Breaking Newshttp://www.gmanet.com/Feed.aspx?type=Rss20&method=Category&title=Breaking News&descr=Breaking News&criteria=b257834d-55e3-dd11-8885-001635adf132Breaking NewsThu, 09 Sep 2010 10:05:34 GMTen-usForum Ignites Statewide Dialogue on Georgia’s Future http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=54121http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=54121 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:42:00 GMTMore than 200 stakeholders from Georgia’s academic, civic, economic, and government institutions met for the inaugural GeorgiaForward Forum in Macon.]]>States pressed to fix local water systemshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=54131http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=54131 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:30:00 GMTAmerican cities are responsible for their own water systems. But when cities can’t afford to make urgently needed repairs, some states are stepping beyond their traditional roles to help finance upgrades to the nation’s aging water infrastructure. ]]>CDBG Grants Awardedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=54129http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=54129 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:11:00 GMTGeorgia has been awarded over $43 million in federal grants for the state’s Community Development Block Grant Program. ]]>GEFA Approves $85.5 million in Infrastructure Projectshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53943http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53943 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:00:00 GMTGEFA recently announced the approval of financing for nine infrastructure projects totaling $85.5 million. ]]>Atlanta Mayor Offers Plan to Council on Tax Reformhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53807http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53807 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:27:00 GMTAtlanta Mayor Kasim Reed presented his vision for improving the State of Georgia’s revenue structure to the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians. ]]>Mandatory Collective Bargaining Dead, for Nowhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53421http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53421 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:05:00 GMTRecent efforts to pass mandatory federal collective bargaining legislation failed. ]]>Changes to Ethics Act Impacts Filershttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53345http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53345 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:48:00 GMTPassage of  the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Act of 2010 will impact local filing officers, as well as each local candidate and public officer in the state. ]]>Mayor Walks the Walk of City History, Wellnesshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=53313http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=53313 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:14:00 GMTA walk with McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland is a walk through the city’s history – and a way of ensuring a healthier future ]]>DOT Releases Draft Criteria for Regional Transportation Taxhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53107http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=53107 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:47:00 GMTGeorgia DOT Planning Director Todd Long recently released the draft regional criteria for investments that can be funded with revenues from a regional transportation tax in 2012. ]]>Local Governments Cutting Jobs and Serviceshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=52777http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=52777 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:30:00 GMTNew survey research shows that local governments are now facing a fiscal crisis that will force job losses approaching 500,000 and significant cuts in much needed public services. ]]>Study says Georgia has shortchanged Hall Countyhttp://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/35798/http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/35798/ Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:37:00 GMTStudy says Georgia has shortchanged Hall County]]>Three Water/Sewer Projects Awarded Loanshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=52595http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=52595 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:36:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue recently announced that the GEFA executive committee approved the financing for three environmental infrastructure projects totaling $4.2 million. ]]>Tour of Savannah Port Results in New GMA Legislative Policy http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=52569http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=52569 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:21:00 GMTGMA's Legislative Policy Council recently approved a new policy encouraging Georgia’s congressional delegation to “aggressively” seek approval of $119 million in funding to deepen the Savannah Harbor. ]]>Requirements for Municipal Training Certificates to Changehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=52351http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=52351 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:40:00 GMTIn 2009, the Municipal Training Board added a new level of certificate, The Certificate of Distinction, and also voted to change the requirements for other levels of certificate. These new requirements take effect in January 2011. ]]>Three Inducted into Municipal Hall of Famehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51729http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51729 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:15:00 GMTGMA inducted former Monroe Mayor Knox Bell, retired Calhoun city administrator Cathy Harrison and current Aldora Mayor and former Barnesville Mayor Jimmy Matthews into the Municipal Government Hall of Fame at the association's annual convention in Savannah. ]]>Steele Elected GMA Presidenthttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51745http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51745 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:00:00 GMTFayetteville Mayor Ken Steele was elected president of the GMA during the association’s annual meeting in Savannah June 28. ]]>Five cities, one county recognized for ethics ordinancehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51798http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51798 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:00:00 GMTFive cities and one county were recognized for their ethics ordinance during GMA's Annual Convention in Savannah. ]]>Madison Developers Win Renaissance Awardhttp://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/Award.aspx?CNID=51742http://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/Award.aspx?CNID=51742 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:00:00 GMTMadison Developers Win Renaissance Award]]>Sandy Springs Mayor Receives ‘People, Place & Purpose’ Awardhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51800http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51800 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:15:00 GMTSandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos received the “People, Place and Purpose” Award from GMA during the association’s annual meeting in Savannah June 27. ]]>Local Jobs for America Act Introduced in the Senatehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51646http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51646 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:33:00 GMTThe Local Jobs for America Act was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate, a companion to legislation that was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year. ]]>City Officials Talk Politics and Policyhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51440http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51440 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:01:00 GMTIf the July primaries were held today, the opinion of city officials on who would win the Republican and Democratic primaries track most other polls. But who city officials think would win the general election might surprise some. ]]>Obama pushes for more state aidhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51406http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51406 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:52:00 GMTPresident Obama took up the cause of state and local governments as he urged congressional leaders to boost funding for health care and schools. ]]>Mandatory Collective Bargaining Legislation on Hold — For Nowhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51184http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=51184 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:02:00 GMTEfforts by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to attach the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act as an amendment to another bill once again failed. ]]>Swainsboro Gets Creative to Market Downtown, Fill Vacancieshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=51127http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=51127 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:02:00 GMTThere were very few days in early 2009 that the news didn’t mention how the ailing economy was affecting Main Street America. ]]>Health Promotion Grants Awardedhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=51124http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=51124 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:27:00 GMTMore than $120,000 was recently distributed to 24 members of the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System (GMEBS) Life and Health Insurance Fund to create or improve existing work place health promotion and wellness programs. ]]>Audio: New ACCG Executive Director Addresses LPChttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=50838http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=50838 Wed, 26 May 2010 18:39:00 GMTNew ACCG Executive Director Ross King addressed GMA's Legislative Policy Council in Macon on May 20. ]]>Report Finds Continued Decline in Local Fiscal Conditionshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=50813http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=50813 Wed, 26 May 2010 12:14:00 GMTFrom employment to the stability of the housing market, signs of growth that may be making their way into the national picture are not yet evident in many local economies across the country. ]]>NLC Makes Push for Livable Communities Acthttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=50545http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=50545 Mon, 17 May 2010 15:30:00 GMTThe National League of Cities is pursuing a number of strategies in support of the Livable Communities Act currently before Congress, including addressing concerns that rural communities may not be adequately addressed by the initiative. ]]>$6.9 million in funding for infrastructure projects approvedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=50481http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=50481 Fri, 14 May 2010 12:35:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue recently announced the approval of funding for five environmental infrastructure projects totaling $6.9 million. ]]>Federal Water Infrastructure Legislation Introducedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=50304http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=50304 Mon, 10 May 2010 14:42:00 GMTTwo separate pieces of legislation introduced in the Senate and House demonstrate a Congressional focus on water infrastructure and clean water issues. ]]>The 'Amazon tax' war escalateshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49857http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49857 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:53:00 GMTEvery consumer knows that shopping online can be a handy way to avoid paying sales tax on books, CDs and electronics. But not nearly as many know that they're still supposed to pay tax on these purchases. ]]>Transportation bill triggers complex machinationshttp://savannahnow.com/news/2010-04-26/transportation-bill-triggers-complex-machinationshttp://savannahnow.com/news/2010-04-26/transportation-bill-triggers-complex-machinations Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:16:00 GMTTransportation bill triggers complex machinations]]>Federal Mandatory Collective Bargaining Legislation Poised to Passhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49624http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49624 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:34:00 GMTThe Senate and House last week moved one step closer to passing a federal mandatory collective bargaining bill. ]]>Audio: GMA update on 2010 Legislative Sessionhttp://www.gmanet.com/LegislativeSession/Default.aspx?CNID=49539http://www.gmanet.com/LegislativeSession/Default.aspx?CNID=49539 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:15:00 GMTGMA's Lamar Norton highlights some of the remaining legislative issues important to city officials. ]]>Rating Agencies Move to Recalibrate City Ratingshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49412http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49412 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:30:00 GMTAll three major credit-rating services are moving to rate municipal debt based on the likelihood of default, which is the standard used for corporate debt. ]]>State Offering 80-100 Percent Subsidy For Adult & Youth Employmenthttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49236http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49236 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:11:00 GMTCities with staffing needs and tight budgets are encouraged to consider the Jobs for Georgians and TeenWork programs. ]]>Winners Chosen in "If I Were Mayor, I Would..." Essay Contesthttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49111http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=49111 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:45:00 GMTMore than 6,200 6th graders in Georgia tackled the topic of what they would if they were mayor in GMA's 10th annual "If I Were Mayor, I Would . . ." essay contest. ]]>Recovery Zone Bond Re-allocationhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48957http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48957 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:19:00 GMTThe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 created two new bond programs: Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds and Recovery Zone Facility Bonds. ]]>Energy efficiency and renewable energy projects fundedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48941http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48941 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:13:00 GMTSixty-four communities in Georgia have earned grant funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. ]]>$46 Million for Water and Sewer Projects Approvedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48833http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48833 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:26:00 GMTGov. Perdue recently announced that GEFA has approved $46 million in funding for seven environmental infrastructure projects. ]]>City Officials Join Ride and Rally for Improved Bicycling Conditionshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48831http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48831 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:14:00 GMTMore than 1,000 cyclists, including several metro Atlanta mayors and council members, biked their way to the State Capitol building on March 23 as part of the Georgia Rides to the Capitol event. ]]>Ten Communities to Receive Historic Preservation Grantshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48588http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48588 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:21:00 GMTTen Georgia communities will be receiving a federally funded grant to conduct historic preservation projects. ]]>NLC Testifies Against Federal Collective Bargaining Legislationhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48539http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48539 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:20:00 GMTThe Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009 would require that every state, county, city and town collectively bargain with their police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and corrections officers, regardless of state and local laws. ]]>State Owes Local Governments $18 Millionhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48418http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=48418 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:09:00 GMTGeorgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker, in an Official Opinion requested by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, has said that the state owes local governments $18 million in unidentified sales taxes. ]]>Negotiations for Service Delivery Requires Strategyhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=48310http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=48310 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:03:00 GMTA number of Georgia cities are or will soon be engaged in the delicate process of negotiating a new service delivery strategy (SDS) with its county or counties. It’s not always an easy process. ]]>Concerns flow about transportation funding billhttp://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/concerns-flow-about-transportation-342646.htmlhttp://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/concerns-flow-about-transportation-342646.html Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:09:00 GMTConcerns flow about transportation funding bill]]>Lawmakers eye potential $300 million sales tax windfallhttp://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/lawmakers-eye-potential-300-295246.html?cxtype=rss_news_128746http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/lawmakers-eye-potential-300-295246.html?cxtype=rss_news_128746 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:21:00 GMTLawmakers eye potential $300 million sales tax windfall]]>Senate Begins Work on Jobs Billhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=47473http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=47473 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:30:00 GMTEfforts to jumpstart the ailing U.S. economy continued last week when Senate leaders announced their intention to bring to the floor an $81 billion package to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. ]]>Boom times turn bad for area governmentshttp://www.ajc.com/news/boom-times-turn-bad-292401.html?cxtype=rss_news_81960http://www.ajc.com/news/boom-times-turn-bad-292401.html?cxtype=rss_news_81960 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:29:00 GMTBoom times turn bad for area governments]]>Georgia Water Stewardship Act proposedhttp://www.gmanet.com/LegislativeSession/Default.aspx?CNID=47351http://www.gmanet.com/LegislativeSession/Default.aspx?CNID=47351 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:19:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue announced on Wednesday, February 3 a comprehensive proposal that will encourage water conservation, reduce wasteful loss and incentivize innovation in both increasing water supply and lessening demand. ]]>Georgia Cities Foundation Celebrates 10 Years Helping Create Great Downtowns http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=47335http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=47335 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:24:00 GMTWhile many may have seen three decaying adjoining properties on North Board Street in downtown Monroe as prime for the wrecking ball, developer Rick Huszagh saw their promise. ]]>Paulding County certified as a Certified County of Ethicshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=47074http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=47074 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:19:00 GMTPaulding County is the first county in the state to earn the voluntary “Cities of Ethics” designation, joining 211 cities that have also earned the designation. ]]>City Leaders Sing Praises of Afterschool Programshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=47000http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=47000 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:30:00 GMTIt was a tent-revival atmosphere when nearly 100 city officials came together Friday, Jan. 22 at the Atlanta Hilton to discuss afterschool care in Georgia. ]]>Governor Perdue Announces Transportation Investment Planhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=46738http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=46738 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:55:00 GMTGovernor Perdue announced on Thursday, January 14 a comprehensive plan to provide additional resources to invest in Georgia’s transportation network. ]]>Rural Leaders Seek Solutionshttp://www.gpb.org/news/2010/01/11/rural-leaders-seek-solutionshttp://www.gpb.org/news/2010/01/11/rural-leaders-seek-solutions Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:31:00 GMTRural Leaders Seek Solutions]]>GMA's Jim Higdon answers property tax reform questionshttp://beyondthetrestle.com/node/223http://beyondthetrestle.com/node/223 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:42:00 GMTGMA's Jim Higdon answers property tax reform questions]]>Monroe Plans Seek Balance for Growth, Communityhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=46505http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=46505 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:50:00 GMTThe city of Monroe recently completed a planning and coding charrette that brought together local residents, city and county official as well as area-wide environmental organizations to collaborate and share their vision about the future of the city. ]]>Budget, Politics Come Together for 2010 Sessionhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=46461http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=46461 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:32:00 GMT
When legislators gather in Atlanta later this month for the start of the legislative session, they will be facing a financial situation unlike any previous sessions.
]]>E-Verify and SAVE Deadlines Loominghttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45617http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45617 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:36:00 GMTJanuary 1, 2010 is the effective date of House Bill 2 which expanded the existing E-Verify and SAVE mandates. ]]>NLC Announces Strategies for Job Creationhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45610http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45610 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:00:00 GMTA day after NLC in a letter to the President announced four key strategies for advancing economic prosperity and creating jobs quickly, President Obama outlined some of the broad steps he believes should be at the heart of the country’s efforts to accelerate job growth. ]]>$8.25 million awarded for economic development projectshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45465http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45465 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:56:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue and the OneGeorgia Authority Board have approved $8.25 million in grants and loans for economic development projects. ]]>NLC: Look to Cities to Save and Create Jobshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45411http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45411 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:46:00 GMTIn letters to President Obama and Congressional leadership, the National League of Cities outlined four key strategies to advance economic prosperity for the nation.]]>Green Energy Good Investment, Official Sayshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45410http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45410 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:38:00 GMTKateri Callahan, president of the Washington, D.C.–based Alliance to Save Energy, called on metro Atlanta’s elected, business and civic leaders to lead the state towards becoming more energy efficient. ]]>Cities earn "green" certificationhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45321http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45321 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:36:00 GMTFour cities and two counties in the Atlanta region are the latest jurisdictions to earn Green Communities Certification for leadership in reducing their environmental impact. ]]>$5.7 million approved for water/sewer loanshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45015http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=45015 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:16:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue recently announced the approval of seven environmental infrastructure project loans totaling almost $5.7 million. ]]>Cities Lead Metro Region in Development Innovation http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=44972http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=44972 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:35:00 GMTThe metro Atlanta region will continue to grow and cities continue to be leaders in producing innovative and sustainable development projects.]]>Cities Increase Green Building Programs 50 Percent Since 2007http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=44955http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=44955 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:11:00 GMTIn the wake of an extended global economic slump, local communities are pushing ahead and expanding their green building programs. ]]>Tourism Marketing Grants Awardedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=44433http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=44433 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:40:00 GMTThe Georgia Department of Economic Development recently awarded co-operative tourism marketing grants to communities across the state. ]]>COPS Funds Provide More Officershttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=44214http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=44214 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:00:00 GMTWhile cities across Georgia will be adding police officers thanks to the COPS Hiring Recovery program, many of those officers won’t be on patrol for several more months, and the cost of adding additional officers won’t be cheap. ]]>Trial Court Rules in Favor of Cities in Gwinnett SDS Disputehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=44010http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=44010 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:09:00 GMTIn a win for municipal taxpayers, a trial court judge has ruled in favor of the cities in Gwinnett County in a dispute between them and the county concerning the proper funding of services as required by the Service Delivery Strategy Act. ]]>State law requires cities to comply with federal SAVE Programhttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=42442http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=42442 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:20:00 GMTLegislation passed during the 2009 Legislative Session requires Georgia’s cities to comply with the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. ]]>$6.7 million in loans approved for water/sewer infrastructure projectshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=43633http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=43633 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:40:00 GMTGov. Sonny Perdue recently announced the approval of five environmental infrastructure project loans totaling just over $6.7 million. ]]>Appalachian Regional Commission Grants awardedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=43494http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=43494 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:20:00 GMTGov. Perdue recently announced 19 grant awards from the Appalachian Regional Commission. ]]>City officials appointed to Gov. Perdue's 2010 Census Complete Count Committeehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=43427http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=43427 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:29:00 GMTFour city officials have been appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to the newly-formed Complete Count Committee.  ]]>Being Friends with Online Followers Can be Tweethttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=43004http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=43004 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMTWhen severe weather threatened the city of Tyrone last July, Police Chief Brandon Perkins didn’t just post an advisory to the city website, issue a press release and cross his fingers in the hope that residents would get the notice. ]]>Municipal Officials Encouraged To Support Lights On Afterschool http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=42923http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=42923 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:49:00 GMTA group of elementary school students in the New Hope Elementary Afterschool Program in McDonough designed the winning poster celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Lights On Afterschool. ]]>Making Suburbia More Livablehttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203674704574330801650897252.htmlhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203674704574330801650897252.html Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:04:00 GMTMaking Suburbia More Livable]]>Youth volunteer adds whimsy to city vehicles in Clarkesvillehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=42180http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=42180 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:27:00 GMTFourteen-year-old Sarah Samsel has volunteered with the City of Clarkesville for the past 4-1/2 years. ]]>Georgia Communities to Receive $37 Million in Federal Grantshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=42006http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=42006 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:04:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue recently announced Georgia has been awarded nearly $37 million in federal grants for the state’s Community Development Block Grant Program and Community HOME Investment Program. ]]>State Budget Cuts Put Squeeze on Citieshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=41944http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=41944 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:57:00 GMTAs the state tries to balance its budget by slashing services, its cities are being forced to pick up the slack or do without and they're not happy about it.]]>Cities' Financial Conditions Worsenhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=41887http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=41887 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:13:00 GMTCities are in the early stages of registering the effects of the nation's economic downturn, according to the National League of Cities (NLC) annual report on fiscal conditions. ]]>FEMA grants awarded for fire prevention activitieshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=41638http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=41638 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:20:00 GMTFEMA recently awarded Assistance to Firefighters Grants to four Georgia fire departments for fire prevention activities. ]]>Sewer infrastructure loans approved for 22 communitieshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=41636http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=41636 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:26:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue recently announced the approval of 22 environmental infrastructure project loans totaling $41 million. ]]>Tri-State Water Fight Spurs Questions On Growthhttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111639702http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111639702 Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:35:00 GMTTri-State Water Fight Spurs Questions On Growth]]>Over $30 million from feds to fund law enforcement hiring in Georgiahttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40703http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40703 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:18:00 GMTForty-eight agencies in Georgia will receive over $30 million from the federal government to hire and train 184 law enforcement officers.]]>This City Knows How To Tell A Storyhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40603http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40603 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:27:00 GMTThe city of Decatur has embraced the concept of "story," one of the principles Daniel Pink discusses in his book, A Whole New Mind, Why Right-Brainers Will Rule The Future. ]]>Alpharetta, Decatur earn Green Communities Certificationhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40550http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40550 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:49:00 GMTThe cities of Alpharetta and Decatur, along with Cobb County, were the first three communities to qualify for Green Communities Certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission. ]]>Over $43 million in loans approved for water, sewer infrastructure projectshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40482http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40482 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:59:00 GMTTwenty-three cities and one county are the recipients of $43.1 million in environmental infrastructure loans. ]]>State Facilities Exempt from Local Stormwater Regulationshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40208http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=40208 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:43:00 GMTAttorney General Thurbert Baker issued an Official Opinion at the request of DOT which states that state facilities are not subject to local government ordinances regulating post-development stormwater run-off. ]]>Three Inducted into Municipal Hall of Famehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39574http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39574 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:50:00 GMTGMA inducted Sylvania Mayor Margaret Evans, Ball Ground Mayor Rick Roberts and Douglas Mayor Jackie Wilson into the Municipal Government Hall of Fame at the association's annual convention in Savannah.]]>Three more cities certified as a City of Ethicshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39571http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39571 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:45:00 GMTThree new cities received the City of Ethics designation during GMA's Annual Convention in Savannah while sixteen cities were recertified as Cities of Ethics. ]]>Feds Announce Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communitieshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39539http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39539 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:17:00 GMTFederal partnership sets forth 6 "livability principles" to coordinate policy. ]]>Funding for environmental projects approvedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39485http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39485 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:04:00 GMTEleven cities and counties recently received $91.5 million in funding for environmental infrastructure projects. ]]>City officials look to 2010http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39409http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=39409 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:11:00 GMTIf the 2010 elections were held today, city officials say Roy Barnes would face "Don't Know" in the race for governor and Lt. Governor Cagle would win his re-election bid without too much trouble. ]]>Cities Turn To Creativity in Lean Timeshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=39142http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=39142 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:08:00 GMTPick up any newspaper around the state and you are bound to see an article about a city grappling to balance its budget. ]]>Regional Cooperation: A Pathway to Economic Recoveryhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38916http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38916 Thu, 28 May 2009 15:03:00 GMTRegional cooperation is a proven way to reduce costs, increase economic competitiveness, manage development impacts and create new opportunities and synergies between communities. ]]>Oakwood City Manager Awarded Bronze Star http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38858http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38858 Wed, 27 May 2009 11:21:00 GMTThe U.S. Army has awarded Oakwood City Manager Stan Brown, a U.S. Air Force reservist currently serving in Iraq, with the prestigious Bronze Star Medal. ]]>GEFA Approves Two Infrastructure Projects http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38739http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38739 Wed, 20 May 2009 19:03:00 GMTThe Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) board of directors recetnly approved financing of water and sewer infrastructure projects in Athens-Clarke and Madison County. ]]>ARC Funds Eight LCI Studieshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38622http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38622 Fri, 15 May 2009 15:24:00 GMTThe Atlanta Regional Commission has selected eight communities to receive supplemental grants under its Livable Centers Initiative program. ]]>Two Towns Bet on Medicine for Dying Baseshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38411http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38411 Tue, 12 May 2009 10:58:00 GMTBoth Athens and Atlanta could know as early as this year if their plans for a pair of decommissioned military posts are good enough to get property worth at least $550 million for cheap or free. ]]>A Streetcar Named Savannahhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38410http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38410 Mon, 11 May 2009 10:54:00 GMTSavannah has quietly become the first city in Georgia to re-launch the streetcar. City officials say the service marks another first: it’s the only hybrid biodiesel streetcar of its kind in North America. ]]>UGA Local Government Practicum: Students Learn by Doinghttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38246http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=38246 Tue, 05 May 2009 17:00:00 GMTThe eleven MPA students enrolled in the UGA Local Government Practicum made their final presentations to their client cities, guest city managers, and GMA staff on Thursday, April 30 and May 1, 2009. ]]>Study Fails to Establish Link between Cancer and Firefightinghttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=37836http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=37836 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:41:00 GMTA recently released study found there is inadequate scientific research to determine a link between working as a firefighter and an elevated risk of contracting cancer. ]]>$207 Million in Stimulus Road Projects Certifiedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=37619http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=37619 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:15:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue recently announced that he has submitted the required “1511 Certification” on 67 road projects around the state that will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ]]>$6.2 Million to Finance Water Infrastructure Improvements Announcedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=37029http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=37029 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:17:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue recently announced the approval of two Georgia Fund loan commitments of $5,200,000 and one Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) commitment of $1,000,000. ]]>Communities to Receive Federal Historic Preservation Grants http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=37028http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=37028 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:03:00 GMTTen Georgia communities will be receiving a federally funded grant to conduct historic preservation projects. ]]>Report: State tax revenue takes a divehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=36806http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=36806 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:44:00 GMTTotal tax collections in at least 35 states slipped in the last three months of 2008. ]]>Appointments Made to Regional Water Councils http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=35809http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=35809 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:55:00 GMTGovernor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson have announced their selections for members of Georgia’s regional water planning councils. ]]>Douglas Hopes to Get MOST Out of Sessionhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=35714http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=35714 Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:48:00 GMTThe cost to replace 100 year-old water and sewer lines, as well building a new wastewater treatment plant, could cost up to $100 million for this town of 10,000. ]]>Bitter Tea In Richland: Town's water contamination highlights infrastructure problems statewidehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=35527http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=35527 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:53:00 GMTThe story of Richland's failed pipes is also one of failed politics, one that may require a state-level solution. ]]>Engineers give nation's infrastrucutre a "D"http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=35422http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=35422 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:07:00 GMTDecades of underfunding and inattention have jeopardized the ability of our nation’s infrastructure to support our economy and facilitate our way of life. ]]>$9.4 million in water and sewer infrastructure loans approvedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=35363http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=35363 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:04:00 GMTGEFA recently announced the approval of four Georgia Fund loan commitments of $7,932,800 and one Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) sewer loan of $1,500,000. ]]>States, cities spar over stimulus moneyhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=34369http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=34369 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:08:00 GMTThe nation’s cities and counties are asking Obama transition officials to give them most of the infrastructure money from the multibillion-dollar economic stimulus package, setting off a dispute with the states over who can launch transportation projects the fastest. ]]>Property Tax Assessment Cap Legislation Introducedhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=33745http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=33745 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:57:00 GMTRep. Ed Lindsey (R-Atlanta) recently pre-filed House Resolution 1, a proposed Constitutional Amendment to cap annual property assessment increases. ]]>GEFA Publishes Inventory and Survey of Reservoir Sites http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=33504http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=33504 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:57:00 GMTDuring the 2008 legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly passed and Governor Perdue signed the Georgia Water Supply Act of 2008 (SB342). ]]>Report Reveals Strains and Savings for Georgia Familieshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=33255http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=33255 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:51:00 GMTA report released today finds Georgia families with two parents and two children need between $31,000 and $56,000 in annual income to be self-sufficient, depending on the county. ]]>New State Service to Assist Local Governments with Water Supply Projectshttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=32630http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=32630 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:15:00 GMTFour state agencies announced today the launch of the Water Supply Technical Assistance Program (WSTA), a new state service designed to provide a “one stop shop” for local governments to receive guidance related to developing water supply projects, particularly the development of new reservoirs or the modification of existing reservoirs for water supply purposes. ]]>Lights Out? Cities Cut Budgets, Try to Spare Serviceshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=30046http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=30046 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:35:00 GMTForget about cutting down to the bone – city governments across Georgia are drilling into the marrow to fund services. Reserve funds have taken a hit, and several cities – despite making cuts – still find they need to raise taxes in order to fund essential services. ]]>Roswell mayor finds park in his pockethttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=29267http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=29267 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:24:00 GMTDeep in the woods along King Road near where Jere Wood grew up, there was a gurgling brook where he and his friends loved to wade and explore. It was just the sort of Huckleberry place that most of us recall fondly from our childhood. ]]>Victory in Open Records Casehttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=26733http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=26733 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:47:00 GMTThe Georgia Supreme Court, in a four to three decision, recently ruled that records in a police investigation are not subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act until the case is closed. ]]>Cities Recognized for Taking Time to Playhttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=20929http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=20929 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:58:00 GMTAll 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. ]]>