July/August 2023

CPS combines unmatched experience and product knowledge with the highest quality products and latest technologies. A tradition of innovation, delivering the best service in the pipe, valves, and fittings industry for over 60 years.

July/August 2023

Volume 1 • No. 25

Editorial and Advertising Offices: 201 Pryor Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303

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Latisha Gray, APR

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Ashley Bailey

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Lindsay Podrid

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EDITORIAL BOARD

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Gwin Hall

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Chris Higdon

Kay Love

Lisa Nguyen

Chris Obenschain

Rusi Patel

Arica Ratcliff

Noah Roenitz

Becky Taylor

Brian Wallace

GMA OFFICERS

President: Perry Mayor Randall Walker

First Vice President: Madison Mayor Fred Perriman

Second Vice President: College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom

Third Vice President: Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby

Immediate Past President: Tifton Mayor Julie Smith

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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.

Here Comes The Boom

Georgia Rural Cities See Opportunities for Economic Development and Growth Through Creative, Impactful Opportunities

By Ashley Bailey

Cities throughout the state are enhancing residents’ quality of life, encouraging business creation and improving local workforce development through a variety of economic development projects.

Here’s a glimpse of how cities such as the cities of Douglas and Donalsonville are impacting their communities.

LOCATED IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA, IN THE CENTER of Coffee County, sits the county seat of Douglas. The city is 59 miles northeast of Valdosta and about 201 miles southeast of Atlanta. Douglas is surrounded by excellent access to rail, interstates, agriculture, and manufacturing – all of which are economic drivers for the region located within a diverse industry base.

For years, farming has played a significant role in the area’s economy – including products such as peanuts, corn, tobacco, cotton and chicken.

While the city’s location may be off the beaten path, this South Georgia city isn’t one to count out on the way to growth and progress as a rural city. To date, the city has worked hard to make several significant changes and developments to enhance its stake in local economic development in business creation, expansion and retention.

In 2021, the city celebrated the groundbreaking of Douglas Square, a shopping center located in the city that serves as the most recent impact of Douglas’ economic development growth spurt. As the project continues to develop, Douglas residents will see a Publix supermarket, Aldi’s, PetSmart, Harbor Freight, and other businesses and retailers in the future.

“We are in a time of impactful quality-of-life infrastructure improvements and transformational expansions in our community that will precede the coming years,” said Charles Davis, City Manager for the city of Douglas.

Other city areas are seeing revitalization with local investments that preserve history and bring new

life to the city’s downtown buildings and businesses. Business leaders have taken pride in their businesses and are investing in the future of their companies. In an organized effort to revitalize areas suffering from disinvestment, underdevelopment, and economic decline – the city established five enterprise zones as a new motivation tool for businesses.

On the industry front, the city continues to work and enhance its partnerships with several industry partners such as Pilgrims, a local poultry producer, the Walmart Distribution Center, and Optima Chemicals to invest in operations to continue enhancing business creation, expansion, and retention across the area.

Lastly, the success of the city’s efforts would not be possible without the relationships of those surrounding the area. Davis credits the city’s relationships with its co-agencies throughout the county including other municipalities, the Coffee Board of Education, the Douglas-Coffee Economic Development Authority, Wiregrass Technical College, South Georgia State College, and many others. “We are dedicated to working together better to serve the citizens and businesses of our area,” says Davis.

Davis calls these works a collective balance – one that encompasses the quality of life, healthcare, education, housing, workforce, public safety and economic development.

“In 50 years, people will talk about this time period and the leadership that worked together to make these valuable, sustainable investments in our community,” says Davis.

Donalsonville

IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF GEORGIA SITS

a small town in Seminole County, with a population of 2,833 residents. Bearing its name from John Earnest Donalson, a prominent businessman in the area during the late 1800s and early 1900s, Donalsonville, chartered in 1897, was known for building the first lumber mill in the area, which served as a catalyst for the city’s growth.

While the city only has a total area of 4.0 square miles – it’s small, but it has hope for building its economic development footprint as a city bordering Alabama and Florida to attract passerby travelers.

Geographically, the city is located 20 minutes north of Lake Seminole, 62 miles south of Albany, 36 miles east of Dothan, Alabama and 107 miles west of Valdosta.

The area’s major industries include farming, and world-renowned agribusinesses which include, Lewis M. Carter Manufacturing, a designer and manufacturer of processing equipment distributed throughout the world, American Peanut Growers Group, and its subsidiary American Peanut Ingredients, worldwide processors, and distributors of peanut products. In addition, both art and music have also played an integral role in the impact of the city as well.

The city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently found an opportunity to make an impact on their community and downtown through a

public-private partnership to purchase a historic vacant building to create a restaurant.The DDA purchased the building last spring but due to a lack of funding rehabilitation and construction did not take off until January 2023.

“We [the DDA] paid for the infrastructure of the building,” said Tori Gravlee, director of the city of Donalsonville’s Downtown Development Authority. This included paying for the plumbing, electrical, painting, walls, new AC units including the large expense, and a 16-foot vent hood system for the kitchen.

“We partnered with them, and they continued the investment in the building by purchasing the remaining kitchen equipment, building out a custom bar area, tiling the dining room, paving a new parking lot, and redoing the existing sidewalk in front of the building,” says Gravlee.

In May 2023, Rodeo Cantina and Grill officially opened and sits on S Tennille Avenue, one of the city’s main roads. The restaurant stays busy and has instantly become a success with locals and other surrounding counties and tourists as they travel through the area to Florida beaches via Hwy 91, which runs directly in front of the restaurant.

It’s Not About Us

HIS WORDS RESONATED

deeply with me: public service is not about us, those who hold positions of authority in our cities but rather is about enabling those that live in our communities to reach their fullest potential.

I firmly believe that the prosperity of our cities is intricately tied to the well-being of the individuals who live in them. If our residents are flourishing, so will our cities. As city officials, we must ask ourselves how we can enable our residents to thrive. The answer to this question will guide our actions and define our commitment to public service.

In my view, our actions should be focused on creating a positive and impactful environment, or platform, for every individual in our cities to thrive. Since Georgia’s inception, cities have done that.

Throughout Georgia’s history, cities have significantly invested in essential infrastructure such as water and sewer systems, transportation networks, utilities, parks and recreation, broadband connectivity, and housing. While these investments may be considered traditional and primarily associated with supporting economic development, they also play a crucial role in fostering an environment where residents can unleash their creativity, explore new opportunities, and contribute to the overall prosperity of the community.

While economic development and infrastructure projects are important, our focus should not be solely confined to them. We must look beyond these conventional investments and address challenges beyond the scope of our city charters or traditional core functions. By prioritizing initiatives that tackle issues such as literacy, food insecurity, the well-being of children and youth, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and community health, among many others, we lay the groundwork for flourishing and vibrant communities.

Our communities deserve and need our attention and leadership on these pressing issues. As we devote ourselves as public servants to confronting our challenges and creating environments where our residents can thrive, the words of George Bernard Shaw come to mind:

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”

If we embrace this mindset and commit ourselves to the betterment of our cities and the people within them, there is no doubt that our residents and our cities will flourish. Let us each strive to burn brightly as possible in this endeavor.

During his keynote address at GMA’s Annual Convention in Savannah, General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III encapsulated the essence of public service in a simple yet powerful four-word statement: “It’s not about us.”

RANDALL WALKER, GMA PRESIDENT

Collaboration Creates Strong Economic Development Programs in Georgia’s Cities

EMBRACING ECONOMIC DEVEL-

opment as a collective focus will invigorate individual communities and propel Georgia toward greater regional and national prominence. Our beautiful communities range from vibrant large urban areas to charming small rural towns. No matter the city’s size, each possesses a diverse landscape that may benefit from strategic economic development planning. When cities prosper, Georgia prospers.

Statewide programs like the Georgia Main Street Program assist cities with their economic development efforts. Participating cities experience substantial increases in job opportunities, business growth, and property values. In 2022 alone, the 104 Georgia Main Street cities saw 1,145 new businesses opening or expanding, 3,355 net new jobs, and 976 building rehabilitations, creating $1.2 billion of total private and public investment into downtowns. These numbers indicate the attractive environment local leaders have created for investors and entrepreneurs.

Likewise, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) celebrated a record-breaking fiscal year in 2022. During this period, investments in expansions and new locations totaled more than $21 billion, and 50,000 jobs were created in the state through 358 projects. Georgia has also been named the best state to do business in for the ninth consecutive year by Area Development magazine. This surge in economic activity owes much to the concerted efforts of local leaders in fostering an environment that encourages private sector investments and business expansion.

However, it is crucial to recognize that these programs and agencies are not the sole reasons for cities’

accomplishments. Instead, the driving force has been the local leadership—the mayors, city council members, city staff, and community leaders—who possess an intimate understanding of their cities’ needs and potential. These leaders have made it their mission to leverage economic development as a catalyst for positive change and sustainable growth.

GMA is proud to work with local leaders by providing technical assistance, such as crafting strategic plans that address the unique challenges faced by their cities. Through collaboration and networking, GMA facilitates the exchange of best practices, enabling cities to learn from one another’s successes and failures.

Economic development and growth can also positively impact social concerns such as poverty alleviation. Economic growth often leads to an increase in job opportunities across various sectors. More jobs mean more individuals can access stable sources of income, reducing unemployment rates and providing a pathway out of poverty.

Collaboration among Georgia’s cities is crucial for the success of economic development initiatives. While each city may have unique strengths and challenges, sharing best practices and pooling resources can create a powerful force for change. Our team at GMA is committed to continuing to convene and unite cities to ensure that insights and strategies can be shared across city lines, driving progress for all.

By working together, we can create a state where every community flourishes, residents thrive, and opportunities abound. We can shine as a beacon of progress and prosperity for the nation because we are Cities United.

As Georgia’s cities continue to grow and evolve, the importance of economic development becomes more pronounced than ever before.

LARRY HANSON, CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

COME SEE THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

TIM ECHOLS

I HAVE OWNED SIX ELECTRIC vehicles (EV), and the number one question I get from people is about “range.” While our statewide network of chargers is growing, cities

are really well situated to make [electric] vehicles work right now—and especially if your city is near metro Atlanta, Athens or Savannah. Keep reading to learn more.

In November of this year, I’ll host a trip to Los Angeles called “Come See the Future of Electric Vehicles”. My traveling companions will be Mayors from across Georgia, council members, state officials, non-profit leaders, government staff, and many others. Because California is about ten years ahead of Georgia, we have much catching up to do if we are to be prepared for 1,000,000 EVs in Georgia by 2030, which Georgia Power is predicting.

So how can we get ready? This diverse group of leaders will travel throughout the LA area each day meeting with LA leaders who have helped grow EV infrastructure. We will tour the LA Cleantech Incubator, explore the City of Pasadena’s massive charging islands, visit the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) 400-plus chargers in their corporate garage, check-out a multi-family charging array in the heart of LA, lunch at KIA’s Irvine Design Center where we will drive the new EV Telluride, explore an airport parking lot with 1200 chargers, see EV fleets at the Port of Long Beach, marvel at a hydrogen Toyota, and of course meet with city and county officials throughout. We will look at infrastructure around LAX, how fleets and rental cars are charged, explore Tesla’s success and get a breakdown on how fast chargers work and are serviced.

Electric vehicle infrastructure, which also impacts the grid, is in its infancy in Georgia. Billions of federal dollars will pour into the charger networks here and other states because of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Georgia hopes that our new EV plants from Rivian and Hyundai will be magnetic in attracting ancillary EV-related businesses. Our Blue Bird bus factory is churning out EV buses, and Augusta has been making EVs before they were cool through Club Car and E-Z-GO manufacturing plants. All of these vehicles use electricity that has to come from some source, whether

renewable or not. Georgia has more than 80,000 vehicles with a plug now, and massive upgrades and make-ready are needed to make this work.

Think about every Amazon van being electric. Drayage companies are already looking at how to electrify trucks that run up and down I-16. Lyft has an Express-Drive program that uses Chevy Bolts. And cities like Atlanta and Savannah are aggressively converting their fleets.

Hand in hand with electric vehicles is solar. Solar continues to grow—especially in Georgia. Our state will be 6th in the nation in installed solar by 2024. Surprisingly, our solar, especially that in rural Georgia, is some of our most economical energy in the state. While some utilities in other states pay more for utility scale solar, our Public Service Commission created a more sustainable approach than our West Coast friends—without placing subsidies on non-solar customers. But adding solar in massive South Georgia fields means that we must build more infrastructure to move the power where needs are growing. This is one of the reasons you are seeing electric rates rise in our state.

Whether you are interested in solar, EVs or hydrogen, I hope you will join me in California on Nov. 15-19 for this great vision trip. For more information and how to register, go to https://comeseethefutureofevsandchargi.splashthat.com/

Thank you for your service to your city.

For questions about the trip, contact Tim Echols, vice-chair of the Georgia Public Service Commission, techols@psc.ga.gov.

“Because California is about ten years ahead of Georgia, we have much catching up to do.”

Georgia Municipal Association Welcomes Its Newest Member City: Mableton

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) recently welcomed a new municipality to its roster of member cities, the City of Mableton.

CITY OFFICIALS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ALL the opportunities and resources needed to help train, educate, and inform them as newly elected leaders of one of the state’s newest municipalities.

In November 2022, the city was established by a referendum passed by voters of the unincorporated area. The mayor and city council were elected earlier this year.

In mid-July, Mableton’s city council and Mayor attended a three-day training and orientation session

at the GMA headquarters. City leaders worked with GMA’s Member Services team to help organize training for the city to help prepare and introduce the newly elected officials to much-needed information, concepts, state agencies, and various support resources. Leaders had the opportunity to listen to presentations from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Atlanta Regional Commission, The ATL, and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

Michael Owens, newly elected mayor for the City of Mableton, makes history as the first mayor of the state’s newest municipality during the 2023 Georgia Municipal Association Convention in Savannah.

Pictured from Left to Right: Interim City Clerk Susan Hiott, Councilmember Ron Davis, Councilmember Dami Oladapo, Councilmember Keisha Jeffcoat, Mayor Michael Owens, Councilmember Patricia Auch, Councilmember TJ Ferguson, and Councilmember Debora Herndon

FOR AN EV VISION TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

NOVEMBER 15-19, LOS ANGELES AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Cost only $99 plus travel expenses.

Trip highlights include a visit with city officials in Santa Monica, Pasadena and Los Angeles

See solutions for multi-family charging, airport charging, municipal charging and park facilities

Visit includes time at LA Clean Tech Incubator, Pacific Coast Highway, Petersen Car Museum and opportunity to ride transit

POPULATION: 1,062

MAYOR: Kizzi Knight

GMA DISTRICT: 12

Space is limited so register soon by contacting Commissioner Tim Echols at techols@psc.ga.gov

City Spotlight City Spotlight

Woodbine

History: Situated near the center of Camden County, one of Georgia’s original counties, and located on the south bank of the Satilla River, sits the city of Woodbine. The city is approximately 30 minutes from Brunswick and 40 minutes from Jacksonville, Florida. Woodbine has a rich, diverse history, beginning with the English settlers who had a difficult time living in the colonial days of Coastal Georgia. Historical records for the site date back to 1765, when William Trowin, John Brown, William Struthers and John McGillvary petitioned for and received 1,400 acres on the south side of the Satilla River, which was also referred to as Piles Bluff, which is near the modern-day site of the city of Woodbine. In 1908, the town of Woodbine’s name was approved by the people of the settlement, and a charter for incorporation was drawn up. Today, Woodbine is a small town known for its small-town charm, sense of family and community. The city has attractions like the Bryan-Lang Historical Library, Woodbine Opry and the Morning Belle Farms.

Fun Fact: Woodbine is home to Georgia’s Official Crawfish Festival, an annual tradition since 1985, held the last Friday and Saturday in April. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy entertainment, arts and crafts, activities, and more. The festival also boasts all kinds of delicious cuisine, but of course, the main dish is the crawfish – served boiled with corn and potatoes or in Etoufee with rice.

JOIN PSC COMMISSIONER TIM ECHOLS

Small Business Resources for Ga Cities

US Small Business Administration – Business Guide

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide

US Small Business Administration (SBA) – Local Assistance

Small Business Development Centers provide counseling and training to small businesses including working with SBA to develop and provide informational tools to support business start-ups and existing business expansion. Find assistance and counseling in your area to start, run, or grow your business.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc

Connect with an expert through the nation’s largest network of small business mentors.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/score-business-mentoring

University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. Designated as one of Georgia’s top providers of small business assistance, the SBDC has 18 offices (Albany, Athens, Atlanta (2), Augusta, Brunswick, Carrollton, Columbus, DeKalb, Gainesville, Gwinnett, Kennesaw, Morrow, Macon, Rome, Savannah, Statesboro, Valdosta) to serve the needs of Georgia’s business community.

https://www.georgiasbdc.org/

The Georgia Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center

The Georgia MBDA Business Center is part of a national network of 40 centers and special projects funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency to help grow and strengthen Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). They are operated by the Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2), a unit of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

https://georgiambdabusinesscenter.org/how-we-help/

Cultivating Rural Entrepreneurs and Transforming Economies (CREATE)

The CREATE Program is a multi-year cohort program developed in partnership between Georgia Power Company, Main Street America and the University of Georgia Office of Public Service and Outreach. This program is intended to provide your community with technical assistance, seed capital and guidance to accomplish economic goals for the community.

https://www.selectgeorgia.com/discover-georgia/rural-georgia/create-program/

Grow Georgia

Minority-owned businesses in Georgia provide over 575,000 jobs to hard-working Georgians and energize the state’s economy. Grow Georgia strives to power these businesses’ growth by connecting them to specialized resources, increasing their partnerships with Fortune 500 firms, and celebrating their success. This program strives to accelerate minority business ownership offering access to capital and a one-stop shop website resource.

https://growgeorgia.com/

Georgia Cities Foundation Revolving Loan Fund (GCF RLF)

The Georgia Cities Foundation’s (GCF) mission is to assist cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in funding capital projects. The goal of the Foundation is to promote economically sustainable projects and build partnerships to help ensure the long-term health and economic vitality of the community. The Revolving Loan Fund’s eligible activities include land acquisition, rehabilitation of existing buildings, new construction, and combinations.

https://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/Programs-Services/Revolving-Loan-Fund.aspx

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

SSBCI is designed to catalyze private capital through loans to and investments in small businesses, especially in historically underserved communities and among entrepreneurs who may have otherwise lacked the support to pursue their business ambitions. SSBCI support can transform various industries, including small manufacturing, supply chain, and other sectors promoting key national priorities.

Loan Terms:

• Maximum Loan Amount = $1,250,000

• Interest Rate: Below Market Rate (currently 3.5%)

• Repayment Period: 10-year term with 15-year amortization

https://www.dca.ga.gov/community-economic-development/funding-programs/state-small-business-credit-initiative-ssbci

Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative (GEPC)

The Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative is a two-year place-based economic development program that provides participating communities with education, facilitation, technical assistance, networking, peer learning and incentives to help identify their community assets and develop a locally based placemaking strategy.

https://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/Programs-Services/The-Georgia-Placemaking-Collaborative.aspx

Georgia Downtown Renaissance Partnership Program

The Partnership consists of the Georgia Municipal Association, the Georgia Cities Foundation and the University of Georgia. The Partnership provides access to the technical assistance for clear and concise strategic downtown visions and plans for local government leaders, downtown development authorities, chambers of commerce, downtown merchants, property owners, lending institutions and citizens.

• Renaissance Strategic Visioning & Planning (RSVP) Program: This program assists cities in creating an initial vision and short-term work program for their downtown areas.

• Downtown Renaissance Fellows Program: Through this program, an undergraduate landscape architecture student at UGA is assigned to work with a participating city during the summer months, providing technical and design services.

• Downtown Renaissance Planning & Design Practicum/Studio: During an academic semester, students within UGA’s College of Environment & Design are provided an opportunity to focus their skills and knowledge on a downtown project.

https://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/Programs-Services/Downtown-Renaissance-Project.aspx

Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH)

The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (“Initiative” or “GICH”) offers communities a three-year program of collaboration and technical assistance related to housing and community development. The objective of the Initiative is to help communities create and launch a locally based plan to meet their housing needs.

https://www.dca.ga.gov/safe-affordable-housing/rental-housing-development/community-initiatives/georgia-initiative

ARCHWAY – Connected Resilient Community (CRC) – UGA

The Connected Resilient Communities designation, facilitated by the UGA Archway Partnership, will help communities tap into the resources and expertise at the University of Georgia to address local challenges and become more attractive to economic development. Selected counties and municipalities will develop a resiliency plan by engaging community residents, analyzing local data and completing three projects on a scorecard with 10 categories and more than 70 programs in which UGA faculty and students have expertise.

https://www.archwaypartnership.uga.edu/connected-resilient-communities/

Georgia Rural Center

Georgia’s Rural Center exists to build healthy, vibrant rural Georgia communities with managed support and collaborative partnerships. The Center provides rural communities with feasibility studies and data collection.

https://www.ruralga.org/

Georgia Conservancy Blueprints Program

The Blueprints program brings together diverse groups of stakeholders and expertise from across disciplines to help a community develop an action plan that makes the most of their assets and faces their challenges head on. The Blueprints report is the community’s implementation plan and their guide to achieving their vision. Blueprints planning initiatives can occur at a variety of scales and loca tions, from the neighborhood to the county level, as well as along transportation and watershed corridors and in urban and rural areas throughout the state.

https://www.georgiaconservancy.org/blueprints#:~:text=The%20Blueprints%20program%20brings%20together,faces%20their%20 challenges%20head%20on.

Valdosta State University Rural Development Institute (RDI)

The Rural Development Institute is a partnership with the Valdosta State University Center for South Georgia Regional Impact, economic and community development professionals and local leaders who want to enhance and improve their communities.

https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/advancement/sgri/rural-development-institute.php

Georgia Main Street – Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Main Street is a signature program for community development and revitalization in Georgia’s historic downtowns.

https://www.georgiamainstreet.org/

PlanFirst Program – Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)

PlanFirst is DCA’s program to recognize and reward communities that clearly demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing their Local Comprehensive Plan. Any size community is encouraged to apply, provided it has a history of public involvement with development of the plan, active engagement in plan implementation and proven progress with achieving the community’s stated vision or goals.

https://www.dca.ga.gov/local-government-assistance/planning/local-planning/planfirst

NEW REGIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM LAUNCHES

AILEEN HARRIS

THE HAROLD F. HOLTZ MUNICIPAL TRAINING INSTITUTE IS OPERATED through a partnership between the Georgia Municipal Association and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG).

The Municipal Training Board-approved program fosters regional collaboration among cities and other entities to address common problems and promote productive dialogue by allowing municipalities to partner to request a regional training class in their area of the state.

Municipal Training Board Chair James Eubanks said the program also aims to help reduce the cost of training for cities, especially smaller communities that face financial constraints when traveling to statewide events.

“By collaborating with a host city that can provide a suitable venue, regional training classes will reduce registration fees and minimize travel expenses, including accommodation,” Eubanks explained. “The policy is designed to help cities address a unique issue in a district where a training class or classes might be appropriate. The policy also allows greater visibility to municipal training board members who can serve as the host/convener and champion/advocate for the regional training class or classes. This opportunity would, in turn, allow greater connection between the district or at-large board member to a district or region.”

Regional training classes must have a minimum of 20 paid participants, and participants should represent three or more cities in a region/district or area.

A subcommittee consisting of the Training Board member(s) representing the GMA district where the proposing host city is located, a

CVIOG training staff member, and a GMA training staff member will review and approve/disapprove of the requests.

A city representative (chief elected official, city manager/administrator, or city clerk) of the host city and a representative of any partner cities must formally endorse request forms before submission. At least three possible dates should be submitted on the form, listed in order of preference. CVIOG or GMA staff will coordinate with qualified instructors to select the most suitable date to schedule the class.

City officials interested in hosting a regional class in their city or region can visit the Regional Training Program page on GMA’s website, where they will find further guidance on the regional training request process and an online request form to complete and submit.

Georgia cities can now collaborate with neighboring cities to bring training closer to home thanks to the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute’s new regional training program.

A pilot regional training class was held in north Georgia in 2021 and served as the basis for the new regional training program the Municipal Training Board adopted this year.

Law Change to Affect Cities and Counties Owning Traffic Devices

ESTES, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AT GEORGIA 811

GEORGIA 811 STAFF IS PREPARED AND EAGER to help facilitate the onboarding process for new members. As Georgia 811 members, these local governments will receive several benefits aimed to protect traffic facilities from damage due to nearby excavation.

Georgia 811 provides a streamlined free service that results in increased instances of notification before digging. Members initially map their underground facilities in the Georgia 811 system and periodically update these service areas if any changes are made. Then, when a ticket is submitted to Georgia 811 either online or by calling 811, it is determined which members need to be notified of the upcoming excavation in that area. On average, seven utilities are notified on a single ticket, and they have three business days to mark their facilities with spray paint or flags and respond in the 811 system with a corresponding code. This safe digging process has helped drastically reduce damages to Georgia’s underground infrastructure, while also reducing injuries due to utility damages and service outages. Including traffic control devices and traffic management systems as 811 members will further help keep Georgia safe and connected.

The onboarding process for new members takes approximately 90 days, and those governments who complete their membership by Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, will be added as Georgia 811 members free of charge. It is recommended that local governments begin the membership process early so that cost estimates can be generated in preparation for the expiration of free membership.

Georgia 811 has a variety of resources and training available for new traffic members. Potential members can visit www.Georgia811.com and look through the Members tab to find information about new membership, requirements for traffic members, as well as a Q&A section devoted to information about this new membership requirement.

To begin the membership process, local governing authorities can reach out to Georgia 811’s Customer Connections Department at CustomerConnections@ Georgia811.com or by calling 770-623-5786.

By Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, all local governing authorities owning their own traffic control devices or traffic management systems must be members of Georgia 811 according to the Georgia Underground Facility Protection Act (GUFPA).

Consultant Q&A: Emily Davenport, Districts 10 &11

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) has a team of member services consultants dedicated to helping Georgia’s cities solve problems and seize opportunities.

EACH CONSULTANT HAS A UNIQUE background in municipal government and a particular area (or areas) of expertise. In this issue of Georgia’s Cities, we’ll learn more about Emily Davenport, who serves Districts 10 and 11.

What did you do before you became a member services consultant at GMA?

Before coming to GMA, I worked with local governments for 18 years in various capacities, such as a Historic Preservation Intern (1 year) and Environmental Planner for the Southern Georgia Regional Commission (4 years), Stormwater Manager, Arbor Manager, and Assistant Director of Engineering for the City of Valdosta (11 years), and Main Street Director for the City of Hahira (2 years).

How does your background help you serve cities in your districts?

My entire career has been working in local government, so I have been in their shoes and truly understand what it is like. Over my career, I have been actively involved in building or restructuring programs, planning, grant writing, operation and maintenance, education and outreach, permit reporting and marketing. Each of these opportunities has shown me the importance of listening, problem-solving, building partnerships, and communication, which I am able to pass on to others.

What are some common issues that you assist cities with?

Most of the calls and questions I receive are related to resources. This can include policies, procedures, job descriptions, evaluations, training, state and federal

reports, checklists for new hires or those leaving, funding sources and so much more. This year has also included many requests to facilitate Council Retreats. I truly enjoy this opportunity because it allows the Mayor, Council, City Manager, and staff to step out of the Council Chambers, focus on topics important to them, training, share perspectives, team building and identify action items to lead them to the next level.

What would you recommend a city official keep in mind when working on economic development initiatives for their city?

The first word that comes to mind for me is foundation. City officials have the opportunity to lay a strong foundation for economic development initiatives by putting into place the right policies, programs, and people to make it happen. Economic development is more than just a new business downtown or the industrial park. It includes strategic planning, community engagement, infrastructure investments, workforce development, a business-friendly environment, diversification, partnerships, adaptation and continuous marketing.

Do you teach any of GMA’s training classes? If so, which ones?

Absolutely! So far, I have assisted with teaching Customer Service, Leading Change and Selecting Onboarding & Developing New Employees. I am also working with Local Government Risk Management Services (LGRMS) to develop resources and training to assist with stormwater inspections, maintenance, and more – so stay tuned!

MANAGED SERVICES

GEORGIA

MUNICIPAL Hall of Fame

Three Georgia Leaders

Three remarkable Georgia city leaders were inducted into the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame during the Georgia Municipal Association’s Annual Convention in Savannah, June 23 – 27. This year’s inductees are:

JULIE SMITH, MAYOR OF TIFTON AND GMA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Before her career in public office, Smith worked as a longtime real estate agent and co-owner of Advantage Realty Partners, LLC. She served as an active participant in local government, where she served on many local boards, commissions, and the city council in her hometown of Tifton.

In 2016, she made history by becoming the city’s first female mayor – a position she holds with immense pride today. As Mayor, she has taken special pride in the city’s efforts to revitalize a neglected part of town and worked tirelessly to bring high-quality housing to the area and improve residents’ access to community activities. This focus underscores her belief that the investment cities make in housing, arts and culture, clean water, public safety, and community and economic

development have significant and long-lasting effects on people’s lives and the health and prosperity of a community.

As a well-respected leader within GMA, Smith completed her term as president on June 26.

Her remarkable achievements include serving as the President of GMA, where she dedicated her passion and expertise to benefit all 537 cities in Georgia. During her tenure as a GMA President, she was instrumental in advocating for the needs of Georgia’s cities. Smith has served as a member of the Municipal Training Board, the Association’s Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors. Additionally, she has chaired significant councils, including GMA’s Legislative Policy Council, Federal Policy Council, and the Member Services Advisory Council.

Mayor Smith has consistently championed the interests of Georgia’s cities, making regular appearances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., to advocate for the needs of Georgia’s cities.

MICHAEL BROWN, FORMER CITY MANAGER OF SAVANNAH

Michael Brown’s public service roots began in Virginia, Tennessee, and Connecticut, where he established himself as an innovative administrator. In 1980, he joined the City of Savannah as an assistant city manager. He served on numerous committees and task forces, including chairing the Revenue and Finance Policy Committee. As a policy committee chair, he served on the Board of Directors. After eight years, he assumed the city manager position in Columbus, Georgia, before returning to Savannah in 1994.

Throughout his career as city manager, Brown demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. He successfully navigated the challenges of the Great Recession, implemented capital improvements to combat structural flooding, and spearheaded initiatives to enhance water and sewer availability throughout the region. His visionary approach also played a significant role in expanding Savannah’s area by over 60 percent. His groundbreaking work on poverty reduction, livability, and affordable housing garnered state and national recognition.

In addition to Brown’s accomplishments in Savannah, he actively contributed to the Georgia Municipal Association. He served on numerous committees and task forces, including chairing the Revenue and Finance Policy Committee, which led to his appointment on the Board of Directors. Brown’s expertise made him a sought-after presenter at training sessions and worships, where he provided invaluable insights and guidance to municipal officials and staff from cities of all sizes.

ERIC CLARKSON, FORMER MAYOR OF CHAMBLEE

Eric Clarkson’s outstanding contributions to local government span various roles and jurisdictions. With his start as a city council member, he quickly rose to prominence as an advocate for effective governance and community development. His remarkable insight and expertise further led him to being elected as the Mayor of Chamblee, where he demonstrated his exceptional leadership skills and spearheaded transformative initiatives.

Under his guidance, the city experienced significant progress and positive change. He championed economic development, attracting new businesses and investments, which resulted in job creation and improved quality of life for residents in the city. Clarkson’s visionary approach also emphasized sustainability, promoting environmental initiatives that positioned the city as a leader in green practices.

Clarkson’s commitment to public service extended beyond his mayoral role. Clarkson actively participated in the Georgia Municipal Association, serving on the GMA Board of Directors as a district officer, as well as being a member of several policy committees. He was also actively involved with the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association, serving as chair in 2017-2018. He showed his dedication to leadership development by earning a Certificate of Distinction through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute. Through this engagement, Clarkson demonstrated his steadfast commitment to public service and improving the quality of life in Chamblee and all of Georgia’s cities.

GEORGIA MUNICIPAL Hall of Fame

JULIE SMITH, MAYOR OF TIFTON AND GMA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

MICHAEL BROWN, FORMER CITY MANAGER OF SAVANNAH

ERIC CLARKSON, FORMER MAYOR OF CHAMBLEE

Jim Burgess Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Veteran Georgia Municipal Association leader honored for years of service and commitment to the Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia’s cities.

THE GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION WELCOMED

AND honored former executive director Jim Burgess to the Annual Convention this year to present him with the Lifetime Achievement Award on June 25. Burgess served as GMA’s Executive Director from 1983 to 1995, playing a significant role in shaping the many programs and services currently offered by the organization.

Burgess’ history with GMA began in 1963 when he left a position at the University of Georgia to join the association’s staff as Associate Director. Four years later, Burgess left GMA to start his own consulting business helping cities. For sixteen years, he channeled his passion for helping to improve municipal governance and operations by providing technical assistance services to cities in Georgia and beyond. One of his accomplishments includes helping form the first city-county consolidation in Georgia, in Columbus, and Muscogee County.

In 1983, after the current GMA Executive Director, Elmer George, decided to retire, Jim was appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as the Executive Director. Jim served in this role for twelve and a half years. During his tenure, GMA acquired, renovated, and expanded its headquarters building in downtown Atlanta. Other accomplishments during his tenure at GMA include establishing a multi-million dollar bond pool for equipment lease purchasing for cities, creating and expanding employee benefit and risk management programs, and the launch of a downtown development program.

Additionally, he experienced numerous successes at the state Capitol. Burgess led efforts to pass bills that curbed unfunded mandates and permitted the annexation of unincorporated islands by ordinance. Burgess also played a significant role in the passage of the Special Purpose Local

Option Sales Tax statute and lobbying to create four-year terms for city elected officials and a uniform municipal election date.

After he retired from GMA in 1995, Burgess decided to run for mayor in his hometown of Social Circle. He held this post for fourteen years and remained active as a member of GMA. Burgess is the author of the book “Improving Local Service Delivery” which was first published in 2019.

GMA was proud to recognize Burgess with the Lifetime Achievement Award. It is equally fitting to present the award to Burgess, who has made significant contributions and impact to GMA’s success – as both GMA and Burgess turn 90 this year.

77 CITIES RECOGNIZED AS A ‘CITY OF CIVILITY’ DURING GMA’S 2023 ANNUAL CONVENTION

THE INAUGURAL GROUP OF 77 CITIES AND 1 organization participating in the EMBRACE Civility initiative were recognized on June 26 during GMA’s annual convention award luncheon. Each city and the organization have met the requirements to be designated as a “City of Civility” and “Organization of Civility”

The EMBRACE Civility initiative was established by GMA in 2023 to encourage municipal elected officials to acknowledge their responsibility in modeling open, free, and vigorous debate while maintaining the highest standards of civility, honesty, and mutual respect with each ofther and those they serve. In April, the

GMA Board expanded the EMBRACE Civility initiative to include local government non-profit associations. These organizations are eligible to seek designation as an Organization of Civility by meeting the same criteria as cities.

Becoming a City of Civility or Organization of Civility involves adopting a civility resolution that meets the recommendations approved by the GMA Board of Directors, as well as agreeing to the civility pledge and practicing the nine pillars of civility.

Newly designated cities and organizations of Civility since June 1, 2023 will be recognized at the 2024 Cities United Summit.

Be considerate of others’ opinions. It’s ok to agree to disagree.

Be Kind! Make your point about the issue, not the person.

Ask questions to learn. Answer questions with respect.

Manage your emotions. Get curious instead of furious.

Actively listen, to learn how to Engage respectfully!

Remember the acronym QTIP (Quit Taking It Personal).

A silent voice is not always a weak voice. Sometimes it’s ok not to respond.

Think about the impact of your actions and not the intent.

Have empathy! Just because you have not experienced it, does not mean it does not exist.

In April, the GMA Board expanded the EMBRACE Civility initiative to include local government non-profit associations. These organizations are eligible to seek designation as an Organization of Civility by meeting the same criteria as cities.

The following cities were recognized:

City of Acworth

City of Adel

City of Alapaha

City of Albany

Athens-Clarke County

City of Barnesville

City of Brookhaven

City of Brunswick

City of Butler

City of Byron

City of Canton

City of Chamblee

City of Clarkston

City of Clayton

City of College Park

City of Conyers

City of Coolidge

City of Cordele

City of Cornelia

City of Covington

City of Dallas

City of Decatur

City of Demorest

City of Dillard

City of Donalsonville

City of Doraville

City of Douglasville

City of Duluth

City of Dunwoody

City of East Point

City of Folkston

City of Forsyth

City of Franklin

Town of Geneva

Town of Good Hope

City of Grantville

City of Grovetown

City of Hampton

City of Hapeville

City of Hiawassee

City of Hinesville

City of Hiram

City of Jackson

City of Lawrenceville

City of Lenox

City of Lovejoy

City of Madison

City of McDonough

City of McRae-Helena

City of Metter

City of Monticello

City of Nashville

Organization of Civility:

Georgia Municipal Association

City of Peachtree City

City of Peachtree Corners

City of Perry

Town of Pine Mountain

City of Port Wentworth

City of Powder Springs

City of Quitman

City of Riceboro

City of Rincon

City of Santa Claus

City of Savannah

City of South Fulton

City of St. Marys

City of Statesboro

City of Stockbridge

City of Sugar Hill

City of Suwanee

City of Tifton

Town of Toomsboro

City of Union City

City of Valdosta

City of Warner Robins

City of Watkinsville

Town of Waverly Hall

City of Young Harris

New Leaders Soar to New Heights and Beginnings at GMA Annual Convention

Soaring to new horizons with new leadership

THIS YEAR, OUTGOING GMA PRESIDENT JULIE SMITH, MAYOR of Tifton, closed out her term and welcomed newly elected President Randall Walker, Mayor of Perry.

Walker has been a dedicated servant to the City of Perry. After a successful career in the corporate world working for the Chevron Corporation and climbing the ranks serving as the Southeastern District Manager, he retired from Chevron. He founded Walker Energy Group, LLC, an energy consulting firm.

In 2005, Walker and his wife, Terre, returned to her hometown of Perry after a strong calling to give back to the community. In 2009, he successfully ran for a seat on the city council, marking the beginning of

his political career. Nine years later, in a special election, he secured the position of mayor. Upon assuming office in 2019, Mayor Walker wasted no time getting to work. His top priority was to revitalize downtown Perry. He understood the importance of laying a solid foundation for success. With his dedicated team, he meticulously crafted a blueprint for the city’s revitalization, ensuring that every step was rooted in careful planning and community input. However, his ambitions extended beyond downtown revitalization. He spearheaded multiple projects aimed at enhancing Perry’s infrastructure and quality of life, including the addition of more greenspaces. He collaborated with city staff, council members and the Middle Georgia Regional Commission.

L-R Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby, Third Vice President; College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom, Second Vice President; Perry Mayor Randall Walker, GMA President; Madison Mayor Fred Perriman, First Vice President; Tifton Mayor Julie Smith, Immediate Past President

He played a vital role in developing the City of Perry’s Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap that now serves as a guiding force for decision-making processes in the city.

As a leader guided by values, Mayor Walker’s accomplishments and dedication to Perry are evident; his true strength lies in his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with decency, civility, and respect. His unwavering commitment to fostering a harmonious and inclusive community has earned him the admiration and support of Perry’s residents.

Walker 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, he also chaired the Legislative Policy Council and Federal Policy Council.

As Walker has taken the helm as president, the roles of other GMA officers have shifted. Smith will continue to serve as an officer as the Immediate Past President. City of Madison Mayor Fred Perriman has moved up to first vice president after serving as second vice president and City of College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom has moved up to second vice president after serving as third vice president. Mayor Andrea Gibby of the City of Young Harris was elected third vice president.

The board consists of active city officials, including the officers, district officers, presidents of the City Attorneys Section, the Georgia City-County Management Association and the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association; six policy committee chairs; the chair of the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System; and the chair of the Municipal Training Board.

The 2023-2024 Board of Directors and District Officers Consist of:

OFFICERS

• President: Randall Walker, Mayor, Perry

• First Vice President: Fred Perriman, Mayor, Madison

• Second Vice President: Bianca Motley Broom, Mayor, College Park

• Third Vice President: Andrea Gibby, Mayor, Young Harris

• Immediate Past President: Julie Smith, Mayor, Tifton

ACTIVE PAST PRESIDENTS

• Past Presidents:

Vince Williams, Mayor, Union City

Linda Blechinger, Mayor, Auburn

Keith Brady, Mayor, Newnan

Bill McIntosh, Mayor, Moultrie

John Reid, Mayor, Eatonton

• CEO and Executive Director: Larry Hanson

DISTRICT OFFICERS

FIRST DISTRICT

• President: Kelly Bomar, Councilmember, Ringgold

• First Vice President: Randy Quick, Commissioner, Rome

• Second Vice President: Lanny Thomas, Mayor, Trion

• Third Vice President: Matt Santini, Mayor, Cartersville

SECOND DISTRICT

• President: Robert “Buddy” Moore, Councilmember, Blairsville

• First Vice President: JoAnne Taylor, Mayor, Dahlonega

• Second Vice President: Matt Fields, Councilmember, Royston

• Third Vice President: Mark C. Reed, Commissioner, Baldwin

THIRD DISTRICT NORTH

• President: Colin Ake, Councilmember, Woodstock

• Vice President: Bill Grant, Mayor, Canton

NORTHEAST

• President: Victoria Jones, Councilmember, Lawrenceville

• Vice President: Allison Wilkerson, Mayor, Grayson

EAST

• President: Stephe Koontz, Councilmember, Doraville

• Vice President: Tom Lambert, Councilmember, Dunwoody West

• President: Sam Davis, Councilmember, Douglasville

• Vice President: Councilmember Doris Dawkins, Powder Springs

SOUTH

• President: Edward Johnson, Mayor, Fayetteville

• Vice President: Ann Tarpley, Mayor, Hampton

SOUTHWEST

• President: Brett Reichert, Councilmember, Hapeville

• Vice President: Dr. Catherine Foster-Rowell, Councilmember, South Fulton

CENTRAL

• President: Keisha Sean Waites, Councilmember, Atlanta

• Vice President: Amir Farokhi, Councilmember, Atlanta

FOURTH DISTRICT

• President: William Pearman, Mayor, Senoia

• First Vice President: Barbie Crockett, Mayor, Centralhatchee

• Second Vice President: Joe Walter, Mayor, Zebulon

• Third Vice President: Mike Johnson, Mayor, Temple

FIFTH DISTRICT

• President: David Keener, Mayor, Social Circle

• First Vice President: Eric Joyce, Councilmember, Madison

• Second Vice President: Kurt Ward, Mayor, Braselton

• Third Vice President: Amanda Willis, Councilmember, Carlton

SIXTH DISTRICT

• President: Clifford Holmes, Mayor Pro Tem, Warner Robins

• First Vice President: Janie Reid, Councilmember, Eatonton

• Second Vice President: Joyce Denson, Mayor, Toomsboro

• Third Vice President: Edward Armijo, Councilmember, Centerville

SEVENTH DISTRICT

• President: Jordan Johnson, Commissioner, Augusta

• First Vice President: Danny Brown, Councilmember, Sandersville

• Second Vice President: Ceretta Smith, Councilmember, Grovetown

• Third Vice President: Catherine McKnight, Commissioner, Augusta

EIGHTH DISTRICT

• President: Jesse Simmons, Councilmember, Fort Gaines

• First Vice President: James Carter, Mayor, Woodland

• Second Vice President: Vesta Shephard, Commissioner, Cordele

• Third Vice President: Keith Pendergrass, Mayor, Pine Mountain

NINTH DISTRICT

• President: Timothy Varnadore, Mayor, Baxley

• First Vice President: Micah King, Councilmember, Glennville

• Second Vice President: Lee Stevenson, Mayor Pro Tem, Screven

• Third Vice President: Rashida Taylor, Councilmember, Metter

TENTH DISTRICT

• President: Jay Flowers, Mayor, Thomasville

• First Vice President: Kelvin Owens, Mayor, Camilla

• Second Vice President: Chad Warbington, Commissioner, Albany

• Third Vice President: Cody Shiver, Councilmember Pelham

ELEVENTH DISTRICT

• President: Tommy Roberts, Councilmember, Fitzgerald

• First Vice President: Carla Gibson-Wright, Councilmember, Alapaha

• Second Vice President: Sandra Tooley, Councilmember, Valdosta

• Third Vice President: Keith Brooks, Mayor, Blackshear

TWELFTH DISTRICT

• President: Russ Deen, Mayor, Guyton

• First Vice President: Lisa James, Councilmember, St. Marys

• Second Vice President: Patrick Kirkland, Councilmember, Rincon

• Third Vice President: Paulette Shavers, Councilmember, Statesboro

GMA DIRECTORS AT LARGE

• Shelly Berryhill, Commissioner, Hawkinsville

• Michael Caldwell, Mayor, Woodstock

• Betty Cason, Mayor, Carrollton

• Ollie Clemons, Mayor, Austell

• Kelly Girtz, Mayor, Athens-Clarke County

• Deana Holiday Ingraham, Mayor, East Point

• Jason Holt, Mayor, Fitzgerald

• Isaiah Hughley, City Manager, Columbus

• Michael-Angelo James, Mayor, Waycross

• Garnett Johnson, Mayor, Augusta

• Van Johnson, Mayor, Savannah

• Jonathan McCollar, Mayor, Statesboro

• Lester Miller, Mayor, Macon-Bibb Councy

• Rusty Paul, Mayor, Sandy Springs

GEORGIA MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES BENEFIT

SYSTEM (GMEBS)

CHAIR

• Rebecca Tydings, City Attorney, Centerville

GMA SECTION PRESIDENTS

• City Attorneys Section: L’Erin Barnes Wiggins, City Attorney, Hampton, Lovejoy and Riverdale

• City Managers Section: Chris Hobby, City Manager, Bainbridge

• City Clerks Section: Regina Russell, City Clerk, Acworth

GMA POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIRS

• Community Development Policy Committee: Regina McDuffie, City Manager, Brunswick

• Environment & Natural Resources Policy Committee: Janie Reid, Councilmember, Eatonton

• Municipal Government Policy Committee: Anthony Ford, Mayor, Stockbridge

• Public Safety Policy Committee: Eric Wilson, Mayor, Forsyth

• Revenue & Finance Policy Committee: Skip Henderson, Mayor, Columbus

• Transportation Policy Committee: Michael Chidester, Mayor, Byron

HAROLD F. HOLTZ MUNICIPAL TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAIR:

• James Eubanks, Mayor, Pelham

Bricks & Mortar Program: Real estate projects including City Halls, Police/Fire Stations and Public Parks, Theaters and Greenspaces

Direct Lease Program: Eligible essential equipment including police and fire vehicles, heavy equipment, computer servers and other asset classes.

Program benefits include:

• Flexible finance terms

• Attractive interest rates and competitive terms

• No upfront fees or prepayment penalties*

• Real estate project compliance with Section 36-60-13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated

Renaissance Award

Preston Snyder of Madison was honored by the Georgia Cities Foundation with the Renaissance Award

Clerk of the Year

Georgia’s Clerk of the Year, Deborah Walker-Reed, was honored at the GMA Annual Convention.

Starr Award

The Georgia Cities Foundation, recognized Amy Johnson, director of downtown economic development and public relations for the City of Moultrie, with the Starr Award at GMA’s Annual Convention.

THE RENAISSANCE AWARD, GIVEN ANNUALLY, RECOGNIZES AN individual or organization significantly contributing to revitalizing Georgia’s downtown districts.

Preston Snyder and his family relocated to Madison, Georgia in 2017 and wasted no time investing in the community. With a background in real estate and hospitality, Snyder immediately saw the potential for Madison to grow economically and as a community. Among his many efforts, he worked with the city’s planning department to edit zoning parameters. This allowed for the residential use of formerly commercial buildings in downtown Madison.

An art lover, Snyder constantly looks for new ways to make the area vibrant. He has painted wall-sized murals inside some of his businesses, coordinated a pop-up photography exhibit, sponsored, eventually purchased a sculpture currently displayed in City Hall, sponsored the restoration of the historic Chero-Cola sign on one of his buildings.

Snyder’s dedication to downtown Madison and support of the local community have been key in Snyder’s drive to further the city’s emerging live, work and play status throughout a variety of projects.

DEBORAH WALKER-REED, A MUNICIPAL CLERK FROM THE CITY

of St. Marys was announced as the 2023 Georgia Municipal Clerks Association (GCMA) Clerk of the Year at the Georgia Municipal Association’s Annual Convention in Savannah on Monday, June 26. Walker-Reed has served as the city’s clerk for the past 11 years.

Walker-Reed holds one of the integral city positions that make city government work. She exhibits professionalism, loyalty, and a drive day-to-day. She is not only a compassionate and effective leader,

but she’s a dedicated public servant for the residents of St. Marys. Her hard work is appreciated by residents and colleagues alike.

Walker-Reed is a Georgia Certified Clerk and an International Institute Certified Municipal Clerk.

Walker-Reed is also an active member of the GMCA board and leads various GMCA committees. Additionally, Walker-Reed has completed the Master Education Management Program from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute for Government.

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.

Amy Johnson is the Director of Downtown Economic Development and Public Relations for the City of Moultrie and is the living embodiment of the city’s leadership. She has worked tirelessly to help Moultrie achieve its full potential over an impressive 23 years of service and counting. Under her guidance, the southwest Georgia city’s downtown has transformed into a hub of shopping, dining, and communal gathering.

Moultrie’s schedule of events can easily be compared to cities much larger than the city. Locals have been able to come together to enjoy happenings like Music Under the Magnolia, Spring Fling, and Second Saturday, all of which Johnson has had a hand in. Although the community loves these and other celebrations, the most anticipated event of each year is Johnson’s brainchild event, “Lights! Light! Thanksgiving Night!” which was honored with the award for “Premier Special Event of 2022” by the Georgia Downtown Association. The city was also named “Downtown of the Year” by the same group.

Johnson’s vision and follow-through have fostered an atmosphere of neighborliness and growth in downtown Moultrie that is rarely paralleled. GMA and the Georgia Cities Foundation are proud to recognize Johnson for her longtime commitment to Moultrie.

PROGRAM TRAINS LEADERS TO UNDERSTAND AND HAVE AN IMPACT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Imagine a community where leaders collaborate across entities, residents are engaged and play a role in community planning, and economic prosperity occurs at a manageable rate.

THE GEORGIA ACADEMY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT helps this vision become a reality for communities across Georgia.

Created in 1993, the Georgia Academy for Economic Development is a comprehensive training program that educates leaders statewide on the three vital components of community success and growth: Leadership Development, Community Development and Economic Development. The Georgia Academy for Economic Development is a partnership of public and private economic development organizations at the state, regional, and local levels that work together to develop and deliver the Academy’s programs. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs provides operational support while staff from Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) and Georgia Power develop the curriculum and facilitate each session. The Georgia Academy board includes representatives from public and private economic development entities, including the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), and provides governance.

“The Georgia Academy for Economic Development has trained thousands of Georgians since its inception,” said Academy Executive Director Kelly Lane. “It is our mission to bring community leaders and elected officials together to understand the impact of leadership, community, and economic development within their community and region.”

Once a four-day commitment, the Academy was revamped in 2020 and is now based on a one-day cornerstone course called

The Essentials. The Essentials allows participants to gain a unique understanding of the complexities of community and economic development on the local, regional and state levels.

The Academy also offers advanced courses that dive deep into those three key growth components. Advanced courses are created and offered based on trends, data and need across the state. Current advanced courses include Traditional Economic Development and Incentives, Collaborate or Perish, Workforce Planning, Housing 101 and Housing 201. To graduate from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, participants must complete The Essentials class and at least three advanced courses of their choosing.

GMA members eligible for training certificates through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute can receive 12 credits towards a training certificate after graduating from the Academy, even those who graduated from the program before the curriculum revamp.

Graduates of the Academy are reported to be better equipped with tools, knowledge and data to spearhead change and lead conversations within their communities.

“Gaining insight on advanced topics like the Collaborate or Perish course opened my eyes to the importance of working together locally and regionally. This has helped me in my position to share what we do successfully with others,” said graduate Kerri Carson, Development Authority of Lumpkin County. “This

program has helped me be more confident in my ability to promote smart growth in our county, and it has been a very valuable networking opportunity.”

“Thanks to this program, I have a much clearer understanding of how my municipality can better utilize the state to help bring development to our area,” said graduate Caitlin King with the city of South Fulton. “I’ve really enjoyed the feedback I’ve gotten from our community members as they have begun attending the Academy classes. Their perspectives on what we can do with our boards have broadened!”

So, what is the secret to smart growth? Partners of the Georgia Academy agree: that collaboration is key. In every Georgia Academy course, participants will hear consistent messages about getting community leaders to work across lines, build trust, make plans and have one community vision.

“We like to say we are modeling collaboration by co-facilitating these courses with Georgia Power,” said Jenny Robbins, Academy facilitator from Georgia EMC. “Our respective entities collaborating drives home the point that cities, counties, and regions should and can too.”

For more information about the Georgia Academy for Economic Development or to register for upcoming classes, visit www.GeorgiaAcademy.org.

UPCOMING 2023-2024 COURSES

The Essentials:

October 10, Midway

October 11, Tifton

November 1, Jackson

November 16, Atlanta

February 6, Warner Robins

April 9, Athens

Cartersville, May 7

ADVANCED TOPICS:

Workforce Planning, August 30, Midway

Housing 101, October 24, Madison

Traditional Economic Development and Incentives, October 25, Tifton

Housing 201, February 15, Statesboro

Collaborate or Perish, February 29, Thomaston

Workforce Planning, March 7, West Point

Traditional Economic Development and Incentives, April 16, Gainesville

Georgia City Solutions Hosted Inaugural Community Impact Awards Event

GEORGIA CITY SOLUTIONS (GCS) HELD ITS inaugural Community Impact Awards event at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta on May 18. The event showcased GCS’s impactful and innovative work to help Georgia cities thrive and provide all residents with opportunities to reach their full potential.

“Georgia City Solutions was created by the Georgia Municipal Association to help cities address the major challenges which may be holding cities back and preventing them and their residents from reaching their full potential,” said Kirby Thompson, GCS board chair. “Many of these challenges are a result of intergenerational poverty. We know that municipal leaders cannot solve these issues alone, and GCS is helping to bridge this gap through collaboration, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships.”

GCS is creating innovative solutions in municipal workforce development, equity and inclusion, youth leadership, and early literacy to help cities address these challenges. To spotlight positive efforts in these areas, GCS honored and celebrated those examples that are making a significant impact in communities around the state. The following honorees were recognized during the event:

Individual

Dr. Annise Mabry for her work in the area of workforce development, youth engagement and DEI in rural Georgia.

Organization

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. for the Get Comfortable Initiative to improve the percentage of Athens-Clarke County 3rd graders reading on grade level from 20%—where it sits today—to 60%.

Cities:

• Dublin for their long-standing commitment to elevating youth leadership and engagement through the Dublin Youth Council, the Dublin-Laurens County Teen Court, and the Summer Youth Works programs.

• Lawrenceville for the city’s commitment to strengthening community relations, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and enhancing youth leadership and engagement.

• Valdosta for their work in youth leadership and engagement and workforce development through the Great Promise Partnership program.

Ambassador Andrew Young served as Honorary Chair.

Proceeds raised from the inaugural Community Impact Awards event will allow GCS to enhance and expand its programs to even more cities across Georgia in the areas of Equity and Inclusion, Municipal Workforce Development, Youth Leadership, and Engagement, as well as Literacy which underpins each of these areas.

The interactive event started with a reception, Porsche ride-along experiences, and a silent auction, followed by a seated dinner program emceed by Donna Lowry of Georgia Public Broadcasting and opening remarks prvided by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

Georgia Municipal Association Headquarters

Fayetteville City Hall

Milton Public Safety Complex

33 City Leaders Participate in Inaugural Municipal Leader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program

Georgia City Solutions (GCS), a Georgia Municipal Association nonprofit, awarded certificates to the inaugural cohort of 33 city leaders who participated in the Municipal Leader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program.

THE PROGRAM WAS DESIGNED TO EQUIP municipal leaders with the knowledge, tools, and skills to create sustainable and equitable economies for their cities and residents.

The Municipal Leader DE&I program launched in 2022 and at the time consisted of seven modules covering inclusive leadership, financial management, public safety, economic and community growth, community engagement, human resources, and emotional intelligence added for future cohorts as an optional add-on. The capstone project, designed to create an opportunity for participants to apply what they learned in the program centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. The participants were required to attend all modules to receive a certificate. The program ran monthly from October 2022 to May 2023.

The participants presented their capstone projects at the GMA headquarters during the May convening. The capstone project allowed participants to identify an organizational or community issue centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion and develop a strategy to address the issue. Participants were expected to connect their projects to the identified organizational and community issue.

“This is the first DEI certificate program designed specifically for municipal leaders. Graduates of the program received the essential knowledge, tools, and resources to enhance the quality of life within their communities,” said Freddie Broome, director of equity and inclusion. “It’s exciting to see 33 Municipal

leaders from across the state come together around that one common goal. We developed this program to equip municipal leaders with the tools they need to create a foundation for sustainable and equitable futures and an organizational and community environment that values differences, fosters relationships, and seeks a spirit of belongingness.”

The program will convene a second cohort in the fall. The next cohort begins in October 2023.

List of 2022-2023 Municipal Leader Cohort Participants and their Capstone Topics

NAME ORGANIZATION CAPSTONE TOPIC

Dwight Baker City of College Park Revising the City’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy to Create more Equitable Practices

Shalonda Brown City of Forest Park Develop and Implement an Organization/Department DEI Program.

Takeshia Brown City of Savannah Develop and Implement the City's first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan

Angelyne Butler City of Forest Park Conduct an Employee's Climate Assessment and use the Data to create an Inclusive Environment

Claire Chan GMA Map & Tap Your Community Stakeholders

Latosha Clemons City of Forest Park Develop a Citywide Gender Inclusive Policy

Lester Cromer City of Tifton Creating a DEI Employee Committee for the City of Tifton

Linda Davis City of Fairburn Research a Property Tax Relief Program for Seniors 65+

Anthony Ford City of Stockbridge Diversity Involvement in Municipal Government

Dominic Ford City of Thomasville Project Let’s Talk: Language Access for the City of Thomasville

Nathan Gaskin City of LaGrange Gun violence: Saving Our Sons

Andrea Gibby City of Young Harris Community and Organizational Needs Assessment to Develop Strategies for more Inclusive Engagement

Lisa Goodwin City of Columbus Create a Talk Show for the Youth Advisory Council

Hank Griffeth City of Milledgeville Create a Summer Youth Employment Program for Low-income Teens

Christopher Hightower City of Barnesville Conduct a Climate Assessment and Community Stakeholder Engagement Meetings

Vanessa Holiday City of Stockbridge Fair and Equitable Distribution of SPLOST VI Funding and Prioritizing District and Citywide Projects

Renae Jackson City of Decatur Enhance the City's Supplier/Contractor Diversity Program

Bennie Jones City of Dublin Develop a DE&I Roundtable with the City's Department Heads to Discuss Different Topics.

Rosannette Kirby City of Lovejoy Enhancing the Quality of Lives for Residents of the City of Lovejoy: Hosting community fete to promote health, well-being, and financial literacy.

Renee Knight City of Morrow Develop a Community Stakeholder Engagement Program

Jocelyn McGiboney City of Duluth Develop an EEOC Compliance Program that Supports a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workforce.

Ma-Keisha Mullings City of Augusta Create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program & Strategic Plan Proposal

Fred Perriman City of Madison Host the city’s first-ever State of the City Address (Fostering an Inclusionary City)

Carrie Peters-Reid City of Americus Implementing a Mental Health for First Responders' Program

Diadra Powell City of Americus City of Americus Veteran Homelessness: We Matter

Anita Rookard City of Augusta Develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy and statement to align with the City's mission.

Cara Schroeder City of Tucker Develop a DEI Strategic Plan to Align with the City's Diversity Resolution

Cedric Scott City of Albany Develop DE&I Training Class for the City of Albany Leadership Team

Ceretta Smith City of Grovetown Community DEI Education Program

Julius Stroud City of Forsyth Create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Board for the City of Forsyth

Marcus Thorne City of Lawrenceville Develop a Policy to help Address City Disparities.

Patricia Walden City of Atlanta Creating a DE&I Position within City Planning Department

Randall Walker City of Perry Develop, Implement, and Promote DE&I Culture programs within the City of Perry Organization.

Georgia

Downtowns are in the Midst of a

True Renaissance

BY ALIA HOYT

The beating heart of any community is a vibrant downtown where locals and visitors alike can gather and feel safe and welcome.

MANY OF GEORGIA’S CITIES ARE GOING ABOVE and beyond to transform downtown spaces into something their residents can be proud of.

In particular, adaptive reuse is peaking because many Georgia cities grasp the importance of preserving historical significance but with a modern flair. These three downtowns feature some awe-inspiring examples of property and space repur posing without sacrificing historical significance.

Calhoun

Many residents of the north Georgia city of Calhoun have been there for several generations and, for too long, watched helplessly as historic downtown properties languished unattended. That all changed in 2016 when locals Justin Childress and Dakota Rasbury purchased six blighted downtown properties, and then and then and then fully restored them while taking care to preserve their historic charms. All told, the investment totaled $2.5 million (including tourism and energy efficiency grants) and has yielded dozens of jobs and multiple tenants in

the properties, including restaurants, a boutique, and corporate offices. Thanks to their efforts, there is little doubt that Atlanta’s continued suburban sprawl will inspire continued growth in Calhoun’s quaint and authentic downtown area.

Monroe

The early 2000s saw many businesses fall victim to the recession, and the northeast Georgia city of Monroe was no exception. In particular, the historic Monroe Guana Company property at 320 S Madison Avenue sat abandoned until the city could purchase it from the bank. The city then entered into a public/private partnership with several key investors, who helped to reimagine the building and its historic fertilizer gin, which on its own is a whopping 13,000 square feet of space. Once the purchases were finalized, tenants sought to get Monroe’s downtown back on track. Among the current occupants of the Monroe Metro are Southern Ox Ax Throwing, which reworked the machine rooms into a bustling entertainment spot, and the co-working collective, Co-Work, at the Metro. The fertilizer gin was

repurposed into Rustic Roots, a reclaimed wood business that appropriately aims to identify, save and otherwise repurpose barns, buildings, and the like. The city, for its part, is nearly done with a revitalized town greenspace and plans to add a food court park soon.

Dallas

Dallas has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with plenty of new construction to reflect it. However, locals Kim and Dwayne Pace opted instead to rework an existing downtown building for their business venture, Good Stuff Coffeehouse. In concert with the city and the building’s owner, they fully rehabbed the basement space in the 223 building to bring it to code for such a purpose. Rather than gutting the entire space, they exposed charming original brickwork and stone walls, (hidden for far too long by unsightly paneling and sheetrock), adding lively touches like murals and plenty of seating for guests. In addition to coffee and food items, the site also sells products made by local artists and businesses, further supporting the ideals of this close-knit community.

Some Georgia downtowns are already well into their Renaissance period and have undoubtedly served to inspire many others.

Thomasville

Thomasville’s downtown metamorphosis has become a lifestyle destination for South Georgians in recent years. The city continues to showcase its growth mindset via even more improvements, recently led off by an expansion of the boundary of the Downtown Business Park District and the Downtown Development District. The expansion allowed even more businesses to call Thomasville’s downtown home, including the Biscuit Company event venue and a Courtyard by Marriott hotel, among others. All told, 2022 saw 14 new or expanded businesses on the scene, generating 82 new jobs, 10 rehabilitation projects, and a whopping 48 public improvement projects to more than $12.4 million in investment dollars. The city also sought to build and retain customer loyalty via successful summer and holiday loyalty card campaigns, as well as a slate of both new and fan-favorite events.

Woodstock

The Cherokee County city of Woodstock is a prime example of how a well-executed downtown plan can completely transform a once-sleepy suburban area into a fullfledged hot spot. Thanks largely to the bustling arts, music, retail, and culinary scene, at least three million visitors headed downtown in 2022 alone. In addition, 1,500 residential units have been added to the area since 2006, along with all of the infrastructure and beautification projects necessary to attract those tenants and buyers. Although new construction certainly fits downtown Woodstock’s plan, the area’s historic buildings have not been overlooked. 16 significant properties have received much-needed facelifts without detracting from their historic charm, thanks to both grants and private contributions.

Hartwell

Downtown Hartwell has dreams fit for a community many times its size and population. The powers that be

have partnered with other organizations and programs to provide a culture of success to nurture the area’s “entrepreneur ecosystem,” so to speak. This should serve the scene further to expand an already booming retail and foodie scene. In addition to bolstering the local economy, downtown Hartwell has taken measured steps to provide a beautiful place to mix and mingle, complete with murals, landscape design projects, and a new pocket park. These efforts should only further the recent tourism success the area has experienced. Tourism spending jumped by over 20 percent from 2021 to 2022, totaling about $51 million. With the expected boost in interest in the area, city officials have made infrastructure a priority, with a brand-new fire station on tap, as well as additional parking.

These and other Georgia cities are showing the true potential that downtown areas possess with a little bit of planning, creativity, and of course, funding. Undoubtedly, it’s much work to revitalize an area or continue the expansion process, but the numbers (and general opinions of locals) indicate that it’s well worth the effort.

Georgia Downtown Association

The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) is a non-profit statewide organization that supports downtown development by providing accredited training programs for downtown development professionals, advocating for Georgia’s downtowns and educating private and public sectors on the economic benefits of a thriving downtown.

https://www.georgiadowntownassociation.org/home

A Trip to the Hardware Store: Review and Revision to the “Tools in the Toolbox”

RYAN BOWERSOX, ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

CITY LEADERS WORK HARD TO PROMOTE THIS economic development as they attempt to attract and grow business within their city and improve the livelihood of their residents. Businesses decide whether to locate or expand within a city for various reasons, considering a variety of factors like workforce to housing to local amenities. In addition to these considerations, the law provides numerous incentives designed to attract specific industries to Georgia and allow for recruitment to specific cities.

In recent years the legislature has increased efforts in reviewing the various incentives created to assist in economic development within the state. Through recent legislation, study groups and specially created joint panels, the legislature has taken a specific interest in reviewing the various “tools in the toolbox” to gauge their effectiveness. Recent legislation allows for the legislature to annually request several economic analyses of specific tax measures either proposed or already existing in law, providing the legislature with increased valuable information as they annually analyze these provisions.

Most recently, it was announced that members of the legislature would be spending the time between the annual legislative sessions meeting to discuss and evaluate several areas of this law. First, the

Joint Tax Credit Review Panel was established to review Georgia’s existing tax credits. The panel is jointly chaired by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and is comprised of four other members of the Senate and four other members of the House of Representatives. The panel held its first meeting on June 14, hearing testimony from experts and state agencies, including the State Economist, Georgia State’s Fiscal Research Center, The Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Economic Development. This introductory meeting set the stage for the panel’s future meeting, where individual tax credits will be discussed and evaluated.

In addition to the Joint Tax Credit Review Panel, the House Ways and Means Committee created an Ad Hoc Committee on the Job Tax Credits Tier System. This committee will evaluate the annually created tier system of counties based upon unemployment rate, per capita income, and percentage of residents below the poverty level, which is used to determine benefits associated with job creation in the state. This committee also met on June 14, hearing from the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Labor. This panel and committee will continue to meet through the summer and

Cities are the economic powerhouses within the state of Georgia, providing economic activity and jobs across the state.

into the fall, evaluating and potentially recommending changes to areas of law impacting city’s economic development efforts.

Finally, in addition to the legislature’s recent work, which could impact economic development incentives, a recent Georgia Supreme Court decision could have a profound impact on the economic development efforts of cities. In February, the Georgia Supreme Court decided Camden County v. Sweat, upholding the validity of a voter referendum that overturned Camden County’s decision to build a spaceport. After Camden County pursued an economic development project, building a commercial

“In recent years, the legislature has increased efforts in reviewing the various incentives designed to attract specific industries to Georgia and allow for recruitment to specific sites.”

spaceport, residents successfully overturned the County’s decision through a referendum utilizing the county Home Rule provision of the Georgia constitution. The Georgia Supreme Court subsequently upheld county residents’ ability to use this provision to directly vote on an ordinance or resolution on the ballot. While the Court’s decision is based on the County Home Rule provision of Georgia’s constitution, a corresponding provision exists in code applicable to cities. City leaders should be aware of the Court’s decision and this provision in state law as they make decisions in pursuit of economic development projects in their cities.

Fairs and Festivals

8/1

DTL Happening: National Night Out

Lawrenceville

8/4

Hiawassee Night Market

Hiawassee

Feature Friday

Lawrenceville

Fast Friday Concert Series

Gainesville

8/4-8/5

Dillard Bluegrass and BBQ Festival

Dillard

8/5

Mad South Jazz Fest

Fayetteville

Summer Heat Music Festival

Hiawassee

Ida Cox Music Festival

Toccoa

8/5-8/6

International Festival

Ellenwood

8/11

Family to Park Day

Powder Springs

8/12

2nd Saturday Ice Cream Stroll Griffin

Jasper Downtown Live Jasper

Ida Cox Music Festival

Toccoa

8/18

Food Truck Friday

Gainesville

8/18-8/19

Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival

Kennesaw

8/19

Cruzin’ Down Doyle

Toccoa

Americus Grape Stomp Festival

Americus

Bigfoot Music Festival

Blairsville

Ida Cox Music Festival

Toccoa

8/19-8/20

Piedmont Parks Arts Festival Atlanta

8/25

Live in the DTL

Lawrenceville

8/25-8/27

Art-Tiques August Market

Braselton

8/26

Sounds of the Springs Concert Series

Powder Springs

Ida Cox Music Festival

Toccoa

9/1

Hiawassee Night Market

Hiawassee

Homer Holiday Festival

Homer

First Friday Concert Series

Gainesville

9/1-9/4

Pioneer Days

Cartersville

9/2

Red, White and Blue: Labor Day Spectacular

Peachtree City

9/2-9/3

Taste of Soul Festival

Atlanta

Mountain Heritage Festival

Blairsville

9/2-9/4

Art in the Park

Marietta

9/3

House in the Park Festival

Atlanta

KOA Labor Day Celebration

Kingsland

9/3-9/4

Noshfest

Marietta

9/7-9/28

Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series

Powder Springs

9/4

Labor Day Arts Festival

Newnan

9/7-9/10

Helen Oktoberfest Helen

9/7-9/10

Yellow Daisy Festival

Stone Mountain

9/9

Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival

Atlanta

Buffalo Creek Fall Festival

Carrollton

Taste of Snellville

Snellville

Doc Holliday Festival

Griffin

Gold Rush Festival

Villa Rica

Waco Fall Festival

Waco

9/9-9/10

Paulding Meadows Arts and Crafts Festival

Dallas

9/15-9/16

Clermont Days

Clermont

9/16

Taste of Smyrna

Smyrna

Brooklet Peanut Festival

Brooklet

Gainesville Latino Fest

Gainesville

Haralson County’s Fried Pie Festival

Buchanan

Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival

Blue Ridge

Dahlonega Trail Fest

Dahlonega

Roots, Tunes and Brews Festival

Hinesville

Art Fair on the Square

Fayetteville

Statham Sunflower Festival

Statham

South Georgia Pride Festival

Valdosta

Cruzin’ Down Doyle

Toccoa

9/16-9/17

Barnesville Buggy Days

Barnesville

Cumming Art Festival

Cumming

Suwanee Fest

Suwanee

Shakerag Arts and Crafts Festival

Peachtree City

9/22-9/23

Around the World in the DTL

Lawrenceville

9/23

Sounds of the Springs Concert Series

Powder Springs

Braselton Pooches in the Park

Braselton

Cave Spring Pig Out

Cave Spring

Cartersville Arts in the Park

Cartersville

9/23-9/24

Sandy Springs Fall Arts and Craft Festival

Sandy Springs

Riverfest Arts and Craft Festival

Canton

9/24

Ellijay Bacon Fest Ellijay

9/29

Macon Pride Festival

Macon

9/30

Lula Fall Festival

Lula

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

GEORGIA GEMS

SYLVANIA INFORMATION CENTER: EXPLORE A RELIC OF A BYGONE TRAVEL ERA AT THE NATION’S OLDEST OPERATING STATE VISITOR CENTER IN SYLVANIA, AT A PLACE THAT NURTURES ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR THE REGION.

SUMMER VACATIONS, ROAD TRIPS, BUSINESS

trips or wherever life takes you, there are times when you will drive through a city with a visitor information center or rest stop area. If you happen to travel between Savannah and Augusta, there’s a chance you’ll pass through Sylvania, located in Screven County – known as the “Welcome Station City.”

The Sylvania Information Center was first built in Georgia in 1961 and is known to date as the country’s oldest operating state visitor center. Officially dedicated in 1962, the center resulted from the efforts of Governor Ernest Vandiver, who believed tourism could improve Georgia’s image. The center would later become a catalyst for economic growth, as it predates the interstate highway system.The center was built when U.S. Highway 301 was known to travelers as the “short route” to Florida by visitors from Atlantic coastal states and bordering Canada. Today, the route is still a favorite for visitors who opt not to travel interstates.

The center is the only original visitor center out of the nine centers in the state that Edwin C. Eckles, a Statesboro architect, designed. The center features a midcentury modern design, barrel vault ceilings and an aluminum and glass façade that stands out in the area’s natural setting. Eckles also used other native Georgia materials, such as Etowah pink marble and pecan wood, for the building’s composition.

With more than 60 years of welcoming visitors to the state of Georgia, the center is the only visitor center that still gives out free Coca-Cola products and the state’s most famous beloved crop – the Georgia peanut.

Georgia’s visitor information centers serve as the first point of contact for millions of visitors each year, with nine centers providing a variety of ways to connect with visitors.

This center is located on six acres of land and is half a mile from the South Carolina border. Behind the center is a park with picnic tables and grills for visitors to enjoy while taking a break from traveling. The Sylvania Information Center is located at 8463 Burton’s Ferry Hwy (U.S. Highway 301) in Sylvania. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (closed on Sunday and Monday). There is no fee, free parking, and public restrooms, and it is open year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.