http://www.gmanet.com/Feed.aspx?type=Rss20&method=Category&title=Breaking News&descr=Breaking News&criteria=b257834d-55e3-dd11-8885-001635adf132Breaking NewsSun, 19 May 2013 17:01:17 GMTen-ushttp://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=81627http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=81627 Tue, 14 May 2013 00:47:00 GMTThe Marketplace Fairness Act (MFA), S. 743, passed the U.S.Senate on May 6 by a vote of 69-27. Sen. Isakson and Sen. Chambliss both voted for the bill's passage. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=81506http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=81506 Wed, 08 May 2013 13:44:00 GMTRebecca Ledlow, a 6th grader at Southeast Bulloch Middle School in Brooklet, would listen to others, protect the environment and bring business to town if she were mayor. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81467http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81467 Tue, 07 May 2013 18:32:00 GMTGeorgia’s smaller cities are looking for more technical assistance and seeking budget solutions, according to meetings GMA has had with small city leaders around the state. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=81248http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=81248 Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:31:00 GMTOn Friday, April 25, the Marketplace Fairness Act advanced in the Senate by clearing its fourth procedural hurdle this year. The Senate adjourned for a one week recess and will return for final consideration of the bill on Monday, May 6. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Convention/Program.aspx#tab-3http://www.gmanet.com/Convention/Program.aspx#tab-3 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:22:00 GMTGMA Adds Pre-Convention Workshop]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80892http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80892 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:21:00 GMT GMA has learned that the Marketplace Fairness Act, S. 336, could come up for a vote on the Senate floor as early as next week. ]]>http://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/BusTour.aspx?CNID=80690http://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/BusTour.aspx?CNID=80690 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:28:00 GMTHeart and Soul Bus Tour Showcases Downtown Progress]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80733http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80733 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:56:00 GMTPresident Obama’s FY2014 budget proposal includes measures designed to bring in additional revenues by closing tax loopholes. Among the proposals is a 28 percent cap on tax-exempt interest for municipal bonds, a limitation that the President sought in FY2013. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80438http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80438 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:45:00 GMTEarlier this year, United States Senator Saxby Chambliss announced he would not seek re-election when his term ends in 2014. This will mark the end of a long career of public service for Chambliss, who was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80364http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80364 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:12:00 GMTFour Georgia cities received federally funded grants to conduct historic preservation projects]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80121http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80121 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:55:00 GMTOn March 20, federal district court judge Thomas Thrash issued a permanent injunction preventing enforcement of portions of the Georgia's immigration laws. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80104http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80104 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:26:00 GMTJust before departing Washington for a two week recess, the Senate passed an amendment to the FY2014 Budget Resolution by a vote of 75 - 24 that puts the Senate on record as supporting the Marketplace Fairness Act. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80119http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=80119 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:46:00 GMTThe cities of Alma, Calhoun, Tybee Island, and the Polk County Water, Sewage & Solid Waste Authority, were recently awarded financing totaling $9,700,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA). ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=79982http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=79982 Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:28:00 GMTAs both houses of Congress continue to debate budget issues, both the muni bond tax exemption and Marketplace Fairness Act remain in play. GMA encourages city officials to stay in touch with their contacts in federal offices and request their support. ]]>http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2013/03/20/buzz-wachsteter-fighting-for-internet-tax-fairness/http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2013/03/20/buzz-wachsteter-fighting-for-internet-tax-fairness/ Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:32:00 GMTBuzz Wachsteter: Fighting for Internet Tax Fairness]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=79266http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=79266 Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:59:00 GMTAs Congress and the Administration continue the debate over the national deficit, federal budget, and tax code reform, most of the news has focused on the political standoff associated with sequestration. Two areas that appear to have bipartisan support, removing the tax exemption on interest paid for municipal bonds and legislation to begin enforcing the collection of taxes on remote/internet sales, impact cities directly. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=79265http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=79265 Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:12:00 GMTCity officials from Elberton, Thomasville and Lagrange told legislators at a Georgia House Energy, Utility and Telecommunications subcommittee hearing that HB 282 could impede economic development in rural Georgia. HB 282 would limit the ability of Georgia cities to deploy or expand broadband service in their communities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/LifeHealth.aspx?CNID=79241http://www.gmanet.com/LifeHealth.aspx?CNID=79241 Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:01:00 GMTA requirement that employers provide a notice required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to their employees about health insurance exchanges by March 1, 2013, has been indefinitely delayed. ]]>http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2013/02/27/the-need-for-speed/http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2013/02/27/the-need-for-speed/ Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:47:00 GMTThe Need for Speed]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78823http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78823 Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:21:00 GMTRep. Allen Peake (R-Macon) presented HB 128, the Georgia Renaissance Act, to the House Ways and Means Income Tax Subcommittee on Wednesday, February 13. ]]>http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2013/02/12/a-narrow-minded-approach-to-broadband/http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2013/02/12/a-narrow-minded-approach-to-broadband/ Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:34:00 GMTA Narrow Minded Approach to Broadband]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78758http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78758 Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:20:00 GMTCities leaders from across the state spent January 25, the Friday afternoon before the Georgia Municipal Association’s Mayors’ Day, talking and brainstorming ideas about how they can play a greater role in improving the state’s education system. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78358http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78358 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:38:00 GMTThe Georgia Environmental Finance Authority awarded $13,455,529 to seven local governments for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements on January 29, 2013. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78353http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78353 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:53:00 GMTWith action getting underway in the new Congress, NLC and city leaders are preparing to make their voices heard on a number of key legislative priorities that are likely to be considered this year. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68958http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68958 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:15:00 GMTIn the ongoing effort of the Georgia Department of Transportation to provide the best possible information on our state’s road network, the department is asking for each city and county to provide it with the total number of paved and unpaved roads within their jurisdiction. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78068http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=78068 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:57:00 GMTThe Board of the Department of Natural Resources has approved a rule change that creates a new permitting process for inert landfills.]]>http://www.gpb.org/news/2013/01/11/bill-would-boost-downtown-investment?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+GPBNewsFeed+(GPB+News)http://www.gpb.org/news/2013/01/11/bill-would-boost-downtown-investment?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+GPBNewsFeed+(GPB+News) Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:02:00 GMTBill Would Boost Downtown Investment ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/PropertyLiability.aspx?CNID=57501http://www.gmanet.com/PropertyLiability.aspx?CNID=57501 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:45:00 GMTThe Board of Trustees of GMA’s property and liability insurance program has declared a $5 million dividend for the May 1, 2013, renewal ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=77798http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=77798 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:10:00 GMTOn New Years’ Day, 2013, Congress approved legislation to address the year-end tax hikes and spending cuts commonly referred to as the “fiscal cliff." Importantly for cities, the bill does not call for any changes to the tax exemption status of municipal bonds. ]]>http://wabe.org/post/debate-over-new-georgia-cities-returns-legislaturehttp://wabe.org/post/debate-over-new-georgia-cities-returns-legislature Sat, 05 Jan 2013 13:05:00 GMTDebate Over New Georgia Cities Returns to the Legislature]]>http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2012/dec/21/judge-hands-down-states-first-baseball-arbitration/http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2012/dec/21/judge-hands-down-states-first-baseball-arbitration/ Sat, 22 Dec 2012 18:51:00 GMTTurner municipalities win historic first arbitration ruling]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=77352http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=77352 Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:06:00 GMT The cities of Edison, Jeffersonville and Patterson were awarded financing totaling $836,684 for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) executive committee today.]]>http://www.13wmaz.com/news/article/208102/175/Tax-Credits-Proposed-to-Revitalize-Georgia-Downtownshttp://www.13wmaz.com/news/article/208102/175/Tax-Credits-Proposed-to-Revitalize-Georgia-Downtowns Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:37:00 GMTTax Credits Proposed to Revitalize Georgia Downtowns ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=77212http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=77212 Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:17:00 GMTAll local governments receiving proceeds from SPLOST must publish a SPLOST report in a newspaper of general circulation within that city or county and on the government website, if they have one, by December 31 of each year. ]]>http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2012/12/07/young-gamechangers-aim-to-help-americus/http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2012/12/07/young-gamechangers-aim-to-help-americus/ Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:51:00 GMTYoung Gamechangers Aim to Help Americus]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=76855http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=76855 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:13:00 GMTPaul Radford, GMA's Deputy Director for External Affairs, has been making presentations around the state about the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Act. In this Q&A, he briefly talks about the proposed legislation and its importance to Georgia's downtowns and the state. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=76845http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=76845 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:55:00 GMTThe National League of Cities Board of Directors have appointed Clarence E. Anthony as NLC's new Executive Director. Anthony served as mayor of South Bay, Florida, for 24 years and is past president of both NLC and the Florida League of Cities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=76839http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=76839 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:56:00 GMTGMA would like to remind Georgia's cities that the 2012 reports for Georgia's immigration laws are all due by the end of the year. ]]>http://www.metroatlantamayors.org/News.aspx?CNID=76697http://www.metroatlantamayors.org/News.aspx?CNID=76697 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:28:00 GMTGovernor Deal Addresses Metro Atlanta Mayors ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=76637http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=76637 Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:28:00 GMTWith less than six weeks to go before more than $100 billion in automatic spending cuts to federal defense and non-defense programs start taking effect, pressure on Congress and the Administration to find other options for reducing the federal deficit continues with a wide range of diverse groups who will be hit hard by the cuts intensifying their lobbying campaigns in Washington. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76281http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76281 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:46:00 GMTThree separate state committees are looking at the issue of decriminalizing or reclassifying minor traffic offenses, with the goal of introducing legislation for the 2013 session. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75868http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75868 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:49:00 GMTEach year, the Georgia Planning Association rewards local communities and regional commissions for their work to make Georgia a better place to live. The 2012 Chapter Awards were given last month at GPA's Fall Conference held in Columbus to plans and projects that showed innovation, transferability, quality, effectiveness of implementation, comprehensiveness, public participation, technology, equity, sustainability and collaboration. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75765http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75765 Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:24:00 GMTTom Gehl, GMA’s Director of Governmental Relations, recently gave an update to GMA’s Board of Directors and Legislative Policy Council. In this Q&A, he provides an overview on what he sees as the issues and trends affecting cities and the political environment in Georgia. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75726http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75726 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:15:00 GMTGMA’s Legislative Policy Council recently amended the policies of GMA’s Environment & Natural Resource Policy Committee. The policy position on spent nuclear fuel is now part of GMA’s legislative policy document as a proposed federal policy position. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=75351http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=75351 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:45:00 GMTGeorgia DOT recently announced the official rollout of the FY 2013 LMIG program. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75335http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75335 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:01:00 GMT Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD), in an effort to improve the wastewater review process in its Watershed Protection Branch (WPB), will now require certification by a professional engineer on infrastructure plans and specifications submitted for WPB’s approval. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75247http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75247 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:29:00 GMTGeorgia's cities are required to file both a Public Benefits/SAVE Report and an E-Verify Report. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75239http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=75239 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:18:00 GMTLast week, after returning to Washington, DC, for a short work period following the August recess and the political conventions, the House of Representatives and the Senate both voted to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to extend federal government funding at current levels through March 2013 ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74982http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74982 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:20:00 GMTIf there is to be a more prosperous Georgia in the future, mayors and cities will lead the way, so concluded one of the keynote speakers at the 2012 Georgia Forward Forum. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=74976http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=74976 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:37:00 GMTCities continue to face the prolonged effects of the economic downturn according to a new report by the National League of Cities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74948http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74948 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:01:00 GMTA subcommittee of GMA’s Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee recently met to discuss the future of the Regional Water Planning Councils.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74616http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74616 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:07:00 GMTGov. Nathan Deal signed an executive order today naming the Governor’s Commission on Brookhaven. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=74612http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=74612 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:54:00 GMTThe state and local sales and use taxes on energy used in manufacturing will be phased out over a 4-year period, beginning January 1, 2013. Cities and counties can, however, adopt a local excise tax on energy used in manufacturing to replace the lost sales tax revenues. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=74585http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=74585 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:19:00 GMTProposed revisions to Georgia's comprehensive planning requirements will be voted on by the the Board of the Department of Community Affairs on November 7, 2012.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74518http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74518 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:22:00 GMTThe cities of Ashburn, Cuthbert, Jasper, Jeffersonville, Sylvester and Wadley were awarded financing totaling $5,752,573 for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) board of directors on August 28. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74041http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=74041 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:21:00 GMTWhen Elmer George took the helm of the Georgia Municipal Association in 1957, Georgia cities were often considered subservient to counties and had marginal political influence. When George retired 26 years later, Georgia cities and their advocate GMA, had risen to an influential and prominent role in the state government system. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=73798http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=73798 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:17:00 GMTAs part of a recent Senate Committee hearing examining why many online retailers are currently exempt from state sales tax laws, NLC urged the Senate to level the playing field between local and online retailers by passing the Market Place Fairness Act.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=73737http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=73737 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 21:27:00 GMT The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and Georgia Department of Community Affairs on Wednesday, August 1, awarded $90,490,866 in loans and $9,060,000 in state direct investment for eight water supply projects through the Governor’s Water Supply Program.]]>http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2012/07/26/sen-isakson-tells-local-officials-he-supports-cdbg-t-splost-and-internet-tax-fairness/http://peopleplacepurpose.com/2012/07/26/sen-isakson-tells-local-officials-he-supports-cdbg-t-splost-and-internet-tax-fairness/ Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:17:00 GMTSen. Isakson Tells Local Officials He Supports CDBG, T-SPLOST and Internet Tax Fairness]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=73135http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=73135 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 22:19:00 GMT Judge Harold Murphy has issued another order in the class action excise tax case brought by the City of Rome, Hart County, and other cities and counties against the online travel companies ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=73052http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=73052 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 20:43:00 GMTThe House Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2013 Interior-Environment spending bill, which funds the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, last week. The bill includes significant cuts to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) programs, which local governments rely on to help finance upgrades to wastewater and drinking water systems. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72968http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72968 Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:47:00 GMTOn Friday, both the House and Senate adopted the conference agreement on MAP-21, the federal surface transportation reauthorization bill, which originally expired on September 30, 2009 and had nine short term extensions. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72620http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72620 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:20:00 GMTGMA inducted Rome City Manager John Bennett, McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland and Gainesville Councilmember Myrtle Figueras into the Municipal Government Hall of Fame at the association’s annual convention in Savannah Monday, June 25.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72615http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72615 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:10:00 GMTEatonton Mayor John Reid was elected president of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) during the association’s annual meeting in Savannah June 25. He is the first city official from Eatonton to serve as president of the organization, which represents more than 500 cities in Georgia.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72619http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72619 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:43:00 GMTThree cities were recognized for earning the “Cities of Ethics,” designation at the Georgia Municipal Association’s Annual Convention in Savannah, June 25. The cities of Hamilton, McRae and Milledgeville join more than 200 cities that have received the City of Ethics designation.]]>http://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/Award.aspx?CNID=72633http://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/Award.aspx?CNID=72633 Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:58:00 GMTJohn Lewis Selected for Georgia Cities Foundation’s Renaissance Award]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=72638http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=72638 Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:39:00 GMT Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released an Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework to help local governments meet Clean Water Act water quality objectives and prioritize capital investments. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72533http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72533 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:10:00 GMTAccording to city officials, workforce development and infrastructure are the top two areas requiring the most attention to keep Georgia competitive.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72498http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72498 Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:13:00 GMTQuestions raised as to whether preclearance under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act would be necessary on an individual county basis for the upcoming July 31, 2012, T-SPLOST referenda have been put to rest. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72282http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72282 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 12:53:00 GMTOn June 5, 2012, United States District Court Judge Harold L. Murphy preliminarily approved a partial settlement in the class action excise tax case brought by the City of Rome, Hart County, and other cities and counties against the online travel companies, such as Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline and Orbitz. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72109http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=72109 Wed, 30 May 2012 18:25:00 GMTGeorgia cities that have a prosecuting attorney's office for their municipal court are required to submit copies of the resolution or ordinance creating the office to the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=71807http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=71807 Thu, 17 May 2012 09:59:00 GMTThe Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) recently announced the approval of $25 million in financing for environmental infrastructure projects in six Georgia communities.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=71737http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=71737 Tue, 15 May 2012 12:49:00 GMTU.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently announced that the Obama Administration is eliminating 46 regulations on traffic signs to provide more flexibility for state and local governments.The deadlines requiring that certain street name signs be replaced by 2018 to meet minimum retroreflectivity standards and requiring larger lettering on those street name signs are among the deadlines that will be eliminated. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=71733http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=71733 Tue, 15 May 2012 11:42:00 GMTWith the close of each Legislative Session, GMA looks to recognize those state representatives and senators who provided key support to Georgia’s cities during the most recent General Assembly term.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=71404http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=71404 Thu, 03 May 2012 12:53:00 GMTStates are hoping they don’t lose out in billions of dollars in tax breaks if Congress reforms the tax code this year. Groups representing governors and local governments have pressed Congress to essentially “do no harm” to state and local government coffers when crafting legislation to overhaul the U.S. tax code.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=71223http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=71223 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:06:00 GMT House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams (D-Atlanta) applauded the works of 12 sixth grade students for “solving all of Georgia’s problems in these 12 essays” as the keynote speaker at the awards luncheon for the “If I Were Mayor, I Would. . .” essay contest. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=70839http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=70839 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 GMTOn March 28, 2012, the US Senate introduced S.2245, a bill to prevent EPA and the Corps from moving forward with the “waters of the U.S.” guidance.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=70811http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=70811 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:38:00 GMTThe Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) took a big step forward on April 11, 2012, when the US Army Corps of Engineers announced the release of its final project report for review by federal and state agencies and the public.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=69934http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=69934 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:04:00 GMTThe U.S. Senate on Wednesday, March 14, approved a two-year, $109 billion dollar surface transportation bill by a vote of 74-22. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=69260http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=69260 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:14:00 GMTWhen Congress passed the payroll tax cut extension and the President signed it into law earlier this month, they paved the way for the creation of a nationwide public safety broadband network. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=69016http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=69016 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:56:00 GMTUniversity of Georgia (UGA) Vice President for Public Service and Outreach Jennifer Frum announced the appointment of Laura Meadows as director of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government on Wednesday, February 15. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68792http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68792 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:52:00 GMTYears of litigation came to an end Feb. 7 when 14 Gwinnett County cities signed a settlement with the county and finalized the Service Delivery Strategy as required by state law. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68758http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68758 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:52:00 GMTSeveral leading technology businesses, including Google, are urging state senators to vote against a bill that would severely limit cities’ abilities to provide broadband and telecom services. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=68741http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=68741 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:21:00 GMTThe Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), in cooperation with GMA and ACCG, has developed a Statewide Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68687http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68687 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:48:00 GMTLeaders from eight municipalities told the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee that Sen. Chip Rogers’ broadband bill would impede broadband access to residents and business owners in their communities and negatively impact their ability to attract economic development to their cities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68497http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68497 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:06:00 GMTSix Georgia cities are featured in the February issue of Georgia Trend, the state’s largest business and political magazine, as the newest Trendsetters in municipal government. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68413http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=68413 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:01:00 GMTGov. Nathan Deal today released comprehensive recommendations to ensure the short- and long-term success of job creation and business growth in Georgia. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67768http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67768 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:23:00 GMTThe legislative leadership has indicated it will make a strong attempt in the 2012 session to pass a tax revision bill that would increase sales and excise taxes in return for cutting the state income tax. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=67617http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=67617 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:52:00 GMTRecent media reports on a new Georgia law creating a definition for “personal transportation vehicles,” commonly known as golf carts, contain inaccurate information. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=67597http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=67597 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:56:00 GMTGov. Nathan Deal has approved the final report of the Water Supply Task Force, which outlines water supply initiatives and recommendations for the Governor’s Water Supply Program. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=66996http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=66996 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:50:00 GMTIn remarks at a transportation meeting in Washington, D.C., last week, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) announced that the House would not move on a long-term surface transportation bill before the end of the year ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=66761http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=66761 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:50:00 GMTThe final report of the Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform for Georgians includes a recommendation to decriminalize some traffic fines. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=66713http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=66713 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:27:00 GMTLegislation repealing 3 percent withholding as passed by the House last week awaits President Obama’s signature. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=65960http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=65960 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:18:00 GMTThe U.S. Access Board has released for comment proposed guidelines that would impose new standards for new construction of and alterations to public rights-of-way covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=65517http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=65517 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:15:00 GMTA recent letter from the Attorney General in response to a question from a state representative on the issue indicates that cities will be allowed to accept faxed or emailed copies of identification. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=65285http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=65285 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:14:00 GMTThe State Ethics Commission has provided an opinion on the use of city equipment and city staff to complete ethics filings. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=65018http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=65018 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:42:00 GMTThe nation’s cities are cutting personnel and infrastructure projects as the economic downturn continues to take its toll on city finances according to the National League of Cities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64924http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64924 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:21:00 GMTThe Supreme Court of Georgia has adopted an Advisory Opinion issued by the State Bar’s Standing Committee on the Unlicensed Practice of Law concluding that a non-lawyer who answers for a business garnishee is engaged in the unlicensed practice of law. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64786http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64786 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:49:00 GMTChris Leinberger, Visiting Fellow with the Brookings Institute, stressed the importance of downtowns, rail transit and "walkable urban places" when he recently spoke to GMA's Legislative Policy Committee. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64710http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64710 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMTDallas Mayor Boyd Austin comments on his appointment by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle to the Immigration Enforcement Review Board. ]]>http://www.metroatlantamayors.org/News.aspx?CNID=64447http://www.metroatlantamayors.org/News.aspx?CNID=64447 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:52:00 GMTGov. Deal Appoints Three Mayors to Transit Governance Task Force]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64338http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64338 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:39:00 GMTDallas Mayor Boyd Austin is one of three local officials appointed to Georgia's Immigration Enforcement Review Board. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64299http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64299 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:33:00 GMTOver $8.9 million in financing for environmental infrastructure projects has been approved for the cities of Dillard, Donalsonville, Pooler and Winder. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64246http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64246 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:05:00 GMTThe U.S. Department of Transportation has announced it will eliminate or extend the majority of compliance dates for replacing street signs based on complaints from state and local governments over the cost of complying with the rules. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64126http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=64126 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:58:00 GMTGov. Nathan Deal recently announced that more than $38.8 million in federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was awarded to the state’s Community Development Block Grant Program. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=63937http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=63937 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:24:00 GMTAdvocates are stepping up the pressure for action on a new transportation bill that will put people back to work and get the economy moving ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62688http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62688 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:58:00 GMTCities should pay close attention to the recent decision by the Supreme Court of Georgia regarding intergovernmental contracts. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62620http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62620 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMTNationally recognized tax expert David Brunori discussed the property tax during a meeting of GMA's Revenue and Finance Policy Committee during the 2011 Annual Meeting in Savannah. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62231http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62231 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:20:00 GMTGMA inducted Dahlonega Mayor Gary McCullough, Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson and Griffin and Senoia City Attorney Drew Whalen at the association's annual convention in Savannah. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62227http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62227 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:15:00 GMTSix Georgia cities were recognized as “Certified Cities of Ethics” at the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Convention June 27. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62238http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62238 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMTMetter Mayor Billy Trapnell was elected president of GMA during the association’s annual convention June 27 in Savannah. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62276http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62276 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:15:00 GMTGMA and the Georgia Cities Foundation released the recommendations of the Special Downtown Development Task Force during GMA’s annual convention in Savannah June 27. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=62055http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=62055 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:24:00 GMTThe Georgia State Fiscal Economist has released new revenue projections for each of the twelve regional transportation roundtables. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=61967http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=61967 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMTAccording to city officials, job creation and economic development is the number one issue facing Georgia's cities today and in the future. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62031http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=62031 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:36:00 GMTEPD has issued a guidance memorandum for certain drinking water systems to follow in order to be in compliance with the Georgia Water Stewardship Act. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=61998http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=61998 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:10:00 GMTGov. Nathan Deal and members of the OneGeorgia Authority Board recently approved $8 million in grants and loans from OneGeorgia Authority’s portfolio of financing programs. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=61537http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=61537 Tue, 31 May 2011 15:00:00 GMTNLC recently joined with six other local government associations in hosting a briefing for congressional staff on the need to reallocate spectrum to public safety in order to build a nationwide public safety communications network. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=61303http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=61303 Fri, 20 May 2011 13:49:00 GMTIn recent comments to city officials, DOR Commissioner MacGinnitie stressed the importance of DOR and local officials working together and that DOR is making efforts to be more responsive to local government needs. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60772http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60772 Tue, 03 May 2011 14:14:00 GMTMost economic indicators suggest that the country is in a period of recovery – gradual and slow though it may be. That’s the good news. However, in terms of future state and local revenues, the news is mixed. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59342http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59342 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:50:00 GMTThe slow-down in the economy hasn’t put the brakes on a massive redevelopment project in Hapeville. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=58716http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=58716 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:53:00 GMTA recent survey by the Rockefeller Foundation reveals overwhelming bipartisan support for federal investment in transportation and infrastructure projects. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=58715http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=58715 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:52:00 GMTDuring the 2010 legislative session, the General Assembly passed HB122 which requires that effective January 1, 2011, each local government with a budget in excess of $1 million shall post an electronic copy of the adopted budget for the upcoming year to the CVIOG's searchable website not later than 30 days after the budget is adopted. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58445http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58445 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:25:00 GMTWhen Thomaston celebrates Georgia Cities Week, as it has every year since the program began in 1999, it touches everyone in the community. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=56992http://www.gmanet.com/BreakingNews.aspx?CNID=56992 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:55:00 GMTTo help the state collect all state and local sales taxes, GMA encourages cities to provide DOR with their occupational tax certificate information. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=56234http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=56234 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:14:00 GMTUnder the ethics law that was passed in the 2010 legislative session, all city elected officials are required to submit a “Pin Application” to the State Ethics Commission. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=54193http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=54193 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:57:00 GMTHB 277 stipulates that for each region that passes the regional 1% sales tax in 2012, a portion of the revenues will be designated for discretionary use by local governments within the district. ]]>http://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. ]]>http://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. ]]>