Georgia State Representative Sam Park of Lawrenceville has been honored with the 2026 Champion of Georgia’s Cities Award by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The award highlights the role Park has played in the cities of Georgia and in helping local communities and the people who live in them.
Park is now the House Minority Whip for 2025-2026.
GMA State Relations Manager Noah Roenitz awarded the plaque to Park during the Lawrenceville City Council meeting on October 26,2026
The award recognizes state leaders who partner with municipalities and advocate for solutions that benefit local residents. GMA presented the award to Park in recognition of his work in partnership with the association throughout the last legislative session and efforts to highlight key issues for cities in Georgia.
“Rep. Park was a dedicated colleague to GMA,” the organization said in a press release. “Additionally, he was a passionate champion for Georgia, using his role as House Minority Whip to amplify the voices of communities statewide.”
Park collaborated with GMA staff on multiple policy issues, such as local taxation, public safety and permits for housing. These issues have a vital impact on city growth, public services, and local resources for neighborhood communities.
Local taxes support basic city services such as police, fire, road work and water. Ensuring safe cities is still a top priority for local governments, while permits issued for new housing help officials understand what is being built and where.
GMA added its working relationship with Park has allowed local authorities to provide input and express their concerns on the legislation, from the earliest discussions all the way through to the final vote.
The Georgia Municipal Association is a non-profit organisation that exists to serve the citizens and cities of Georgia. It offers training, services and products to local governments. Its annual awards honor leaders who work to build and sustain their communities.
This acknowledgment demonstrates the ongoing partnership between Park and GMA and the issue at hand which affects communities throughout Georgia.
The role of state and local cooperation was also a focus of the city council presentation, when Lawrenceville, in Gwinnett County, represented the community Park is part of in Georgia’s House of Representatives.
Building on our work together, state legislators and local officials can take this opportunity to get to know their communities, improve public services and build great places to live in Georgia.
