Leadership in Action: Leading Cities Forward

Leadership often reveals itself in moments of action-when leaders step forward to solve problems, bring people together and create opportunities for others to succeed. Throughout her term as president of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom has embraced that responsibility, helping shape conversations around the future of Georgia's cities while championing collaboration, innovation and local leadership.

As her presidency concluded during the 2026 Annual Convention, Mayor Broom left behind more than a year of service and a legacy of connection-one built through advocacy, partnership and a steadfast commitment to cities across Georgia.

Throughout her tenure, Mayor Broom traveled across the state meeting with local leaders, hearing firsthand about the challenges cities are facing, and celebrating local successes. Those experiences reinforced a simple truth: Cities are strongest when leaders work together.

Her leadership came during a time when cities are evolving rapidly-embracing redevelopment, investing in infrastructure, supporting economic growth and finding creative ways to serve residents. Through it all, she encouraged local officials to remain focused on impact and reminded leaders that meaningful progress happens through action.

For Mayor Broom, leadership has never been about titles. It has always been about service.

In Her Own Words: A Conversation with Mayor Motely Broom

Reflecting on your time as GMA president, what are you most proud of accomplishing?
I'm most proud of the way we came together in the face of significant challenges during the 2026 Legislative Session. There were a number of proposals that could have negatively impacted cities, but through the hard work of our Governmental Relations team and our members, we were able to navigate one of the most challenging sessions in recent memory and work for the benefit of all 536 cities in the state.

What are one or two key lessons you've learned during your presidency that will stay with you moving forward?
I've been constantly amazed at the sheer resilience of the leaders of our member cities. They have faced challenges from many different directions, from natural disasters to a rapidly changing economy and more, in a space in which it's harder than ever to serve your community because public service is not always appreciated. Regardless, our members get up every single day committed to making their cities better than the day before. It's truly inspiring.

How have you seen Georgia's cities evolve or make an impact during your time in this role?
Georgia's cities have been shining bright in so many ways. We've all had to address the advent of AI, and not just in our day-to-day operations. Some of our cities have had to deal head on with data centers in their communities, and what that means to future growth and resource allocation. Those conversations were not at the forefront of what cities were discussing five years ago.

What does "leadership in action" mean to you, especially in the context of serving cities across Georgia?
"Leadership in action" to me means being nimble. What you think may be the right approach at one point may prove to be something different when you learn more information or circumstances change. Our world is very different now than it was at the turn of the millennium. Georgia's cities are embracing this reality and providing practical solutions for their residents and stakeholders. We're not doing things the same way because our moment demands new, innovative approaches.

Can you share an example of a moment during your presidency where you felt leadership truly makes a difference?
It's really hard to pick just one moment from all the amazing examples from across the state. But one situation that sticks out is the relentless advocacy of city leaders and GMA's staff to get the reimbursement from the federal government for expenditures due to Hurricane Helene. The delay in those reimbursements was going to force some cities to get loans and take other drastic measures to fill the holes in their budgets. If not for the work of everyone involved to put this issue on the front burner of the White House, FEMA and our federal representatives, the outcome may have been very different. I'm extremely proud of the way we worked together to achieve that important goal.

Building Momentum at Home

While serving statewide, Mayor Broom has remained deeply connected to the work happening in College Park. The city continues to experience growth and momentum through initiatives focused on community development, economic investment and creating opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

What is one initiative or project in College Park that you feel best represents the city's momentum and impact right now?
I'm excited about the steps we're taking to develop Six West, about 300 acres west of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This mixed-use project will work to give our residents more access to retail and other amenities and help chart the course for our region for decades to come. It's an amazing opportunity for College Park.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of College Park and its continued growth?
I've lived in this community for nearly 20 years. The people make College Park the amazing place it is. We're rooted in an identity that keeps our neighborhoods places where people want to settle while having access to the world. There's no other place like it. I'm excited about the challenge of maintaining that core identity and strengthening it while we pour into our small businesses, continue to develop world-class amenities, diversify our housing stock and more. We are building the community we deserve in College Park on a daily basis, and it is an amazing privilege to be a part of it.

A Legacy that Continues

As Mayor Broom passes the torch at the conclusion of her presidency, her message to future leaders remained clear: leadership is about relationships, action and staying connected to the people you serve.

What advice would you offer to current and future leaders who want to lead with impact in their communities?
It's all about relationships. One of the best things about being in elected office is the ability to be a convener. You have the benefit of meeting a lot of incredibly talented people who have skills but may lack the network to make great things happen. Do your best to bring those people to the table to unlock the full potential of your community.

While her presidency is ending, the impact of her leadership will continue through the cities she's influenced, the partnerships she strengthened and the leaders she's inspired along the way.

Because leadership in action is not defined by a single term in office-it is defined by the legacy left behind.