICH

Capturing the heart and soul of a community in brand identity is no small feat. While many people might think community branding is as simple as a logo, in reality, it’s much more. HAVING A STRONG COMMUNITY brand identity impacts everything from economic development and local pride to attracting and retaining talent. When we started the Community Branding Program at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government in

2018, it was the first of its kind offered by the University of Georgia. Having served as lead designer on master planning efforts for more than 10 years, I saw the benefits branding could offer Georgia communities. As a key tool in the economic development toolbox, community branding helps Georgia’s communities to better position themselves to grow and prosper.

For many communities looking to improve or modernize their image, branding provides a missing piece of the puzzle. The Institute of Government’s Community Branding Program has become a welcome addition to UGA’s public service and outreach programs, making branding more affordable for Georgia communities. The Institute of Government’s Community Branding Program involves a three-phase process: public input, design and brand implementation. Working with local steering committees, our team focuses heavily on involving the community. From the start, we employ a robust and diverse public input process. Design is intentional. Logos and design elements are created with the community’s personality, unique culture, history and future vision in mind, down to the last detail. The customized brand identity tells a community’s story while also appealing to specific target audiences. At the culmination of a branding engagement, the community is provided a Brand Lookbook, a magazine-style report that highlights assets and tells the brand story. Along with the Lookbook, the branding team works diligently to help communities launch their new brands, with customized recommendations on brand rollout. A graphics toolkit also is included to make brand use easy and user-friendly for communities and their partners. This three-phase process is working. Communities across the state, including Copper Basin, Hawkinsville-Pulaski County and Washington County, recently have seen the benefits of a strong community brand. Upcoming projects include Colquitt County, Monroe and Vidalia. Each will give rise to an identity as unique as its community. This work – and the difference it makes in Georgia communities – is inspired and inspiring. For more information, https://cviog.uga.edu and find “Community Branding” under the section “Planning and Environmental Services.”

ABOUT KAITLIN MESSICH Since 2018, Kaitlin Messich has led community-wide branding initiatives in the Copper Basin (McCaysville, GA, Copperhill, TN, and Ducktown, TN), Hawkinsville-Pulaski County, Athens, TN, Washington County, and Colquitt County, Monroe, and Vidalia.

INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT COMMUNITY BRANDING PROJECTS COPPER BASIN:

https://issuu.com/rsvpstudio/docs/copper_basin_lookbook HAWKINSVILLE-PULASKI COUNTY:

https://issuu.com/rsvpstudio/docs/hawkinsville_lookbook ATHENS, TN:

https://issuu.com/rsvpstudio/docs/athens_final_report WASHINGTON COUNTY:

https://issuu.com/rsvpstudio/docs washington_county_lookbook_7.28 COLQUITT COUNTY:

https://issuu.com/rsvpstudio/docs/colquitt_co_lookbook

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 25

CITY DESK

Carrollton Supports Officer Shot in Line of Duty BY ALIA HOYT

When Carrollton Police Sgt. Rob Holloway walked back through the doors of the department he’d worked at for so long, it was against all odds. THE LONGTIME LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER and Carrollton resident was shot in the head in April 2021 by a suspect with an AK-47. Holloway shielded a fellow officer from the bullet, and was shot. “Rob’s motto has always been ‘lead from the front,’” said Carrollton Police Chief Joel Richards. “He demonstrated it that night.” Initially, doctors weren’t sure if he would survive the shooting. Then, they questioned whether he would ever walk again. Today, although he still has a long way to a complete recovery, he not only walks, he lives his life with joy and shares his testimony at events around the city. “Rob’s a walking miracle,” Richards said. Almost as impressive as Holloway’s fortitude was the response from the community. The entire city shifted into gear practically from the moment of the shooting, which also injured two other officers. Pastors showed up to pray with shaken officers, citizens brought food to the station and everyone lent support to Holloway’s family. “The community response was overwhelming, but that is just our community,” said Carrollton Mayor Betty Cason. City officials leapt into action to make sure that Holloway received the best possible care in the following weeks and months. After spending time at Grady Memorial Hospital to deal with the immediate issue of the gunshot wound, he was transferred to the

Shepherd Center, world-renowned for its care of people dealing with brain and spinal cord injuries. “I hope nothing like this ever happens again, but if it does, I’m at peace about how the city would respond to it,” Richards said. “They spared no cost to make sure Rob got the best of the best and it paid off.” Cason said this is a trend that others can expect to continue, as the city is constantly searching for, “the best medical treatment available to continue his recovery,” adding, “Sgt. Holloway’s continued humble and appreciative spirit makes you want to do everything possible to make his life better.” Holloway’s positive attitude is probably why the vast majority of Carrollton and surrounding areas showed up to line Interstate 20 heading into the city when he was discharged from Shepherd Center. The welcome home parade was “just unbelievable,” said Cason, adding that Holloway’s radio “return call to service,” brought many tears of joy. Although Holloway has yet to return to full duty, he’s still a regular around the station and has a bright future with the department in whatever path he chooses. “At the end of the day, he will always be a Carrollton police officer.” Richards said.

MAKE YOUR DAY BETTER Easy-to-use, efficient software solutions, and client support for Georgia’s cities. Applications include:

• Fund Accounting • Budget Prep • Utility Billing • NEW Summit Code Enforcement • Cash Receipting • And many more! • Accounts Receivable • Payroll

For more information, call 800.353.8829 or visit www.blackmountainsoftware.com

City Spotlight

Whitesburg

There’s a rich history in the small town of Whitesburg. It was long home to indigenous people, with a large Creek population. That population was largely forced out after the passage of the Indian Removal Act. The area then became a community of farmers, and the town was officially established in 1873. Railroad official A.J. White is the town’s namesake.

POPULATION:

596

MAYOR:

Amy Reeves Williford GMA DISTRICT:

Today, Whitesburg is home to one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets: Snake Creek Gorge. The Trust for Public Land has worked to preserve 805 acres of the gorge to protect both natural beauty and human history. Along Snake Creek are 19th Century mill ruins, Creek Indian heritage sites and spaces with Civil War ties. Of the area preserved, 157 acres are unplanned for a “passive recreation park.” Also nearby is the Historic Banning Hills Conservancy, which is surrounded by 2,000 acres of hiking trails, suspension bridges and unique sites. Those looking for a little more adventure can find zip line spots, a birds of prey show and the world’s tallest free-standing climbing wall.

Norcross Partnering with Trust for Public Land in Buford Highway Corridor Redevelopment BY ALIA HOYT

Downtown Norcross is a treasure of suburban Atlanta, filled with pristine greenspaces, adorable shops and a diverse array of excellent eateries to reflect its multicultural population. THAT’S ALL WELL AND GOOD FOR RESIDENTS with cars, or those who live in walkable areas, but residents of East Norcross have a pretty major hurdle when it comes to accessing their own downtown area: the Buford Highway Corridor. The roadway, which is at least four lanes wide in most areas and heavily traveled, is currently not pedestrian-friendly, which severely limits downtown access

for many Norcross residents. Fortunately for those who want to more fully enjoy their community, that situation is poised to change, thanks to an emerging partnership between the city and the Trust for Public Land (TPL). The two entities are coming together to resolve this divide, said Tracy D. Rye, AICP, community development and planning director for the city of Norcross.

The goal is to advance walkability and connectivity between the two areas via a network of trails. Rye also anticipates that the proposed mix of new residential units will continue the positive growth trend that the area has been enjoying. “This will further Buford Highway’s transformation into a vibrant, mixed-use, multimodal corridor,” she said. TPL is happy to be involved in this effort. “The project’s focus on making the corridor more accessible and safer for historically underserved populations is directly in line with TPL’s mission to connect everyone to the outdoors,” said Jay Wozniak, Georgia Urban Park Program Director for TPL. Indeed, reworking neighborhoods to allow for more equitable access to green spaces is a dire need. “Today, nearly one in three Americans don’t have a park close to home -- that’s 100 million people, including 28 million kids,” he said, adding that parks that serve primarily people of color are half as large and serve nearly five times more people than parks in

majority-white neighborhoods. “Implementing a master plan like this will provide residents and visitors better connections to Norcross’ many parks and unique open spaces.” Once realized, the plan is to develop a pedestrian and bike-friendly utility trail corridor stretching from Jimmy Carter Boulevard to North Norcross Tucker Road along a Georgia Power transmission line. Although the project is still in its early days, conceptual sketches depict an idyllic, landscaped walkway perfect for those looking to access downtown or simply stretch at a safe distance from the roadway. Funding is still being sought for the effort, so it’ll likely be a bit of a wait before this project is realized. “Transformative projects like this always take time, fortunately, this particular project can be phased as funding becomes available,” Wozniak said. Most entities involved are already on board with improving Norcross’s vitality, so eventually, the community’s patience should pay off.

CONCEPTUAL SKETCH

//015

10 -

12 f

t 1-2

TRAIL CONCEPT

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 29

INSIDE GMA

Teaming Up and Teeing Off for Georgia City Solutions Welcome to the Board Georgia City Solutions welcomed Suwanee Councilmember Linnea Miller to the Board of Directors in May. She was unanimously appointed by the GMA Board of Directors at it’s May 13 meeting. Miller has served on Suwanee City Council since 2014 and has been a leading figure in creating Suwanee’s reputation as an innovative, inclusive and vibrant community that is attractive to families and business. She is founder and president of Long Table, LLC, an award-winning consultancy which builds healthy individuals and high performing teams through

executive coaching, consulting and leadership team training. Her clients span various for-profit industries, non-profits and local governments.

Critical Funding Fundraising is a critical part of driving implementation of GCS programs and initiatives. Recently, GCS has been awarded a $40,000 Talent Connection Grant from the Volcker Alliance. The Volcker Alliance is a non-profit founded by former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Paul A. Volcker, dedicated to advancing his vision of an empowered public sector workforce. The timing of this grant provides a natural segue from

the research and strategy development work recently completed in partnership with the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government into tangible outcomes. The grant will fund a municipal workforce development pilot project for two Georgia cities. Phase one of the pilot is to assist each city to create a municipal workforce development strategy that identifies action items to be implemented to strengthen both internal processes and the municipal workforce pipeline with a focus on hard-to-fill jobs. Phase two of the pilot will focus on providing each city with a solid talent acquisition/retention strategy based on the “Starts With Me!” recruitment toolkit previously created by GMA for use by Georgia cities. We expect to confirm the pilot cities and kick-off work in the Fall of this year. GCS hopes to replicate this model with additional funders in the future.

Almost Tee Time It’s time to dust off those golf clubs and join 100 of your closest municipal friends and supporters for the 2022 GCS Golf Open. The city of Thomasville and the Country Oaks Golf Course will host this year’s tournament on Monday, Oct. 17 to raise awareness and funds for GCS programs and initiatives in the three pillars of focus: Youth leadership engagement and development, municipal workforce development, and equity and inclusion. Registration for the tourney is open. Find out more about being a sponsor or playing in the tournament at https://gcs.gacities.com/. The tournament was traditionally held in Dublin for many years. In 2021 GCS started rotating it to sites around the state to highlight additional municipal golf courses. In 2021, the event was held in Sugar Hill, and discussions are underway to hold the tournament in Winder in 2023.

Georgia Municipal Association | New Headquarters, Renovation, and Parking Deck

City of Milton | Public Safety Complex

City of Fayetteville | City Hall

Legislative Policy Council Updates In an effort to fully integrate GMA’s membership outreach, policy and lobbying efforts, the GMA Board of Directors revamped GMA’s policy development process in 2002 and created a permanent body called the Legislative Policy Council (LPC).

THE LPC’S RESPONSIBILITY BEGINS EACH SPRING after the conclusion of the legislative session and continues throughout the year. GMA’s elected leadership, policy committee structure and district outreach program are important components of the council. Now in its twentieth year, the Legislative Policy Council serves as the focal point of GMA’s legislative efforts. The LPC is charged with annually preparing a proposed Legislative Platform for consideration by GMA’s six policy committees at the Annual Convention in Savannah. At present the LPC has six policy committees, each with a chair appointed by GMA leadership.

Revenue and Finance Chair: Betty Cason, Mayor, Carrollton Issue areas include: Revenue Resources, Taxation, Bond Financing, Certificates of Participation, Lease and Lease Purchase, Impact Fees, Property Assessment, Unfunded Mandates.

Transportation Chair: Michael Chidester, Mayor, Byron (new) Issue areas include: Transportation Planning, Highways, Local Roads and Bridges, Airports, Rail Crossings and Rail Safety, Public Transportation, Ports.

Community Development Chair: Regina McDuffie, City Manager, Brunswick (new) Issue areas include: Downtown Development, Community and Economic Development, Housing, Historic Preservation, Tourism, Human Services.

Environment and Natural Resources Chair: Van Johnson, Mayor, Savannah Issue areas include: Water Supply, Wastewater Treatment, Solid Waste Management, Hazardous Waste, Air Quality, Soil Erosion, Wetlands, Parks and Recreation.

During the LPC’s meeting at GMA’s annual convention in Savannah, GMA’s Legislative Policies for 2023 were adopted. GMA’s policy process is well-rounded and ensures accurate representation of municipal interests throughout the state.

GMA’s legislative policies for 2023 can

Municipal Government

be viewed by scanning the adjacent

Chair: Anthony Ford, Mayor, Stockbridge (new) Issue areas include: Annexation, Growth Management, Land Use, Planning and Zoning, Home Rule, City/County Relations, Regional Issues, Elections, Building and Construction Codes, Open Meetings/ Records, Right-of-Way Management, Telecommunications, Utility Deregulation.

QR code, or by visiting the Georgia Advocacy page at gacities.com.

Public Safety Chair: Kelly Girtz, Mayor, Athens-Clarke County Issue areas include: Local Law Enforcement and Administration, Municipal Jails, Municipal Courts, Fire Safety and Emergency Management, Disasters, Juvenile Justice

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 33

Champions of Georgia’s Cities After the conclusion of each biennial legislative session, GMA’s governmental relations team recognizes legislators who defended home rule and the interests of local government under the Gold Dome. EACH OF THESE LEGISLATORS IS PRESENTED with the Champions of Georgia’s Cities award, often at a city council meeting in their district. Champions of Georgia’s Cities come from both sides of the aisle and all ends of the state. GMA is proud to work with a wide variety of legislators in order to protect the interests of Georgia’s cities. In the 2021-2022 session, the key legislators recognized as Champions of Georgia’s Cities worked with GMA on legislation related to land-use and zoning matters; the preemption of local citizens and elected officials regulating rental-only subdivisions; telecommunications and rights-of-way; taxation reform; cityhood; and truck weight increases, among many others. More Champions of Georgia’s Cities may be recognized through the remainder of the year. Here’s who has been presented the honor as of Aug. 1: • Sen. Lee Anderson, District 24 (Grovetown, Greensboro, Siloam, White Plains, Union Point, Woodville, Maxeys, Washington, Lincolnton, Albert, Baughman, Hartwell, Bowersville, Lexington, Crawford) 34

• Sen. Frank Ginn, District 47 (Hochston, Auburn, Bethlehem, Nicholson, Winder, Statham, Carl, Jefferson, Arcade, Athens, Hull, Colbert, Comer, Carlton, Danielsville, Ila) • Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, District 52 (Rome, Cave Spring, Euharlee, Taylorsville, Emerson, Cartersville, Plainville, Adairsville, Calhoun, Resaca) • Sen. Nan Orrock, District 36 (Atlanta, East Point, College Park, Hapeville) • Rep. Eddie Lumsden, District 12 (Chattooga, Cave Spring, Rome, Summerville) • Rep. Chuck Martin, District 49 (Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek) • Rep. Bonnie Rich, District 97 (Suwanee, Duluth, Sugar Hill) Photo: Sen. Nan Orrock (center, in orange) received her Champions of Georgia’s Cities award at a College Park City Council meeting, with councilmembers, Mayor Bianca Motley Broom and GMA governmental relations staff present

A Hometown Connection As we ascend upon high summer, political ads will just increase in frequency until November, when midterm elections will be upon us. WITH SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL Assembly seeking higher office, retiring or facing a November challenger, GMA expects the legislature to see a fair deal of turnover come January. With upwards of 40 new General Assembly members expected to enter the legislature, now, more than ever, city officials need to be establishing a Hometown Connection with their representatives under the Gold Dome. For the uninitiated, GMA’s Hometown Connection program is about creating a localized, identifiable and understandable frame of reference for the challenges and opportunities facing your city. Hometown Connections come in many shapes and forms, they can be as simple as a coffee date with a legislator, or they can be an elaborate display of a city, its downtown and its services. In late December 2021, Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham of East Point put together an encompassing Hometown Connection with state representatives and senators, federal delegation representatives and city staff. The entire Hometown Connection was put together in a virtual setting due to COVID-19 precautions and served as a preview of the 2022 legislative session, with updates from state legislators and a preview of federal on-goings from congressional and senatorial staffers.

In early July of 2022, Mayor Kurt Ward of Braselton held a Hometown Connection with multiple local government officials from neighboring communities and incoming legislators from both the state House and the Senate. This Hometown Connection served as a strong example of introducing freshman legislators to cities and local governments at large. We need our legislators to see what cities are doing to better understand their achievements and challenges and be more connected to the welfare of our cities. If we don’t make these Hometown Connections, the General Assembly will continue to legislate without knowing the real-life ramifications of their decisions on your city.

Learn more about GMA’s Hometown Connection program by contacting GMA’s Legislative Outreach Associate, Noah Roenitz at nroenitz@gacities.com.

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 35

Municipal Government Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate Program Launches A brand new program has launched to help further diversity, equity and inclusion in Georgia’s cities.

THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT DIVERSITY, Equity and Inclusion Certificate Program, an initiative of GMA’s nonprofit, Georgia City Solutions, is designed to help municipal leaders grasp the importance of valuing differences, fostering relationships and creating an environment of belongingness for the betterment of all. Endorsed by the GMA Equity and Inclusion Commission in its January 2022 Final Report, the GCS certificate program for individuals complements the Commission’s centerpiece recommendation, the creation of a new Equity and Inclusion Certification Program for cities. The first cohort of city officials will begin the new certificate program in November. The seven-month curriculum covers six core topics and concludes with a capstone project in which participants will put what they learned to practice. The core topics are: • Inclusive Leadership • Financial Management • Excellence in Public Safety • Economic and Community Growth • Community Engagement • Human Resources

belonging for city employees. GMA Director of Equity and Inclusion Freddie Broome and other GMA staff will be the core leaders for this program, with outside experts contributing their unique perspectives and knowledge. The program will be held at GMA’s Atlanta headquarters, and participants must attend in person, as no virtual option is available. Classes will be held on the following dates: • Nov. 2, 2022 • Dec. 7, 2022 • Jan. 4, 2023 • Feb. 8, 2023 • March 1, 2023 • April 5, 2023 • May 3-4, 2023 Registration costs $1,500 and includes lunch, books, assessments and instructor fees.

Once they finish the program, participants should be equipped with the tools and resources to combat institutional and systemic racism, injustice and inequity by honoring and valuing individual differences, fostering strong relationships and creating an environment of

Administrative Assistant Nicole Brown

Those interested in learning more can contact Georgia City Solutions at nbrown@gacities.com, or visit gacities.com and click “Equity and Inclusion” under the “What We Do” tab.

Get Connected at 2022 Rural Broadband Summit Mark your calendars: GMA will host the third annual one-day Georgia Rural Broadband Summit on Oct. 26 in Jackson. THIS EVENT WILL SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT rural broadband planning in Georgia with local officials in attendance. Participants will learn from experts and peers about a variety of approaches underway in Georgia to address rural communities’ broadband needs. Thanks to American Rescue Plan Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds, rural areas across Georgia may soon improve their broadband access.

• Ensuring attendees learn about key stakeholders who can help them with these projects; and • Sharing success stories from across Georgia Registration is free for GMA members, but those who wish to attend must register by Oct. 10.

SOME OF THE TOPICS THAT WILL BE COVERED AT THE SUMMIT ARE: • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) grants and loans available for investment in rural broadband including for technical assistance • Providing attendees with an understanding of the partnerships needed to address broadband needs around the state

This summit is ideal for city officials, economic development officials, and city attorneys. Visit gacities.com to register.

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 37

City Leaders Step Up for Children’s Literacy Literacy is not just an education issue—it is an economic, workforce and quality of life issue. In Georgia, 74% of fourth graders do not read proficiently1. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT CHILDREN WHO CAN’T read proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to experience poor health, have discipline issues and drop out of high school. As adults, they are more likely to spend time in prison, struggle with unemployment, live in poverty and experience poor health outcomes. Early on Sunday morning during GMA’s Annual Convention in Savannah, about 25 mayors gathered to hear about the Mayor’s Reading Club program 38

offered through Georgia City Solutions (GCS), a GMA nonprofit. The goal of this new program is to improve the literacy skills and overall success with early reading for children and youth in Georgia cities through encouragement, support and leadership from city mayors. The reading club is a simple concept designed to serve as a “building block” to a future Literacy Improvement Strategy Cohort to assist communities in developing and implementing a locally based literacy improvement strategy.

The program is flexible and can be delivered virtually, in-person, on-demand, year-round or at specific times, and promotes partnerships and collaboration between the city, county, local nonprofits, schools, libraries and the business community. In addition to mayors being featured readers, “guest readers” can be incorporated into the program to promote engagement from other city elected officials, city staff, youth, and the community. The program can be expanded to incorporate a companion activity, such as art, that provides an experiential learning opportunity. As part of the program, GCS has commissioned a children’s book series to teach young readers about local government. The first book in the series, titled Georgia Caroline Visits City Hall, follows Georgia Caroline and her classmates on a field trip to city hall in their fictional hometown of Happyville, Georgia (not to be confused with Hapeville). They are excited to meet Mayor Joneson and find out what a mayor does and what happens in city hall. Led by City Manager Noe, Georgia Caroline and her classmates tour city hall and learn about city services and operations. They even get to drop in on a city council meeting in progress where a vote is being taken on a parks project and they run into Mrs. Rezi Dent, who is a friend of Georgia Caroline’s grandmother. Each participating city will receive a Mayor’s Reading Club starter kit with a program implementation and resource guide, a suggested book list and a copy of Georgia Caroline Visits City Hall. As part of the program, GCS will convene a forum twice per year of all mayors participating in the program to exchange program ideas, share best practices for successful reading programs and report on the impact of the program in their community. The Mayor’s Reading Club program will officially roll out in August, and 28 mayors have already signed up to participate!

If you are interested in joining the program, contact Kay Love or Brian Wallace.

Mayor April Aside-Smith, Gordon Mayor Ed Barbee, Gray Mayor James Carter, Woodland Mayor Betty Cason, Carrollton Mayor Michael Chidester, Byron Mayor Russ Deen, Guyton Mayor Matt Donaldson, Twin City Mayor Bo Dorough, Albany Mayor Andrea Gibby, Young Harris Mayor Gail Harrell, Monticello Mayor Allen Haywood, Sparta Mayor Brandon Hembree, Sugar Hill Mayor Van Johnson II, Savannah Mayor Kim Learnard, Peachtree City Mayor Barbara Maefield, Nahunta Mayor John Morrissey, St. Marys Mayor Bianca Motley Broom, College Park Mayor Willie NeSmith, Jr., Lyons Mayor Liz Ordiales, Hiawassee Mayor Fred Perriman, Madison Mayor Sherman Ross, Rockmart Mayor Matt Santini, Cartersville Mayor Julie Smith, Tifton Mayor Jim Thornton, LaGrange Mayor Walter Turner, Reynolds Mayor Randall Walker, Perry Mayor Roxanne Whitaker, Harlem Mayor Vince Williams, Union City

Source: Kids Count Data Center, 2019, Fourth graders who scored below proficient reading level by geographic location.

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 39

HRAC Course Convening in Griffin This Fall It’s time again for GMA’s Human Resources Administration Certificate (HRAC) classes!

THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES FIVE CLASSES specifically designed to provide tools necessary to successfully recruit, train and retain talent to staff Georgia’s cities. Upon completion of all five classes, participants will receive a certification and should understand: • All relevant employment laws • The importance of recruiting, onboarding and professional development •How to compensate and provide benefits to employees • How to develop personnel policies • How to address employee performance and workplace culture

City Hall in Griffin, Georgia, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will cover specific topics on the following dates: • Aug. 31: Personnel Law • Sept. 7: Performance Management • Sept. 14: Personnel Policies • Sept. 21: Talent Management • Oct. 5: Compensation & Benefits

Enrollees can sign up to take all five classes or pick up one or two they may have missed in the past. This round of classes will be held on Wednesdays at Griffin

Those with questions can contact Member Services Consultant Terrell Jacobs at tjacobs@gacities.com.

The full certificate program has a cost of $625, and cities in GIRMA can apply for a Safety Grant to cover half that cost. That application is available on lgrms.com.

Develop Your City Dreams at Georgia Downtown Conference The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) will host the 2022 Georgia Downtown Conference in Macon Aug. 22-25. THIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE ATTRACTS MORE than 150 downtown professionals from across the state to network, learn and grow through a variety of educational sessions and downtown tours. This conference is designed to further educate individuals on issues affecting downtown development on a national and statewide level, reinforce existing downtown development efforts and help plan for future initiatives. The focus on Georgia downtowns allows cities to see what their neighbors and peers have done, and how they may apply new ideas to their downtown development plans. It is a conduit to promote downtown

and economic development through public awareness, governmental relations and education. A highlight of the conference is the Georgia Downtown Awards Ceremony, where the accomplishments of organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and improvement in Georgia’s traditional downtowns are celebrated.

To learn more, visit www.georgiadowntownassociation.org

Visit Us

www.parkeryoung.com

For More Information 770-368-1000

GMA Members Utilize Headquarters for Meetings, Retreats When GMA doubled the size of its Atlanta headquarters and gave it a nearly head-to-toe makeover, it wasn’t just for its growing staff. MEMBERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE CONTINUE to benefit from more space in the heart of Georgia’s capital. A notable feature of the building is the 140-person capacity board room. Not only has it allowed GMA’s Board of Directors to meet at headquarters for the first time in years, but it has become a useful site for cities needing some extra space for important business. The board room has been used for multiple city retreats and meetings, including those for the city of Fairburn. Mayor Mario Avery has been impressed with the facility, which is just a half hour drive from Fairburn City Hall. “The Georgia Municipal Association’s new facility is truly impressive and is a next-generation office and meeting space,” Avery said. “The city of Fairburn has utilized the facility to host a number of retreats and meetings and the space is nothing short of amazing. The upscale technical apparatus of the facility and the professional expertise of staff are actualizations of GMA’s commitment to serving as a trusted thought leader in municipal government; bringing innovation to the forefront.”

Not only does the simple availability of space help members conduct off-site meetings and retreats, but cutting-edge technology enhances the experience. GMA’s board room is equipped with multiple screens and allows offsite attendees to easily participate via video calls. “The remarkable space includes a sleek, contemporary design and state-of-the-art technology to support continued growth and collaboration. The natural light throughout the building also adds a pleasant touch to the new-age look and feel,” Avery said. “I look forward to using the facilities again and am thankful to call GMA a partner and friend of the City of Fairburn.”

To inquire about utilizing GMA’s headquarters for meeting space, retreats or other needs, contact your district’s GMA Member Services consultant.

Member Services Advisory Council Closes Out 2021-2022 Term GMA’s Member Services Advisory Council wrapped up their work for the 2021-2022 term during their spring meeting, which was held in Milledgeville in late May. DURING THE MEETING, THE COUNCIL, CHAIRED by then-GMA Third Vice President Fred Perriman, approved a set of recommendations focused on what the association could do to further assist cities in the areas of disaster recovery; mental health and wellness in cities; and professional development and services. The recommendations were based on feedback and suggestions the council provided during their fall meeting, along with additional input offered by subcommittees of the council since the first of the year. The next step will be implementation of the recommendations, which the 2022-2023 Member Services Advisory Council will be asked to offer insight on in the

months ahead. The council’s new chair is College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom, GMA’s new third vice president. All GMA members are encouraged to stay tuned as new resources are developed and become available as a result of the recommendations approved in May. Appointed each year by GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson in consultation with the GMA president, the Member Services Advisory Council provides ongoing guidance to the GMA staff on the service needs of the membership, reviews existing services and recommends new or expanded services that can help cities operate more efficiently.

GMA Finance Team Recognized with International Award GMA’s finance department has been recognized on an international scale for the 15th consecutive year. THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded GMA the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for the association’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2020. To be considered for the award, an AFCR must have three sections: introductory, financial and statistical.

The introduction guides the reader through the report, the financial section presents financial statements and an independent auditors’ report, and the statistical section shows additional financial and statistical data. GMA received the award in late May as part of GFOA’s Annual Conference.

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 43

TOWNS & THE LAW

Key Decision Expected on Local Government Partnerships Sometime around publication of this edition of Georgia’s Cities, perhaps even before publication, a very significant Georgia Court of Appeals decision will likely be issued which could guide the future of Service Delivery Strategy negotiations throughout the state. THE SERVICE DELIVERY STRATEGY ACT WAS passed in 1997 with a stated purpose of minimizing “inefficiencies resulting from duplication of services and competition between local governments and to provide a mechanism to resolve disputes over local government service delivery, funding equity, and land use.” In other words, the law was passed as an effort to foster partnerships and cooperation between cities and counties statewide concerning the provision of services to the people of the state.

The case currently in the court system which could have a profound impact on future negotiations is City of Winder v. Barrow County. The first issue in the litigation relates to whether the services’ geography or availability is the key factor in determining whether city residents should pay for unincorporated area services. The trial court held, and the counties continue to argue, that whether a service is available to city residents is all that is needed in order to utilize city resident tax revenue to pay for such service. The city argues that

of any kind to fund services, so long as the county colthe geography and whether the service is primarily for lects such revenue from the unincorporated area of the benefit of the unincorporated area of the county is the county or whether the General Assembly limited the key factor. the county to only utilizing specific revenue measures Importantly, the statute states that the “strategy detailed by statute, namely “property taxes, insurance shall ensure that the cost of any service which a county premium taxes, assessments, or user fees.” provides primarily for the benefit of the unincorporated Finally, the county has also challenged the city’s area of the county shall be borne by the unincorporatuse of revenue generated from the sale of water as an ed area residents, individuals, and property owners “illegal tax.” Of course, water fees are not taxes bewho receive the service.” The trial court, unfortunately, cause people choose to utilize the water service and truncated and misquoted this paragraph of the Georgia purchase such water. Furthermore, the statute specode in issuing its order, leading to the current appeal. cifically allows counties to The litigation on this isdispute the reasonableness sue centers on the subject “It is possible that counties across the state of road funding and wheth- could utilize such a ruling to force city residents of water and sewer rate differentials but does not allow er city residents should be to pay for other county services in the unincorporated area, even though the city counties to challenge the responsible for the funding provides the same service in the use of the revenues by a muof county roads in the uninunincorporated area.” nicipality as an “illegal tax.” corporated area which are These three issues beprimarily for the benefit of fore the Georgia Court of Appeals could shape the the unincorporated area. Despite the issue being cenfuture of Service Delivery Strategy negotiations in the tered on roads, should the county prevail, it is possible near future and could potentially lead to legislation at that counties across the state could utilize such a ruling the Georgia General Assembly. Municipal leaders are to force city residents to pay for other county services encouraged to keep abreast of updated information provided in the unincorporated area, even though the concerning this case in the near future. city provides the same service in the incorporated area. The second issue before the Court of Appeals concerns whether the county can utilize revenue measures

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 45

FEDERAL FOCUS

It’s Time to Build The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL/IIJA) provides funding for nearly 400 programs and a comprehensive array of project types. SOME PROGRAMS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED through existing block grants to states, but others offer new competitive opportunities, with many programs designed for ease of use by small local governments. The first round of funding opportunities in 2022 is available for transportation projects, with more funding for water, sewer and broadband to be announced in the coming months.

GMA’s BIL page www.gacities.com/BIL is your onestop shop for the latest information on funding opportunities, webinars hosted by federal agencies and other organizations, as well as toolkits to guide your city towards stronger, more resilient infrastructure systems. Below is a roundup of open grant programs.

Safe Streets for All Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) is a new discretionary program that will provide $5-6 billion in grants over the next 5 years. Funding supports initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Details are available at https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A and the deadline to apply is Sept. 15. There are two types of SS4A grants: Action Plan Grants and Implementation Grants. Eligible Activities include: • Develop or update a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. • Conduct planning, design, and development activities in support of an Action Plan. • Carry out projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan.

Reconnecting Communities The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. Funding from the $1 billion pilot program will help reconnect communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure. Reconnecting a community could mean adapting existing infrastructure, such as building a pedestrian walkway over or under an existing highway, to better connect neighborhoods to opportunities or better means of access such as crosswalks and redesigned intersections. The application deadline is Oct. 13.

NTIA Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program The Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant (MMG) Program provides funding for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure. The purpose of the grant program is to expand and extend middle mile infrastructure to reduce the cost of connecting areas that are unserved or underserved to the internet backbone. Details are available at https://www.internetforall.gov/ and the deadline to apply is Sept. 30. Grants can be used for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure, including: • Construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment • Engineering design, permitting and work related to project reviews • Personnel costs, incl. salaries and benefits for staff and consultants • Other costs necessary to programmatic activities

Resources for Rural Cities White House BIL Rural Playbook: https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/rural/

Local ARPA – Examples from Across Georgia Check out GMA’s website for the ARPA Roundup, with deep dives, videos, and more to see how your peers across the state are investing these COVID relief funds. Go to www.gacities.com/ARPA.

July/August 2022 | gacities.com 47

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENTS

AFFORDABLE HOUSING STARTS LOCALLY HOUSING INSECURITY DUE TO LACK OF AFFORDABLE UNITS AND INCREASING BLIGHT IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM FOR A GROWING NUMBER OF FAMILIES AROUND THE NATION. GIVEN THAT LOCAL HOUSING PROBLEMS ARE often rooted in economic and political factors that operate on a scale much larger than the jurisdiction of a local government, collaborations between local, regional, and state actors are important in effectively addressing such complex problems. One of the best examples of such a collaborative effort that leverages the skills, expertise, and resources of institutions at multiple levels is the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program. For nearly two decades, the University of Georgia (UGA), the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Georgia Power, and local governments around the state, have worked collaboratively to address local housing issues through the GICH program. Since its founding in 2004, GICH has facilitated progress toward housing stability in 84 communities throughout Georgia. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has invested roughly $488 million in GICH communities since the program’s inception. GICH helps communities improve their quality of life and economic vitality through the development of locally driven housing and revitalization strategies. Communities selected to participate in the three-year program receive technical assistance from state practitioners and 48

academic experts, as well as a competitive advantage in applications for state community development and affordable housing funding. The partnership between UGA, GMA, DCA and Georgia Power has been a key factor in the success of the GICH program. UGA faculty members are vital in providing expertise in the fields of housing policy and community development which helps to determine content for participating communities. UGA faculty also provide various forms of technical assistance including support with local housing assessments. Through its connections with municipal governments around the state, GMA plays a critical role in promoting the GICH program and sharing its benefits to prospective communities. GMA also provides critical assistance in organizing and securing venues for GICH biannual retreats where most of the services the program provides are delivered. DCA and Georgia Power provide both financial and in-kind support for program activities. As a result of these key partnerships, Georgia community leaders have been able to increase their capacity to become more effective at solving local housing problems. It is through collaborative efforts such as GICH, that the nation’s growing housing crisis can be effectively addressed at the community level.

CITYLITES

GEORGIA GEMS SEMINOLE STATE PARK WHETHER YOU WANT TO PADDLE WITH THE alligators or spot bald eagles from your treehouse campsite, Seminole State Park in Donalsonville offers a variety of experiences for visitors. Lake Seminole is the highlight of the park, which is just minutes from the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. Guests can enjoy a variety of water activities on the 37,500-acre reservoir, including boating and fishing. Boat ramps, a fishing dock, kayaks and canoe rentals make accessing the lake easy. The park surrounds a small cove, usually allowing for smoother water for tubing and skiing. Swimmers can also enjoy the sandy swimming beach at the lake. For land lovers, the park offers 604 acres of relatively flat terrain. Seminole State Park has one of the largest longleaf pine forests in a Georgia State Park. Hikers can explore over 2 miles of trails, including a nature trail leading past gopher tortoise burrows and a wetland boardwalk. Wildlife is abundant throughout the park. Visitors may see osprey, bald eagles, alligators and

other wildlife. In addition to hiking, you can explore the park while geocaching or take in a round of miniature golf while visiting. A playground is also on site. There is no shortage of camping opportunities at Seminole State Park. The park offers fourteen cottages along with 50 tent, trailer and RV campsites. More adventurous camping options include two pioneer campgrounds and treehouse camping that sleeps up to 15 people! Four lakeside picnic shelters provide great access and views, and a group shelter with seating for up to 200 people is also available for rental. If planning a trip to Seminole County, you may want to also consider visiting nearby Kolomoki Mounds State Historic Park. Annual passes to Seminole State Park are available. For more information about the park, fees, rental options and other details, visit https://gastateparks. org/Seminole or call 229-861-3137. Seminole State Park is located at 7870 State Park Drive, Donalsonville, GA 39845. July/August 2022 | gacities.com 49

Fairs and Festivals August 5 25th Dillard Bluegrass & BBQ Festival Dillard Mainstreet Gainesville First Friday Concert Gainesville Braselton Farmers Market Braselton BBQ Festival Dillard August 6 Fresh Fest Albany

Unity Park Amphitheater Valdosta

Fernbank After Dark: Bones and Brews Atlanta

8th Annual Beerfest Augusta

August 13 Savannah Voice Festival Savannah August 19 Summer Concert Series Lawrenceville Food Truck Friday Dallas

August 25 Bluegrass Music Show Hiawassee August 26 Feature Friday Lawrenceville August 26-28 Georgia Sno@Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival Braselton

Summer Harvest Fair McCaysville

Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival Kennesaw

August 10 Wednesday Wind Down Lawrenceville

Peachtree City Night Market Peachtree City

August 27 Sounds of the Springs Summer Concert Powder Springs

August 19-27 71st Annual Georgia Mountain Fair Hiawassee

African American Culture and Arts Festival Lawrenceville

August 20 Concert on Braselton Town Green Braselton

September 1 Atlanta Black Theater Festival Mableton

August 11 Downtown Braselton Wine Walk 2022 Braselton August 12 Rodeo Rome Rome

Euharlee Food Truck Friday Euharlee

Piedmont Arts Festival Atlanta

September 16 Clermont Days Festival Clermont

September 24 Perry International Festival Perry

Pioneer Days Festival Cartersville

September 17 Roswell Arts Festival Roswell

Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival Canton

Armuchee Bluegrass Festival Armuchee

Haralson County Fried Pie Festival Buchanan

September 3-5 Marietta Art in the Park Marietta

18th Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Hinesville

September 2 Main Street Gainesville First Friday Concert Gainesville

September 8-11 Yellow Daisy Festival Stone Mountain September 9 Euharlee Food Truck Friday Euharlee Mountain Fair Clarkesville Pepper Festival Omega September 10 Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival 2022 Atlanta South Cobb Festival Smyrna Doc Holliday Festival Griffin

Concert on Braselton Town Green Braselton Free Museum Day Atlanta Suwanee Fest Suwanee Barnesville Buggy Days Barnesville

September 25 Sandy Springs Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Sandy Springs September 29 Currahee Military Weekend Toccoa September 30 Gopher Tortoise Festival Douglas October 1 Oktoberfest Lawrenceville

September 17-18 Shakerag Festival Peachtree City September 20 Waco Fest Waco September 23 Valley Vibes Music & Arts Festival LaFayette

To place a free Fairs & Festival listing contact gacities@gacities.com. Please submit listings at least eight to ten weeks ahead of publication date.

Oktoberfest Parade Helen July/August 2022 | gacities.com 51

201 Pryor Street, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30303

A Hidden Natural Treasure Snake Creek Gorge, tucked away in the small town of Whitesburg, has been carefully preserved by the Trust for Public Land. Learn more in the latest City Spotlight

Page 27

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 1959

July/August 2022

Articles inside

Federal Focus: It’s Time to Build

Towns & Law: Key Decision Expected on Local Government Partnerships