BUENA VISTA, Georgia: Local government officials from across Georgia’s District 8 descended on Buena Vista on Tuesday as the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) kicked off its Fall District Meetings, a series of regional gatherings to convene local elected officials to discuss issues impacting cities across the state.
It was a chance for district 8 mayors, council members and city employees to visit with each other while learning from GMA about issues affecting local government and to get up-close and personal with cities near their community that are having the same issues.
City officials received a briefing on state and federal government relations, where GMA is the voice of all of Georgia’s cities. The decisions made at the state Capitol and in Washington can have a direct effect on a city’s budget and its home rule and the quality of daily life residents experience. The update was intended to make city leaders aware of what to monitor and how to participate.
In addition, they learned what kind of regional training GMA offers. GMA’s model incorporates training for both elected officials and city staff as one of their key offerings. This training offers city leaders an opportunity to sharpen their skills in a variety of areas including governance, public safety and finance.
Other business discussed was GMA’s Strong Georgia Cities communications campaign aimed at expanding understanding by sharing stories of the impact cities have on the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents each day and to showcase stories of success and service to help build appreciation for city government.
As much as the workshops, the district meetings were also a valuable place for relationship-building. City officials from cities of various sizes had the chance to come together at district meetings to exchange ideas, collaborate on solutions and gain insights from one another. These moments are just as meaningful as the workshops!
GMA thanked Buena Vista Mayor Kevin Terrence Brown, District 8 president, for facilitating the event and presiding at the meeting. He set the tone for the cooperative, productive day with his presence and greetings to the City of Buena Vista.
An award for continued service was presented to District 8 First Vice President Brooke Huckabee Wilson, the Mayor of Arabi, in recognition of her engagement and participation in service to her district.
“I appreciate all the local leaders who were there and expressed their opinions too,” GMA said. The department said district meetings are popular in part because local leaders come.
Each fall, District Meetings occur for the cities of each district to meet with GMA and other cities of the district. Buena Vista’s District 8 event on Tuesday was a perfect reminder of what we can do when we unite to lift up our cities of Georgia.
