Before the 2027 legislative session, Perry government leaders and state lawmakers gathered at a Hometown connection session that the city of Perry sponsored for Perry and other Georgia cities and countries to converse about matters of concern.
Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III, Representative-elect Renita Duncan(D-147) participated in a roundtable meeting with country and city officials to address the issues most important in their communities.
Why it was discussed: Taxation, Housing, Next Generation, open records; these topics are important to local governments because of how they impact local government operations, communities, local government services and the lives of residents.
The most important subject of the meeting was taxon. The mayors and delegates from the different towns talked about taxation and the effect on the people.The residents and the delegates from the different towns talked about housing and solving the local housing issues.
19 Emergency communications (Next Generation 911) Emergency communities (Next Generation 911) was the second greatest topic all throughout the conference. The reason why this came into the ranking is that we need a fast emergency service and good communication for the sake of the entire community.
The third area that participants raised was open records and government openness.Open records allow citizens to have a trust relationship with their state.
During the Hometown Connection meet-up, town representatives had an opportunity to meet with the state legislature on what they are working on. It is also a way to communicate with local governments and state agencies.This way, legislators can understand what is happening to municipalities and how to incorporate local priorities into the laws.
“I also want to thank the dozen-plus government officials who came out and made time for us today, ”Perry Mayor Randall Walker, city Manager Robert Smith and Assistant City Manager Mitchell Worthington said in a statement.Because of their leadership and perseverance local officials and members of the legislature could be part of the conversation.”
As the 2027 legislative session approaches, the GMA urges Georgia cities to host their own hometown connection meetings.Through this program, state legislators and local officials have the chance to meet in the hometowns to address city concerns.The meetings also highlighted the importance of state and local officials working together to meet needs in the community and create a presence for Georgia cities in the Capitol.
