May, 2013 Brookhaven and Georgia’s Newest Cities are Delivering Positive Results for Citizens J. D. Clockadale, Interim Deputy City Manager, Brookhaven May 7, 2013 The city of Brookhaven, after opening city hall and starting operations on Monday, December 17, 2012, reached the 100th day Tuesday, March 26, 2013—a historical milestone. City Leaders Can Weave Their Own Thread Lamar Norton, GMA Executive Director May 7, 2013 This month, I am giving this space over to Susan Starr, wife of Georgia Cities Foundation President Mike Starr. Susan is the official ambassador for the Foundation and has been an enthusiastic participant in the “Heart and Soul” Bus Tour since its inception. Following the most recent bus tour, Susan reflected on the rehab of small downtowns that have no foundation money or big industry to help them bring back their downtowns. What she says is eloquent, from the heart, and better stated than I could ever hope to be.

April, 2013 The Mayoral Role in Disaster Lisa Janak Newman, Public Information Officer, Georgia Emergency Management Agency April 9, 2013 When Adairsville Mayor Evan King got a call from City Manager Pat Crook saying the city had been hit bad by a tornado, he immediately realized that residents would be looking to their local elected officials to lead the response and long-term recovery efforts. So, he took time off from his full-time job to help his community cope with the crisis. City Leaders Speak on Behalf of All Cities John Reid, GMA President April 9, 2013 Since GMA started nearly 80 years ago, when then Atlanta Mayor James Key organized 56 cities to band together to fight to protect their revenue sources from state intrusion, cities have shown that they are stronger together as one voice than speaking individually.

March, 2013 How is Your Community Credit? Lamar Norton, GMA Executive Director March 6, 2013 What are we doing as city officials to listen and learn from our taxpayers? Are we talking to the newspaper publisher on a regular basis to see what they need to be successful? What about the pharmacist? What about the attorneys? Most importantly, what about the average citizen that purchases water and sewer and want to live in a nice, peaceful neighborhood?

February, 2013 Low-profile Fiscal Cliff Issue Could Undermine Cities, Counties Manuel Marono, Mayor, Sweetwater, Fla., President, Florida League of Cities February 7, 2013 As Congress and the president wrestle with solving the so-called fiscal cliff crisis, one particular issue should be of serious concern to local and middle-class taxpayers. The suggestion to remove the tax-exempt status on municipal bonds isn't getting a lot of attention. But it should, because — if passed — it will not only raise taxes on middle-class families but slow local job growth and stymie the building of needed public infrastructure. Concerns with Capping the Exemption of Muni Bond Interest at 28 Percent Sam Mamet, Executive Director, Colorado Municipal League February 7, 2013 A cap on the exemption of tax-exempt interest would have the effect of increasing borrowing costs for state and local governments. Partnerships Pave the Way to Success Ray LaHood, U.S. Secreatary of Transportation February 7, 2013 Last week, I wrote about the terrific partnership DOT has enjoyed with America's mayors. Readers might recall that throughout the past four years, DOT has also put a great deal of emphasis on regional partnerships where state, county and municipal leaders come together for a common purpose. Well, this morning I had the pleasure of acknowledging mayors and regional partnerships at the Georgia Municipal Association Mayors' Day Conference in Atlanta. Are You Planning for Changes? John Reid, GMA President February 7, 2013 The key to not being overwhelmed by “change” is to understand, believe in and focus our energies on the future, but it's a balancing act. We must understand our past without wasting time and energy wishing for its return. We must deal with realities of the here and now. And just more than believing in a better future, we must create the vision for that future.

January, 2013 State of the State: Focus on foundations that strengthen Georgia Governor Nathan Deal January 17, 2013 Gov. Nathan Deal delivered his State of the State address on January 17, 2013. New Year Brings New Opportunities Lamar Norton, GMA Executive Director January 3, 2013 A new year brings with it the opportunity to start fresh and new, to set goals and plans of action to achieve those goals. I know many of you have likely made resolutions for your personal and professional lives, and I wish you great success in your endeavors. However, I’d also like to challenge you to add a GMA resolution to your new year’s plans. Are Community Colleges Prepared to Prepare the Workforce? David Shaffer, Senior Fellow, the Rockefeller Institute of Government January 3, 2013 In an election year that’s heavily focused on jobs and the economy, one of the few things both parties seem to agree on is that the nation’s community colleges have a key role to play in developing the higher-skilled workforce that’s needed to keep the U.S. competitive.