Cities United Means Shaping Georgia’s Future Together

A new year is a good time to recommit to serving our communities with dedication and passion. For Georgia's city leaders, it is also a reminder of the responsibility we share to serve our communities with vision, integrity, and an eye toward the future. Cities are where Georgia's economy, culture, and identity come together. While cities make up just nine percent of the state's land area, they are home to nearly half of Georgia's residents and provide seventy percent of the state's jobs. Cities are truly the heart and soul of our state, and the Georgia Municipal Association exists to ensure they remain strong, connected, and prepared for what comes next.

Since our founding in 1933, GMA's mission has been focused on what's possible when cities speak with one voice. At GMA, advocacy is at the heart of what we do. We have a strong team that works year-round and especially during the legislative session to advance sound public policy that gives local leaders the tools and flexibility to serve their communities effectively.

During the past two years, working with state leaders, we helped secure $515 million in additional Local Road Assistance Grants for cities and counties with no local match required. These funds provide meaningful investment in local infrastructure across Georgia. We also helped secure $5 million in new state funding for the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund, which leveraged an additional $2.5 million in private foundation support for the Georgia Cities Foundation's loan program. These revolving loan funds have helped revitalize downtowns across the state. Through our low-interest loan program alone, cities have generated more than $250 million in private investment, strengthening local economies and reinforcing the essential role cities play as Georgia's economic engines.

As the General Assembly convenes and a new legislative session gets underway, GMA's role as a unified voice for cities is more important than ever. Hundreds of bills will be introduced, and the decisions made under the Gold Dome will have real and lasting impacts on local governments and local citizens. Our Governmental Relations team is prepared to support legislation that benefits cities and to work against proposals that would limit local decision-making or impose one-size-fits-all solutions that are harmful to cities. Success during the session depends not only on our staff preparation, but also on our members' engagement. When city leaders stay involved, build relationships with their delegations, and speak with one voice, we are most effective.

Advocacy, however, is only one part of GMA's mission. We work every day to meet cities where they are and help them move forward. Through leadership training and development in partnership with the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, technical assistance, consulting and certificate programs provided by our Member Services Consulting team, and a wide range of risk management, financial, and employee benefits programs, GMA delivers practical solutions that help cities operate efficiently and plan for long-term success. The strength and stability of our retirement and insurance programs reflect the trust our members place in us and our commitment to responsible stewardship.

One of the things that makes GMA special is that we represent all 536 cities in Georgia, large and small, with equal commitment. We know each one contributes to the state's economic strength and quality of life. Programs such as the Georgia Cities Foundation and GeorgiaForward help cities revitalize downtowns, invest in future leaders, and prepare the workforce of tomorrow. We are committed to improving and expanding our various housing, placemaking, literacy, and community development programs. We believe our long-term success begins with creating vibrant communities throughout Georgia.

Looking ahead, GMA's vision is for every Georgia city to be strong, connected, and focused on its challenges, opportunities, and successes. With a talented team of professionals and engaged city leaders across the state, GMA will continue to help cities anticipate change, navigate challenges, and define a path forward. We are building a stronger future for Georgia because we are… Cities United.