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Level Four Drought Response Continues For Most of North Georgia
5/7/2008
With extreme drought conditions stretching across the northern third of Georgia and a forecast for a dry summer, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has announced that level four outdoor watering restrictions will remain in place for EPD permitted utilities and local governments in 55 counties.
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University of Georgia MPA students learn by doing
5/5/2008
The four second-year MPA students enrolled in the UGA Local Government Practicum made their final presentations to their client cities, guest city managers, and GMA staff on Friday, May 2.
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Record number seek Health Promotion Grants for 2008
4/29/2008
The GMA/Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System (GMEBS) Health Promotion Grant program received unprecedented interest in 2008, resulting in a 72% increase in total grant money awarded.
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Grants to Give New Life to Old Properties
4/28/2008
Communities in 43 states, including six in Georgia, will share more than $74 million in brownfields grants to help revitalize former industrial and commercial sites, turning them from problem properties to productive community use. The grants, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, also go to two tribes and two U.S. Territories.
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Governor Launches Conservation Campaign
4/24/2008
Governor Sonny Perdue on Thursday, April 24 launched a new conservation campaign aimed at creating a culture of conservation among Georgia residents, businesses, organizations, local governments and schools.
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Governor Announces $27 Million in Water and Sewer System Loans and Grants
4/22/2008
Governor Sonny Perdue recently announced the approval of three Georgia Fund commitments totaling $2,896,493, two Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) commitments totaling $4,125,000 and one Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) commitment totaling $20,000,000.
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GMA asks Governor to veto gun bill
4/18/2008
Citing concerns for the safety of city police officers and citizens, as well as allowing cities the flexibility to make decisions in the best interest of their community, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) has asked Governor Perdue to veto HB 89.
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2008 Georgia Energy Code Workshops Announced
4/15/2008
The new Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code became effective on January 1, 2008.
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Local governments affected by fewer housing starts
4/11/2008
A recent survey by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) indicates that local governments are being negatively impacted by fewer housing starts.
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State Paging Service to Shut Down Sept. 30
4/10/2008
The statewide paging service provided by the Georgia Technology Authority will be permanently discontinued on September 30, 2008.
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Tax plan fails, thoughtful debate needs to begin
4/5/2008
Thanks to the efforts of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, legislation that would have placed the burden of state tax reform onto the backs of local governments did not pass this year.
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City of Dublin Launches First Phase of Wireless Project
Terry Wolf, Dublin Courier-Herald
4/4/2008
In spite of gusty winds and afternoon temperatures only in the 40s, Dublin officially became a hot spot as the city launched its free Wi-Fi outdoor internet connections in February.
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Federal crime-fighting cuts cause alarm
John Gramlich, Stateline.org
3/24/2008
Governors, state attorneys general and local law enforcement across the country are warning of an increase in drug trafficking and other serious crime after Congress slashed funding for a key federal grant program by two-thirds this fiscal year.
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MAMA Supports Regional Transportation Funding
3/21/2008
The Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA), at its spring meeting on March 20th, approved a position urging support for legislation that would enable regional funding for transportation in order to enhance capacity, relieve congestion and provide transportation options, with cities as full partners in the advancement of projects.
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Cities Receive Federal Historic Preservation Grants
3/21/2008
Eleven cities and one county were recently awarded historic preservation grants.
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Perdue slams House and Senate for pushing tax cuts
3/19/2008
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$2 Million in Recreational Trails Grants Announced by DNR
3/19/2008
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources recently announced $2 million in Recreational Trails Program grants to 17 cities, counties and other government agencies.
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Cities Receive $11.1 Million for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Improvements
3/19/2008
Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) Executive Director Chris Clark recently announced the approval of six Georgia Fund commitments totaling $10,145,870 and one Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) commitment totaling $1,000,000 to finance water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
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Cagle tax reform plan cuts income tax rates 10%
3/18/2008
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, along with other Senate Republicans, announced a tax reform package on Tuesday, March 18 that differs significantly from the plan passed by the House last week.
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Perdue Rips House-Passed Tax Reform Measure As Irresponsible; Cagle Takes His Own Shots At Plan
Dick Pettys, InsiderAdvantage Georgia
3/13/2008
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House Tax Bills Have Nearly $800 Million Impact
3/13/2008
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute has released a new tax brief, "Adding Up the Fiscal Notes," that quantifies the fiscal impact of all the tax bills passed by the House of Representatives during the 2008 legislative session.
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Local control trashed in great power grab of '08
Jay Bookman, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3/13/2008
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What Cities Want from the Presidential Candidates
Amy Elsbree and Mitchel Herckis, National League of Cities
3/10/2008
Raising the voice of cities and towns in the national elections is the goal of NLC’s new multi-media project, American Cities ’08.
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City Leaders Praise Lawmakers
3/5/2008
City leaders today praised state lawmakers for voting down legislation that would have limited the level and number of services that local governments could provide to their communities.
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Georgia Democrats say No Way to 175 New Taxes by Republicans
2/28/2008
House and Senate Democrats announced on Thursday, February 28 their strong opposition to HR 1246 and HB 979 which is the Republican Tax Plan that puts 175 new taxes on Georgia’s citizens.
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$2 Million Dividend for Property and Liability Fund
2/28/2008
The board of trustees for the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) has declared a $2 million dividend for the May 1, 2008 renewal.
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Crossing the Finish Line: Douglasville Mayor on Racing and Governing
2/28/2008
What do the Daytona 500, a World War II fighter pilot and the city of Douglasville all have in common? The answer is Douglasville Mayor Mickey Thompson, Chairman of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA) and chairman of GMA's Municipal Government Policy Committee.
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Local Officials Flood Capitol To Oppose Speaker's Tax Reform Plan
InsiderAdvantage
2/26/2008
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Hearings Address Concerns about Transportation Infrastructure
Leslie Womack, National League of Cities
2/25/2008
While earnest debate on renewal of the nation’s federal road, bridge and transit programs will not begin for at least a year, release of the President’s 2009 budget request and the 12-member National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission report has kicked off much debate over the role of transportation in metropolitan areas, its link to economic growth and prosperity and environmental sustainability.
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Peach State Poll: Georgians favor reducing traffic volume over more roads
2/19/2008
Georgians are more likely to favor proposals that target reducing the overall volume of traffic on their roads instead of building more roads, according to a recent Peach State Poll.
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$43.8 Million in Loans to Finance Water, Sewer and Reservoir Infrastructure Improvements Announced
2/19/2008
Governor Sonny Perdue announced on Monday, February 18, 2008 the approval of four Georgia Fund loans totaling $43,841,723 to finance water, sewer and reservoir infrastructure improvements for the cities of Guyton, LaFayette, and Pelham, and the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority.
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GEFA Awards $241K in Recycling and Waste Reduction Grants
2/18/2008
As part of Governor Sonny Perdue’s vision for sustainable economic development, Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) Executive Director Chris Clark announced on February 18, 2008 that $241,124.85 in Recycling and Waste Reduction grants have been awarded to eleven cities and counties.
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Lt. Governor: We Must Find TADs Solution
2/14/2008
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle announced on February 14, 2008 the implementation of an informal Senate working group, led by Senator Dan Weber, to address the decision by the Supreme Court of Georgia to remove a key portion of the funding stream for Tax Allocation Districts (TADs).
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Little Good News as Cities Respond to President’s FY 09 Budget
National League of Cities
2/7/2008
President Bush’s final budget offers little good news in terms of funding for programs important to cities and towns, according to an analysis conducted this week by the National League of Cities (NLC).
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Governor announces more flexibility in outdoor watering restrictions
2/6/2008
Today at the Georgia Agribusiness Council’s legislative breakfast Governor Sonny Perdue announced the state will ease outdoor watering limitations through exemptions to the Level Four drought restrictions implemented in September 2007.
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Filler' Up: State, Local Governments Look to Reservoirs to Retain Water
2/5/2008
Two decades ago, when talk of a historic drought was more gloomy forecast than dry reality, Dahlonega and Lumpkin County decided to take no chances. They built a reservoir.
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Cities Urge President to Focus on Growing Problems in America
Sherry Conway Appel, National League of Cities
2/5/2008
While President George W. Bush’s call for action during his State of the Union speech to address the nation’s housing finance crisis and for resolution to illegal immigration drew support from municipal leaders, NLC officials also raised concerns about the lack of attention to many of the growing problems facing America’s hometowns.
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Governor Expected to Announce Changes to Drought Response
2/4/2008
Representatives of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals conferred with GA EPD Director Carol Couch on Thursday, January 31. This meeting took place just moments before final recommendations were to be made to Governor Sonny Perdue relative to almost certain adjustments to the State’s current drought response.
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DCA Proposes Fewer RDCs
1/30/2008
To even out funding and staffing levels of Regional Development Centers (RDC) across the state, the Service District Task Force under the Governor's Commission for a New Georgia recently recommended that DCA adopt new RDC boundaries.
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New District Officer Nomination Process Approved
1/29/2008
A revised process for nominating and electing GMA district officers has recently been adopted by the Board of Directors.
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State-Local Coalition for Federal Infrastructure Investment Formed
Leslie Wollack, National League of Cities
1/29/2008
Building America’s Future will bring together state and local elected officials to work to help presidential candidates understand the enormity of the infrastructure crisis and become a repository of best practices on infrastructure financing issues.
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Governor Announces Legislation Filed to Create State Infrastructure Bank
1/28/2008
This morning at the Georgia Municipal Association’s annual Legislative Issues Breakfast, Governor Sonny Perdue announced legislation will be filed today that will create the Georgia State Transportation Infrastructure Bank.
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Gov. Perdue addresses city officials during Mayors' Day
1/28/2008
Speaking in terms of partnerships between the state and local governments, Gov. Sonny Perdue addressed members of the Georgia Municipal Association during the 2008 Mayors' Day Convention in Atlanta.
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$200 Million Initiative Targeted to Fight Violent Crime Announced
1/24/2008
In a speech before the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey today announced the President is seeking $200 million in funding for a new Violent Crime Reduction Partnership Initiative for Fiscal Year 2009.
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Georgia transit chief warns of funding gap for popular program
Macon Telegraph
1/24/2008
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Report Calls for Major Changes in Transportation Financing
Leslie Wollack, National League of Cities
1/22/2008
Calling for dramatic changes in the current surface transportation program from mission to structure to funding, members of a congressionally mandated panel called on lawmakers to act quickly to preserve the national transportation system and maintain a strong federal role in development and maintenance of highways, roads, the transit system and bridges.
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The state of the Union — crumbling
Eric Kelderman, Stateline.org
1/18/2008
The numbers are staggering. More than one in four of America’s nearly 600,000 bridges need significant repairs or are burdened with more traffic than they were designed to carry, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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PSC Franchise Fee Decision Now in Effect
1/18/2008
In December of 2006, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) entered an order that shifts part of the cost of city franchise fees charged to Georgia Power for use of city rights-of-way solely onto the backs of city customers.
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Gov. Perdue's State of the State Address
Gov. Sonny Perdue
1/16/2008
Gov. Sonny Perdue delivered his State of the State Address on January 16, 2008.
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Lt. Gov. Cagle: Our Future Depends on Our Ability to be Statesmen
1/15/2008
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle spoke at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast this morning highlighting several of his legislative priorities this session: the passage of a statewide water management plan, reorganizing the Department of Transportation, a common sense solution to the rising cost of healthcare and a first class educational path for all of Georgia’s students.
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Congress Returns to Full Agenda During Short Session
Neil Bomberg and Leslie Wollack, National League of Cities
1/14/2008
When the second session of the 110th Congress begins on January 15 in the House and on January 22 in the Senate, Congress will have an opportunity to address the issues left behind when they adjourned in December, but will face challenges, given the current relationship between Congress and the Administration and the highly charged political climate of an election year.
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DCA adopts new RDC boundaries
1/11/2008
The Department of Community Affairs Board of Directors unanimously adopted new Regional Development Center (RDC) boundaries on Wednesday, January 9.
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Small Systems Water Bill Introduced in Senate
Carolyn Berndt, National League of Cities
1/9/2008
Three senators from Midwestern states have introduced legislation that would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from levying fines on communities with subpar drinking water systems if the federal government has not provided them with “sufficient” funding to make upgrades.
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State Water Council approves water plan
1/9/2008
Georgia's State Water Council approved the state's first ever water plan on January 8th with a unanimous vote.
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Tax Plans Emerge ... Evolve
1/8/2008
A number of legislative proposals aimed at changing the way local governments generate revenue have been proposed for 2008, including the most notorious of them, House Speaker Glenn Richardson's GREAT plan or HR 900.
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Monroe welcomes bike rack project
Brian Arrington, The Walton Tribune
1/3/2008
It's not every day a high school project becomes a permanent fixture on city streets, but Monroe Area High School junior Brian Hopper can say his did.
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Federal spending plan slashes anti-crime grants
John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer
1/2/2008
Law enforcement officials across the country are lambasting the federal spending plan approved by President Bush on Dec. 26, warning that a 67-percent decrease in funding for targeted state and local criminal justice initiatives imperils public safety.
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Top Ten Reasons to Be a Local Elected Official in 2008
1/2/2008
From not being able to have a bad hair day to riding on the back of the fire truck during the July 4 parade to getting phone calls at midnight, this lighthearted look from the National League of Cities underscores the serious job facing today's local elected officials.
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Cities Recognized for Taking Time to Play
12/20/2007
All work and no play is not the motto for two of Georgia's cities that were recently named as founding members of the Playful City USA program. The cities of Canton and Atlanta were recognized for their participation in the program at the National League of Cities' Annual Conference in November in New Orleans.
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Students from Johns Creek keen on drought solutions
Jennifer Brock, Northfulton.com
12/19/2007
With the Level Four drought conditions, Johns Creek residents are trying to conserve water in any way they can. But about 20 Northview High School students have offered suggestions, ideas and contributions to think outside the box and go beyond conserving water.
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Fifth-graders dress up as mayor, share conservation plans
Andrea Freygang, Rome News-Tribune
12/10/2007
Rome Mayor Ronnie Wallace found he had a lot of look-alikes at Johnson Elementary School on Thursday.
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States' wallets get thinner
Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer
12/5/2007
A slumping housing market and skimpier sales tax collections will force as many as 20 states to go back and patch holes in their budgets in 2008, the nation’s governors reported today (Dec. 5).
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Judge: PSC Did Not Act 'Improperly' in Franchise Fee Decision
11/16/2007
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Manis indicated on November 15 that she intends to issue an order affirming the decision of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in Docket 21112-U relating to franchise fees.
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Governor Perdue Announces “Away From Home” Recycling Grants
11/16/2007
Governor Sonny Perdue has announced the 13 Georgia communities chosen to receive grants awarded by the state’s “Away From Home” recycling program.
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Bridge Repair Bill Approved by House Transportation Committee
Carolyn Berndt, National League of Cities
11/15/2007
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently approved a bill to authorize $2 billion in general funds over two years to create a new program to repair thousands of structurally deficient bridges in the National Highway System (NHS) across the country.
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Governor Encourages 'Deliberative' Approach to Tax Reform
11/5/2007
Governor Sonny Perdue encouraged a "thoughtful and deliberative" approach to tax reform, citing Georgia's strong economy and reputation as a good place to do business.
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