Georgia Cities Newspaper

Georgia Cities Newspaperhttp://www.gmanet.com/Feed.aspx?type=Rss20&method=Category&title=Georgia Cities Newspaper&descr=Georgia Cities Newspaper&criteria=7c5a834d-55e3-dd11-8885-001635adf132Georgia Cities NewspaperSun, 26 May 2013 01:05:25 GMTen-usThe Amphitheatre at Bryant Commons in Downtown Hinesville Aims to Boost Tourismhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81477http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81477 Tue, 07 May 2013 19:45:00 GMTFollowing years of holding festivals, concerts, and events in parking lots and on blocked roads, the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority (HDDA) held its debut concert at the newly completed Amphitheatre at Bryant Commons on April 6. ]]>Pilot Cities Selected for Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellows Programhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81474http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81474 Tue, 07 May 2013 19:25:00 GMTGMA in partnership with the Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF) and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government (UGA), has selected the cities of Gainesville, Milledgeville, and Porterdale to participate as pilot cities for the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellows program. ]]>Financial Services Help Cities Fund Projects, Equipmenthttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81473http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81473 Tue, 07 May 2013 19:08:00 GMTThe city of Centerville recently broke ground on its new police department, which is being funded through GMA’s Bricks & Mortar Financing Program. ]]>Valdosta Receives GAWP Water Treatment Plant of the Year Awardhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81472http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81472 Tue, 07 May 2013 19:04:00 GMTThe City of Valdosta Water Treatment Plant has been recognized as the 2013 Water Treatment Plant of the Year by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP). ]]>Local Government Personnel Association Announces Award Winnershttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81471http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81471 Tue, 07 May 2013 19:01:00 GMTThe Georgia Local Government Personnel Association (GLGPA) recently announced its 2012 award winners. ]]>Many Local Candidates to be Exempt from Campaign Filing Requirementshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81470http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=81470 Tue, 07 May 2013 18:59:00 GMT Beginning in January of 2014, many elected city officials and candidates for city office will no longer be required to file campaign contribution reports, and those that do will file the reports locally, rather than with the state Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. All elected officials must continue to file personal finance disclosure forms.]]>Main Street Luncheon Puts Spotlight on Key Issues Impacting Georgia's Downtownshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80450http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80450 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:29:00 GMTIn response to the Georgia Downtown Membership Survey, conducted by the Georgia Downtown Association at the 2012 Conference, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) assembled a panel of downtown stakeholders and partners to speak to a number of issues that are emerging as a focus for many of Georgia’s downtown programs. ]]>Program Makes Managing Hotel-Motel Taxes Easierhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80449http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80449 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:21:00 GMTMany cities levy a hotel-motel tax to fund tourism in their communities. Historically, cities have looked to GMA to provide auditing services that verify hotel-motel tax collections from the most recent 36 months. ]]>Helpline Offers Preventative Advicehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80448http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80448 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:15:00 GMTThe Georgia Interlocal Risk Management (GIRMA) Helpline, available for members of the Risk Management program, has helped keep costs down for members of the program. ]]>Municipal Bond Tax Exemption Still Under Attack http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80447http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80447 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:11:00 GMTMunicipal bonds were front and center in both chambers of Congress last month. As Congress and the Administration continue to look for ways to find revenues to reduce the deficit or fund new programs, eliminating or capping the tax exemption on interest earned on municipal bonds remains a viable option to some in Washington. ]]>Federal Budget Sequester and the Impact on Build America Bondshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80443http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=80443 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:23:00 GMTThe sequester is upon us: $85.4 billion in federal spending cuts are being made this year across most areas of federal government with the exception of certain entitlement programs. ]]>Roper Named Finance Officer of the Yearhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=79484http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=79484 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:04:00 GMTSocial Circle City Clerk/Finance Officer Susan Roper was recently named Financer Officer of the Year of Georgia by the Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers Association. ]]>Adairsville Recovering from January Tornadohttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=79477http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=79477 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:43:00 GMTA month after a deadly tornado hit downtown Adairsville, the city is steadily recovering, thanks to the efforts of many organizations.]]>New Hartwell City Hall Wins Design-Build Awardhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=79475http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=79475 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:25:00 GMTThe southeast chapter of the Design Build Institute of America recently praised the city of Hartwell’s new $3.9 million city hall and police headquarters. The facility was runner-up for the chapter’s 2012 Design-Build Award for Public Sector Projects under $15 million. ]]>Municipal Water Supply: What’s Your Plan?http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=79474http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=79474 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:22:00 GMTPlato is attributed as saying that “the beginning is the most important part of the work.” Perhaps nowhere is this truer than in the context of addressing the time-consuming, complex and potentially high risk and costly realm of municipal water supply for decision-makers charged with ensuring that their communities will have access to clean, reliable and affordable water now and in the future. ]]>Donalsonville Finds BetterWay Improving Downtownhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=79439http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=79439 Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:46:00 GMTDowntown Donalsonville will soon be blooming, thanks to a community effort to bring trees, people and businesses to the downtown area. ]]>Office of Downtown Development: Local Governments’ Job Growth Allyhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78587http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78587 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:28:00 GMTIn today’s economy, it seems that the hot topic for any community is JOBS. How do we create more of them? How do we get businesses to expand? How can we lure in entrepreneurs? How do we set our community apart in this new economy?]]>Cities Recognized for Ethics Ordinancehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78586http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78586 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:23:00 GMTFort Oglethorpe and Waverly Hall were recognized for earning the “Cities of Ethics,” designation GMA’s Mayors’ Day conference in Atlanta January 27. The cities join more than 200 cities that have received the City of Ethics designation. ]]>Peachtree Corners Opens Doors on New City Hallhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78585http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78585 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:11:00 GMTCity of Peachtree Corners recently hosted an Open House at the city’s new – and first – City Hall. ]]>Douglasville Opens New Conference Centerhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78569http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78569 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:13:00 GMTAt a grand opening celebration hosted Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, the City of Douglasville opened the doors to the newly constructed Douglasville Conference Center. ]]>Municipal Water Supply and “Smart Water Grid Services”http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78568http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78568 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:10:00 GMTThe summer of 2012 saw the most geographically extensive drought in the United States in 50 years. Here in Georgia, the effects of the drought can be seen in the steady drop in water levels in Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier, the two principal water supply sources for Metropolitan Atlanta. ]]>State, Federal Leaders Connect with Cities at Mayors’ Dayhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78564http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=78564 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:23:00 GMTGovernor Nathan Deal and House Speaker David Ralston both touched on ethics reform when speaking at GMA’s annual Mayors’ Day Capitol Connections breakfast, while Lt. Governor Casey Cagle spoke briefly of the Renaissance Act and how it impacts downtowns. ]]>GMA Members Develop GMA Policieshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77610http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77610 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:09:00 GMTGMA’s policy process begins in the spring with District Listening Sessions, designed to get input from city officials about issues affecting their communities. From those meetings, issues are taken to the policy committees. After some fine-tuning by the Legislative Policy Council, the policies are voted on at the annual Convention by the entire GMA membership. ]]>Cities Can Help Stop Sales Tax Fraudhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77608http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77608 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:52:00 GMTIn the state’s current economic conditions, collecting every penny owed really counts. Cities can play an important role in ensuring that all revenue owed to the state and local governments is collected. For the second year, the Department of Revenue (DOR) is interested in having cities submit information on the retail and sales businesses in your municipality. ]]>Essay Contest Teaches Lesson on City Governmenthttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77607http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77607 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:50:00 GMTGMA’s annual “If I Were Mayor, I Would . . .” essay contest is one of several ways in which GMA and cities work to educate the public about the role and responsibilities of cities. Materials for the contest – brochures and posters – were mailed out to schools and city halls at the end of December. The deadline for entries is Friday, March 8. ]]>Municipal Attorneys Recognized for Servicehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77606http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77606 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:47:00 GMTTwo Georgia attorneys were recognized by the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) for their service to the profession of municipal law. ]]>Bloomingdale Begins Town Center with New History Museum http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77605http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77605 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:17:00 GMTIn 2010, the Bloomingdale Historical Society had an active membership that included the mayor and every member of the city council but it didn’t have a regular place to meet. ]]>New Cities Chosen for Community Housing Initiative http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77603http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77603 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:13:00 GMTFive Georgia communities – Housing Authority of Dalton, city of Greensboro, city of Lithonia, city of Pembroke, and the city of Roswell - have been selected to begin a three-year program to assist them in addressing their housing needs. ]]>Cities Play Well Togetherhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77602http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77602 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:08:00 GMTThe city councils of Milton and Alpharetta approved historic agreements late last year establishing a regionalized parks system for both cities and dissolving all non-resident fees at current and future city facilities. ]]>Renaissance Act Promises Downtown Rebirthhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77590http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=77590 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:20:00 GMTThis legislative session, GMA will be pushing for an additional tool to increase economic development and job opportunities in downtowns. ]]>Cities Dominate Regional Excellence Awardshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76300http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76300 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:06:00 GMTThe Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the Livable Centers Coalition lauded several metro Atlanta cities with awards for creating great spaces and livable places in the Atlanta region at the ARC’s annual State of the Region event in October. ]]>Cable & Telecommunications Management Service Continues to Assist Cities in Maximizing Sources of Revenuehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76296http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76296 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:53:00 GMTSince 1993, GMA’s Cable and Telecommunications Management Services program has provided full-service consulting assistance on all aspects of cable and telecommunications franchising that helps Georgia local governments keep pace with changes in federal and state law and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule changes. ]]>Flowery Branch IT Blooms with IT in a Boxhttp://www.gmanet.com/Assets/PDF/IT_in_a_box_flowerybranch.pdfhttp://www.gmanet.com/Assets/PDF/IT_in_a_box_flowerybranch.pdf Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:49:00 GMTFlowery Branch IT Blooms with IT in a Box]]>Authority Finds Savings, Benefits in Wellness Programhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76287http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76287 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:23:00 GMTIn October of 2011, the Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority received the news that health care premiums would be increasing 12 percent for calendar year 2012. ]]>Dunwoody Teen Driving Program Recognized for Excellencehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76286http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=76286 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:09:00 GMTThe Georgia Association Chiefs of Police (GACP) presented Chief Billy Grogan and the Dunwoody Police Department with the prestigious Dr. Curtis McClung/ Motorola Award of Excellence. The award, which is co-sponsored by the Motorola Corporation, is given annually to a deserving agency in recognition of its use of an innovative program in the pursuit of law enforcement excellence. ]]>State Looks at Changing Penalties for Minor Traffic Offenseshttp://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. ]]>Downtown Professionals and Award Winners Recognized at 2012 Statewide Downtown Conferencehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75723http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75723 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:25:00 GMTThe Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) recently announced the winners of the 2012 Awards for Downtown Excellence and recognized those individuals that successfully completed the Georgia Downtown Association’s 2012 Professional Development reviews. ]]>Group Recommends Tax Credit for Downtown Projectshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75722http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75722 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:17:00 GMTGMA’s Downtown Task Force is recommending the state establish income tax credits for private sector investments in downtowns. ]]>Wellness Programs Slow Healthcare Costs While Promoting Healthhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75721http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75721 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:12:00 GMTA recent study by the Center for State and Local Governments documents the growth of wellness plans in the public sector and notes the success the programs have achieved in impacting health insurance costs. ]]>Some Find Great Deals Onlinehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75720http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75720 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:03:00 GMTLike many cities, Waycross is looking for ways to continue providing the services citizens demand while still being budget conscious, particularly in the current economy. The city has taken this one step further, making money while replacing older, worn-out equipment. ]]>Monroe Turns Out Highly Trained Utility Workers from Around the Southeast http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75719http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75719 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:46:00 GMTUtility workers in Georgia have no need to leave the state to access top notch, intensive training in their respective fields. Since September 2010, the city of Monroe has operated the Georgia Utility Training Academy (GUTA). ]]>Solar Power Benefits Shine on Young Harrishttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75718http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75718 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:32:00 GMTYoung Harris has become a bright example of how a city can use solar energy to save money and fuel growth. ]]>Royston Employs Blue Frogshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75712http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=75712 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:11:00 GMTFaced with some expensive options – including spending $6-8 million on a new sewer treatment plant – the city of Royston opted to let nature do its thing, with a little help from some Blue Frogs. ]]>Younger Generation Less Tied to Cars for Transportationhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74708http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74708 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:51:00 GMTCities looking to attract young professionals would do well to examine their transportation infrastructure and policy, as for the first time since WW II, Americans, particularly young people ages 16-34, are driving less and using alternative forms of transportation more, according to the April 2012 report Transportation and the New Generation: Why Young People Are Driving Less and What It Means for Transportation Policy. ]]>Working Together to Accomplish More with Lesshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74707http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74707 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:25:00 GMTHistoric downtown areas throughout Georgia are facing the challenge of attracting businesses to their commercial cores and helping the businesses stay successful once they are open. ]]>Oakwood Finds Savings in IT in a Boxhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74703http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74703 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:15:00 GMTLike many municipalities, the city of Oakwood struggled with managing its technology and keeping costs associated with it affordable. ]]>Federal Transportation Programs Approvedhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74701http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74701 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:57:00 GMTOn July 6, President Barak Obama signed a two-year bill authorizing federal transportation programs following several years of negotiations on Capitol Hill and 10 extensions of SAFETEA-LU, which expired in September 2009. ]]>Dublin Celebrates Bicentennial Year-Long http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74700http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74700 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:55:00 GMTThe city of Dublin, established in 1812, is celebrating his 200th birthday by hosting a yearlong series of events to highlight its Bicentennial. ]]>Voters Say Yes to City of Brookhaven http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74691http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74691 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:16:00 GMTGeorgia has a new city. Residents of Brookhaven approved the creation of the DeKalb County city by a vote of 55 percent to 45 percent on July 31. ]]>Transportation Funding Measure Passes in Three out of 12 Regionshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74690http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74690 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:02:00 GMTVoters in all but three regions across the state said an emphatic “no” to paying an additional one-cent sales tax for transportation projects. ]]>Revenue Service Educates Hotel-Motel Opeatorshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74706http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74706 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:00:00 GMTSuccessfully managing hotel-motel and alcohol tax revenues isn’t about playing “gotcha” with the hotel industry, it’s about educating operators as to the law and setting a standard for compliance and accountability says Bryan Whitford. Whitford represents TRPG, the GMA vendor for the hotel-motel tax and alcohol excise tax revenue recovery services. ]]>Celebrating Roots Music in Georgiahttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73838http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73838 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:36:00 GMTFor purposes of downtown economic development, arts and culture have become as important as shops and offices. Many studies have contributed to an understanding of arts and culture as a core economic resource of communities. ]]>Metro Atlanta Cities Recognized for Innovation http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73837http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73837 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:11:00 GMTThe Atlanta Regional Commission recognized four cities for innovation and creativity with its Create Community award at a breakfast ceremony at the Loudermilk Center in downtown Atlanta last month. ]]>Mayor Bucky Johnson Takes the Helm of MAMAhttp://www.metroatlantamayors.org/News.aspx?CNID=73166http://www.metroatlantamayors.org/News.aspx?CNID=73166 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:07:00 GMTMayor Bucky Johnson Takes the Helm of MAMA]]>What is the Georgia Recreation and Park Association?http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=73835http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=73835 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:54:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Jackson Finds Smart Lunch Program a Smart Move http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73833http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73833 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:59:00 GMTThe city of Jackson is helping feed local children this summer as one of 18 Georgia locations participating in Action Ministries’ “Smart Lunch, Smart Kid” child nutrition and educational enrichment initiative. ]]>Douglas Reaches Citizens One-on-One through 101 Academyhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73830http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73830 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:36:00 GMTThe City of Douglas provides a way for residents to learn more about the city through its Douglas 101 Citizens Academy Program. ]]>Bainbridge Uses Recreation as an Economic Development Tool http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73827http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=73827 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:40:00 GMTWhether it’s a big bass or a base hit you’re after, Bainbridge can accommodate. The city of 12,697 people uses recreational activities such as fishing or baseball as a tool to lure visitors, stir economic development and improve the quality of life for residents. ]]>Farmers Market Growing in Valdostahttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72339http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72339 Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:03:00 GMTThe city of Valdosta’s mayor and council established a goal to hold a farmer’s market in historic downtown Valdosta. After extensive research, planning and strategizing, Downtown Valdosta Farm days is well on its way into its second season and is growing more than ever imagined. ]]>Olens Encourages City Officials to Get Familiar with Open Records and Meetings Changeshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72337http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72337 Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:35:00 GMTAccording to Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens, GMA and other groups had a lot to do with the changes to the state's open meetings and records law passing during the 2012 legislative session. ]]>Dunwoody Police Patrol Online Communitieshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72336http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72336 Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:19:00 GMTAfter Billy Grogan started the job as Dunwoody’s first police chief at the end of 2008, he immediately knew the police department would need a strong online presence. ]]>Pilot Program Looks to Steer Success Downtownhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72335http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72335 Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:06:00 GMTSix Georgia cities are participating in an 18-month pilot program to focus on job growth and creation in Georgia's historic downtowns. ]]>Brochures, Smart Phone Apps Bring Lafayette's Historic City Cemetery on Shaw Street to Lifehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72303http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72303 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:31:00 GMTTo make their cemeteries more visitor-friendly, cemeteries have gone beyond brochures with attractions ranging from actors dressing up as the dead, to smartphone apps that give tours, to live music concerts. ]]>Let the Convention Begin...http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72298http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=72298 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:42:00 GMTThe “Magic of Cities” will be on display at GMA’s Annual Convention June 22-25 in Savannah as nearly 2,000 attendees come together for four days of training, discussions about the economy, concurrent sessions, district caucuses and the opportunity to learn more about services and products available to cities. ]]>Review City's Compliance of Internal Revenue Service Regulationshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=71596http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=71596 Wed, 09 May 2012 19:12:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>City Officials Play Role at Capitolhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71595http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71595 Wed, 09 May 2012 19:06:00 GMTThe influence Georgia cities have at the State Capitol is real. Nearly 40 cities visited the State Capitol over the course of the 2012 Legislative Session. ]]>City Officials Join Hundreds for Bike Ride to the Capitolhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71594http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71594 Wed, 09 May 2012 18:56:00 GMTAn estimated 1,500 bicycle enthusiasts and more than 30 metro-area mayors and city councilmembers converged on the state Capitol for the 7th annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol event on March 27. ]]>Financial Pressures Constrain State and Local Government Hiringhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71593http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71593 Wed, 09 May 2012 18:49:00 GMTA new survey by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence finds that more than half of state and local governments still have a pay freeze and are adjusting retirement and health care benefits. ]]>Leesburg, Lee County Work Downtown Plans Togetherhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71589http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71589 Wed, 09 May 2012 15:28:00 GMTThe city of Leesburg is working its plan. It’s a plan that has been in the works for several years now, and will likely take several more to complete, but city and county leaders agree that once finished, it will transform downtown Leesburg. ]]>What’s in Your Downtown Development Tool Box?http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71598http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71598 Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:00 GMTOn September 1, 2011 the city of Douglasville received its first opportunity zone designation. The idea to research and apply for opportunity zone designation was generated in a Main Street Douglasville Economic Restructuring committee meeting. ]]>Economy Takes Center Stage at Annual Conventionhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71584http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71584 Wed, 09 May 2012 14:38:00 GMTThe state of the economy and the future of economic development will be the focus of the Monday morning general session at GMA’s Annual Convention, June 25. A panel of experts will address these issues and take questions from city officials. ]]>Report Tells the Story of City Financeshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71583http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=71583 Wed, 09 May 2012 14:26:00 GMTOften called a citizen’s report, a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) contains charts, graphics, photographs and easy to understand statements about a city’s financial status, services and projects.]]>Sign Maintenance Requirements for Local Governmenthttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=70477http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=70477 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:56:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA.]]>Sandy Springs Looks to Future Downtownhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70475http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70475 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:38:00 GMTWhile most cities in Georgia began with downtowns – a few shops, a train depot, maybe a post office and then houses surrounding the commercial center – some cities have to create that traditional feel of a city. Sandy Springs, one of Georgia’s newer cities, is beginning the process this spring of creating a downtown where none exists. ]]>Stone Mountain Uses EarthCraft Program to Build ‘Green’ City Hallhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70474http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70474 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:25:00 GMTWhen building its new Municipal Building, Stone Mountain officials knew they wanted to build a “green” facility. But the cost of getting LEEDS certification was prohibitive. ]]>Convention Promises Magical Speakerhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70470http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70470 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:56:00 GMTGMA’s Annual Convention, June 23-26 in Savannah, promises to be magic. With the theme, “The Magic of Cities,” the convention will focus on how cities are transforming lives and communities.]]>Determined Downtowns: A Center of Employment and Opportunity http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70479http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70479 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:55:00 GMTToday’s economy beckons for local governments to become increasingly involved in economic development. More specifically, programs and initiatives that not only seek to increase the local tax base, but also provide lasting and meaningful job opportunities are paramount to the success of all jurisdictions. ]]>Cities Make Magic During Georgia Cities Weekhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70476http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=70476 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:42:00 GMTCities across Georgia will be celebrating Georgia Cities Week this month, inviting residents and visitors to learn more about city operations and services. ]]>Hunt the Lost Quail in Downtown Thomasvillehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69633http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69633 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:38:00 GMTTo celebrate and draw attention to the importance of the quail to the area’s heritage, locals and visitors are now able to hunt quail right in Downtown Thomasville. Not with guns, of course, but with their eyes. ]]>Economic Development Traininghttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=69632http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=69632 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:24:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>Fairburn Celebrates Downtown Businesses Rising from the Asheshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69631http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69631 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:12:00 GMTOn Saturday, February 11, two years after a fire ravaged Fairburn’s downtown, destroying three buildings and severely damaging two others, Fairburn Mayor Mario Avery, members of the City Council, appointed officials, residents of Fairburn and others, gathered together for a ceremony celebrating the resurgence of Fairburn’s Historic Downtown. ]]>Aragon Mayor and Rockmart High School Join Hands for a City Seal Design Competitionhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69630http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69630 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:52:00 GMTAragon Mayor Ken Suffridge and Janet Dover of Rockmart High School have embarked upon an unprecedented move for the city of Aragon. ]]>Hotel-Motel Tax Management Service Puts the "Trust" in Trust Fundhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69629http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69629 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:43:00 GMTAfter city officials in Toccoa heard about the success the city of McDonough enjoyed as the pilot for GMA’s new Hotel-motel tax Revenue Management service, they wanted in. ]]>Cities Use State Grant To Bolster Tourism http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69627http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69627 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:22:00 GMTThe city of Homerville is getting a chance to let everyone know about its must-see attractions thanks to a $10,000 Tourism Product Development grant from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. ]]>Powell Addresses Local Issues at Capitolhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69626http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69626 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:12:00 GMTThe former mayor of Camilla and a GMA past president, Rep. Jay Powell (R-Camilla) has been very involved in local government issues at the state Capitol since being elected in 2008. ]]>Everything is Love-ly in Kingslandhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69616http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=69616 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:23:00 GMTLove is in the air in Kingsland. But that’s not unusual for this coastal city. Once known as the Marriage Capitol of the South because couples could get blood tests and marriage licenses on the spot, Kingsland is now known as “Lovetown, USA” thanks to Oprah Winfrey and BBC World Wide Productions. ]]>Voters Approve City of Peachtree Cornershttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=68849http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=68849 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMTGeorgia gained a new city in the November elections, bringing the total number of cities to 536 with the addition of Peachtree Corners. ]]>Pelham Named a Certified Local Governmenthttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=68847http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=68847 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:54:00 GMTPelham is Georgia's most recent and 83rd Certified Local Government (CLG). The National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior confirmed the designation late December 2011. ]]>Public Service is a Family Affair for Griffin, Spalding Commissionershttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=68840http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=68840 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:51:00 GMTSisters Cynthia Reid Ward, Griffin City Commission chair and Gwen Flowers-Taylor, Spalding County Commission chair, appear to have been destined for positions in service and leadership—positions their grandmother foretold and their father and uncle encouraged. ]]>Cities Begin Education, Planning Process for Transportation Taxhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=68838http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=68838 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:47:00 GMTWhile voters will get the final say in a July 2012 referendum on whether or not a transportation sales tax will go forward in regions across the state, cities are encouraged to plan for - and educate the public on - the potential benefits and uses of over $1 billion in discretionary Transportation Investment Act funds. ]]>Transportation Tax Referendumshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=68850http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=68850 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:08:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Demorest Promotes Community and History with Postcard Serieshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67801http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67801 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:48:00 GMTPostcards with paintings and photos of both modern day and historic Demorest feed the nostalgic soul and remind one of the joys of small town living.]]>Making Your Downtown a Dining Destinationhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67800http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67800 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:39:00 GMTWhen I began with the city of Woodstock in 2005, we had a modest four eateries downtown. Today’s downtown Woodstock is a dining destination. ]]>Mayor Johnson Models Leadership and Advocacyhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67799http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67799 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:13:00 GMTNorcross Mayor Bucky Johnson’s emergence as an effective lobbyist and regional leader seems like a natural evolution. ]]>A Formula for Decline: Lessons from Colorado for States Considering TABORhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67798http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67798 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:01:00 GMTEvidence shows that Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR, contributed to a significant decline in the state’s public services. ]]>Cities Earn Green Communities Certificationhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67797http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67797 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:46:00 GMTFour cities in the Atlanta region are the latest jurisdictions to earn Green Communities certification for leadership in implementing policies and practices that contribute to efficient and sustainable use of resources in metro Atlanta. ]]>Braselton Store Gets Renovation Granthttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67796http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67796 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:41:00 GMTThe Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded the Town of Braselton a $500,000 grant to assist with its renovations of the historic Braselton Brothers Store. ]]>Auburn Mayor Honored with Municipal Leadership Awardhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67794http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67794 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:07:00 GMTAuburn Mayor Linda Blechinger is the recipient of the 2011 Annual Leadership Award, presented by Women in Municipal Government (WIMG), a constituency group of the National League of Cities (NLC). ]]>Public Service is a Family Matter for Denson and Daughtershttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67769http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=67769 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:28:00 GMTWhile other families at Tomatillo’s restaurant in Grant Park were discussing mall traffic over a Sunday morning brunch in December, the Denson family was debating education reform. ]]>Union City Hosts Hometown Connectionhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66244http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66244 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:57:00 GMTUnion City, in partnership with GMA, hosted a Hometown Connection recently where city officials met with state and federal officials to provide a detailed reference of programs and projects designed to move the city forward and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses. ]]>Hinesville Sees Gains in Public Safetyhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66242http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66242 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:43:00 GMTThe city of Hinesville continues to lead in public safety, being named as a regional test site for Georgia Certifications and National Professional Qualifications Certifications and seeing the opening of a Justice Center in the downtown. ]]>Georgia Officers Get International Traininghttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66239http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66239 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:36:00 GMTMajor Brian K. Weaver of the Johns Creek Police Department in one of hundreds of police officers in Georgia to participate in a two-week training program studying counterterrorism, emergency management and other types of policing strategies from Israeli police. ]]>Bomb Dog Teams Developed in Georgia to Meet Growing Threat of Improvised Explosive Devices http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66237http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66237 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:34:00 GMTAs improvised explosive devices (IED) have become a more widely recognized threat, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA/HS) has accelerated the development of canine bomb detection teams at strategic locations throughout the state. ]]>Police Chaplains Protect with Prayer, Presencehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66235http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=66235 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:26:00 GMTSt. Marys Pastor Ian Dent provides protection for those sworn to protect and serve. But while the officers physically protect the community, Dent is more focused on their spiritual and emotional protection. ]]>Pre-Paid Wireless Servicehttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=66245http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=66245 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:03:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Hottest Trends on Main Streethttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=65244http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=65244 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:40:00 GMTAre entrepreneurs growing on Main Street? How is Main Street doing compared to big-box stores and strip malls? Do people want to live downtown? ]]>Community Housing Initiative Making a Difference in Communities Throughout Georgiahttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=65243http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=65243 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:24:00 GMTA unique housing project in Georgia is helping residents take on the role of homeowner and improving the quality of life for many Georgia cities. ]]>Local Historic Preservationhttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=65242http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=65242 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:18:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>Decatur Restaurant Relocates To Historic Downtown Buildingshttp://www.metroatlantamayors.org/News.aspx?CNID=64110http://www.metroatlantamayors.org/News.aspx?CNID=64110 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:13:00 GMTDecatur Restaurant Relocates To Historic Downtown Buildings]]>Citizen Panel Guides Norcross Towards Sustainability http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=65238http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=65238 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:54:00 GMTNorcross has become greener and reached several of its sustainability goals thanks in part to a partnership between residents and the city government. ]]>Higdon Announces Retirementhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=65218http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=65218 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:50:00 GMTGMA Executive Director Jim Higdon informed the Board of Directors on September 16 of his plan to retire from GMA at the end of 2011. Higdon has served as executive director for 10 years and is GMA’s fourth full-time executive director. ]]>Thomasville Trail to Spur Redevelopment, Connectivity http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=64432http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=64432 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:43:00 GMTOften the impetus for redeveloping a neighborhood comes from the residents who already live there. ]]>Report Recommends Coordinating Rural Transithttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=64428http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=64428 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:25:00 GMTA plan is on the table that could reduce the local funding burden of rural transit while making this vital human service available to more Georgians. ]]> Stone Mountain Incubator Grows the Artshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=64434http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=64434 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:00:00 GMTStone Mountain’s quaint downtown struggled with the visible souvenir of a poor economy – vacant storefronts – until creative minds came up with an energetic, award-winning solution. ]]>Legislature Makes Changes to Golf Cart Lawshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=64439http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=64439 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:00:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Legislature Makes Changes to Ethics Lawhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63464http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63464 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:03:00 GMTThe 2011 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly saw a number of changes to Georgia’s ethics laws. ]]>Sharing Information Makes Downtowns Strongerhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63463http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63463 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:55:00 GMTOne of the first things we learn as directors of Main Street or Better Hometown programs in Georgia is how important it is to network with other managers for ideas ]]>Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB)http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=63461http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=63461 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:51:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>Suwanee Creates "SculpTour"http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63455http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63455 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:16:00 GMTWill it be the oversized sun at which people are snapping photos with heads peeking through the hollow middle? Could it be the totem pole made of car bumpers, which some think is a subliminal safe driving message? Perhaps it will be the free-spirited lady whose open arms many have imitated. ]]>Dalton Leveraging New Greenways to Attract Young Professionals http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63452http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63452 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:43:00 GMTThe power of images is undeniable; where words may be effective in stimulating the imagination, words with images deliver a concrete concept. With that idea in mind, Dalton commissioned a video, now available on YouTube, about its greenway project. The video has facilitated success in the city’s quest for funds to build the project. ]]>Trapnell Elected GMA Presidenthttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63449http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63449 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:27:00 GMTIn Metter, where “Everything is Better,” Mayor Billy Trapnell does more than his share to make the slogan a part of life for every resident. ]]>Non-Traditional Anchors Stabilize Downtownhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61723http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61723 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:40:00 GMTFrom turn-of-the-century livery stables, to department stores in the ‘70s and ‘80s, anchors in downtown have always been important to the economic vitality of the community. ]]>Disaster Recoveryhttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=61722http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=61722 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:18:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>Lobbying Efforts Culminate with Gov. Deal Signing Better Bicycling Bill into Lawhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61721http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61721 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:14:00 GMTOn May 11, less than two months after more than 1,500 bicyclists joined metro Atlanta mayors and council members for the annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol event, Gov. Nathan Deal, who spoke to cyclists during the GRTCC rally at the Capitol, signed the “Better Bicycling Bill” into law ]]>Signs of the Timeshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61720http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61720 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:08:00 GMTBillboard companies are close to having one more arrow in their quiver permitting clear cutting of trees. ]]>Census Data Indicates Challenges for Citieshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61717http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61717 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:50:00 GMTAs Georgia becomes more diverse and a significant amount of the population ages, city officials are going to have a host of issues to tackle, including education and transportation, according to a University of Georgia demographer. ]]>Mayor Takes on the Business of City Hallhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61716http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61716 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:31:00 GMTDon’t tell Newborn Mayor Roger Sheridan that government can’t run like a business – he is all about the business of city government ]]>State, Local Redistricting Process Underwayhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61714http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=61714 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:19:00 GMTWhile cities are in the immediate process of redrawing their voting districts, experts are looking to Georgia’s future and what redrawing legislative lines will mean for the state. ]]>Former Retailer Provides Her Own Economic Stimulus Plan for Main Streethttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60788http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60788 Tue, 03 May 2011 15:31:00 GMTHaving been an independent stationery store owner for 14 years, Cinda Baxter understood the pain felt by retailers when the economy sank and consumers held back. What began as an economic downturn in the autumn had become a psychological tsunami by March 1, 2009. ]]>General Session Looks at 'Growing Forward'http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60786http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60786 Tue, 03 May 2011 15:05:00 GMTThe Monday morning general session at GMA’s Annual Convention will look to Georgia’s future, with a keynote address by Governor Nathan Deal, presentation of the recommendations of the Special Downtown Development Task Force by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle followed by a panel discussion on the future of Georgia’s downtowns. ]]>Class Project Transforms Fitzgerald’s Budgeting Processhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60785http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60785 Tue, 03 May 2011 15:01:00 GMTWhen Fitzgerald CFO Kathy Young took a training course to obtain a Level II Finance Certification, a presentation on revenue manuals piqued her interest. ]]>Lawmakers Have Two Hits and a Miss in Their Sessionhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60784http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60784 Tue, 03 May 2011 14:55:00 GMTOn three of the biggest issues they confronted during this year’s session of the General Assembly, Georgia lawmakers had two hits and one strikeout, which makes for a rather good batting average. ]]>Essay Contest Winners Receive Awardshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60777http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60777 Tue, 03 May 2011 14:36:00 GMTMore than 6,000 6th graders weighed in on how they would improve their communities in GMA’s “If I Were Mayor, I Would” essay contest this year. ]]>Convention Speaker Is Noted Author, Speakerhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60773http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60773 Tue, 03 May 2011 14:17:00 GMTHailed by a New York Times writer as a “modern-day Will Rogers who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America,” Andy Andrews is an internationally known speaker and novelist whose combined works have sold millions of copies worldwide. ]]>Main Street Program Plus Welcome Center Equals Successhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60116http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60116 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:38:00 GMTThe welcome center is a place for people to gain information on attractions, dining options, directions, unique shopping experiences and more ]]>Creativity Proves Effective in Attracting Downtown Shoppershttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60114http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60114 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:04:00 GMTWhile cities love great shops and restaurants downtown – it often takes more than a “if you build it they will come” philosophy to guarantee downtown success. ]]>Fire Department Turns Old Bus into New Teaching Opportunityhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60112http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60112 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:44:00 GMTThe Peachtree City Fire Department recently unveiled its new public education bus, the culmination of two years of planning, fund raising and construction by several city and local businesses and industries. ]]>Parks Mark Progress in Atlanta’s Redevelopmenthttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60103http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=60103 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:09:00 GMTFor years, acres of contaminated former industrial land in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward community languished as a mass of unused parking lots. ]]>Healthy People, Healthy Citieshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=60115http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=60115 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:18:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Life on Main Streethttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59368http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59368 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:29:00 GMTLiving on main street (in Rome its Broad Street) is on the rise and a sought after market. ]]>Law Enforcement Agencies Combine Forces to Fight Crimehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59367http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59367 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:18:00 GMTThe Valdosta Regional Crime Laboratory is the product of cooperation between two law enforcement agencies, and the answer to providing forensic services to nearby agencies. ]]>Good News in Tough Times: Historic Preservation and the Georgia Economyhttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=59366http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=59366 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:01:00 GMTA new report shows the impact of historic preservation on the state's economy. ]]>Shared Plans Lead to Common Vision in Oxfordhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59361http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59361 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:59:00 GMTFor as long as there has been the city of Oxford, there has been a college in the heart of the city. ]]>A Meeting of the Minds in Trenton, Dade Countyhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59343http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=59343 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:58:00 GMTTrenton Better Hometown Manager Peter Cervelli understands city/county cooperation in a way many don’t. He’s also a county commissioner for Dade County, where Trenton is the lone city. ]]>Thomaston’s Georgia Cities Week Events Include Entire Communityhttp://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. ]]>Cities Find More Ways PinPoint-PublicWorks Devices Save Timehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58440http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58440 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:08:00 GMTSince 2007 cities across the country, including several in Georgia, have used the award-winning PinPoint GeoTech TAG units (nicknamed Touch Activated Gizmos) devices to help operate more efficient sanitation and public works departments. ]]>Safety Grant Changes to Reimbursementhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58438http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58438 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:00:00 GMTThe GMA workers’ compensation and property and liability insurance funds have changed the structure of the popular Safety and Liability Management Grant program from a 50 percent match to a 100 percent reimbursement program. ]]>Cities Get Good Deals Selling, Buying on GovDealshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58403http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58403 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:56:00 GMTIn these times of tight budgets and limited revenue sources, efficiency and cost effectiveness is paramount. ]]>Grant Program Helps Boost Healthy Workforcehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58401http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58401 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:49:00 GMTWith the cost of health coverage on the rise, many cities are looking for ways to ensure a healthier work force. ]]>Cities Leave Less $$ on the Table with GMA’s Debt Collection Service http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58400http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58400 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:46:00 GMTWhile cities grapple with declining revenues and are often forced to resort to employee layoffs, spending cuts and service reductions to balance budgets, recovering every dollar owed is more of a priority than ever for local governments.]]>Program Makes Meetings More Manageablehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58398http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58398 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:23:00 GMTWoodstock Clerk Rhonda Pezello has no yearning for the “good ol’ days.” At least, not the days it took to prepare and compile the city’s council meeting agendas. ]]>State Leaders Talk Taxeshttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58394http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=58394 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:31:00 GMTAppearing before city officials at GMA’s annual Mayors’ Day Conference, Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston said they intended to work in a more cooperative manner with local governments than had been the case in the past. ]]>The Importance of Downtown Programminghttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=57541http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=57541 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:53:00 GMTAs our cities and towns enter another calendar year, we see that property values have dropped, sales taxes may be off and permit fees are almost surely down. ]]>Amending Municipal Charter Amendments by Legislative Action and Home Rulehttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=57537http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=57537 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:20:00 GMTA city’s charter establishes the framework for governing the city. Every year, there are local bills passed in the General Assembly that amend municipal charters. This is because one of the two methods for amending a city charter requires local legislation from the General Assembly. ]]>City of Cornelia Designated As Georgia’s Twenty-second WaterFirst® Community http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=57535http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=57535 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:11:00 GMTCornelia’s team was rated “top notch,” by the state’s WaterFirst Reviewers, making Cornelia the state’s 22nd community to be designated as a WaterFirst® Community. ]]>Afterschool Summit Sets Riceboro Councilmember in Actionhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=57527http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=57527 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:34:00 GMTWhen Riceboro Councilmember Chris Stacey received an invitation for GMA’s 2010 Mayors’ Day pre-conference on afterschool, he immediately decided to attend. ]]>Public Service Commission Duties and Responsibilitieshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=55997http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=55997 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:12:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>HB277 and LMIG: Impacts on Funding for Local Transportation Projectshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=55032http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=55032 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMTSenate Bill 200, which passed during the 2009 legislative session, called for significant changes in the management and operation of the Georgia Department of Transportation as well as changes to local government funding programs that GDOT administers. ]]>GDOT Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant Program http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=53322http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=53322 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:44:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Acworth Named All America Cityhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=53321http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=53321 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:36:00 GMTThe city of Acworth is one of the newest All America City, becoming only the fifth Georgia city to achieve the designation. ]]>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. ]]>Using E-Governmenthttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=51125http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=51125 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:45:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Suwanee City Hall is First in State for LEED Certificationhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=51121http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=51121 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:58:00 GMTSuwanee’s new city hall, which opened last year, has received official LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). ]]>Navigating the Budget Processhttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=50029http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=50029 Sat, 01 May 2010 04:01:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>Downtown Development Authoritieshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=49240http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=49240 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:21:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>What is the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing?http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=48329http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=48329 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:57:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>Is Metadata Subject to Open Records?http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=46504http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=46504 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:25:00 GMTUnlike paper documents, there is a large amount of data embedded within electronic documents that is not always apparent. ]]>Transportation Grant Programhttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=46503http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=46503 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:04:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>Declaring Disastershttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=44229http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=44229 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:00:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>The Sustainable Communityhttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=41962http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=41962 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:50:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>The Census and Applied Demographyhttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=40888http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=40888 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:18:00 GMT

Q&A from Ask GMA.

]]>Youth Leadership Programs and Citizen Academies http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=39153http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=39153 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:10:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>The Importance of City Brandinghttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=38225http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=38225 Fri, 01 May 2009 14:21:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Excise Taxes Available to Citieshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=37400http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=37400 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:14:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Recycling and the Environmental Awareness of Cities in Georgiahttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=36635http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=36635 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:15:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Federal “Red Flag” Rule on Identity Thefthttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=35715http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=35715 Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:02:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Changes to Disabilities Act Expand Coveragehttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=34693http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=34693 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:05:00 GMTThe ADA Amendments Act (“ADAAA”), which took effect January 1, will expand coverage under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) to millions of additional employees and applicants for employment. ]]>USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Loan and Grant Programhttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=33017http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=33017 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:48:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Opportunity Zoneshttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=30053http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=30053 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:37:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>ICMA and GCCMA Q&Ahttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=27836http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=27836 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:24:00 GMTQ&A from Ask GMA. ]]>Downtown Development Authorities Q&Ahttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=23950http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=23950 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:39:00 GMTDowntown development authorities are used in cities throughout the state as a mechanism to revitalize and redevelop municipal central business districts. City officials should understand how DDAs are created, what DDAs are empowered to do and the roles and responsibilities of DDA members. ]]>Tax Allocation Districts Q&Ahttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=22896http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=22896 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:53:00 GMTGeorgia law provides specific powers to enable local governments to embark on projects that will foster public/private partnerships and spur economic growth. Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) are one of the legislative tools available to support cities’ community and economic development ventures. ]]>Internet Tax Q&Ahttp://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=21881http://www.gmanet.com/MDR.aspx?CNID=21881 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:22:00 GMTQ&A about Internet taxes, the Internet Tax Moratorium, the Streamlined Sales Tax Project and the impact of all of these on cities. ]]>GMA Training Program Q&Ahttp://www.gmanet.com/Training.aspx?CNID=24828http://www.gmanet.com/Training.aspx?CNID=24828 Fri, 02 May 2008 01:42:00 GMTState law mandates that city officials in various elected and appointed positions are required to attend and complete training courses pertaining to the basic performance of their duties. ]]>Auburn Saves by Switching to GMA Insurance Programhttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74704http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=74704 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:18:00 GMTThe city of Auburn recently saved more than $17,000 by switching to GMA’s property and liability insurance. ]]>McDonough Loses No Sleep in Joining GMA’s Expanded Hotel/Motel Tax Servicehttp://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63460http://www.gmanet.com/Paper.aspx?CNID=63460 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:44:00 GMTWhen McDonough City Manager Billy Beckett learned that GMA was looking for a city to pilot an expanded version of its hotel/motel tax revenue recovery service, he did not hesitate to request that his city be considered. ]]>