GMA took part in the GARC 2026 Annual Conference last week at St. Simons Island, Georgia where GMA joined regional leaders and local elected officials from around the state to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our communities down the road.
The conference provided a forum for discussion, dialogue and sharing of ideas and information among regional and city communities, the issues and challenges and information sharing across GGA cities and regional communities. It also provided a snapshot of GGA work with regional organisations, local government partners and community in municipal governance and leadership.
A third stand-out for the event was when GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson took part in a panel presentation on the election that explained what election results mean for local government, public leadership and the policy environment cities operate in. The event also featured conversations on what election results mean for decision-making, city priorities and the delivery of public services.
Comments by Hanson were part of many during GMA’s campaign to serve as the voice for all cities of all sizes throughout Georgia and to have conversations on issues that city governments deal with. As cities experience change in their political, economic, and management atmosphere, these conversations help provide understanding about the correlation between elections and local governments.
Numerous additional GMA staff members were present at the annual conference and were able to participate in plenaries, present at break-out sessions and network with other conference attendees. This afforded GMA a chance to interact with its members and communicate with partner organisations in every region of Georgia.
GMA individuals attended the conference in order to accomplish the goals of networking with others and collaborating with other regional and local government groups through presentations and in person interactions. Attendees have an opportunity to learn more about local and regional issues and experiences and identify our priorities to better serve our people.
The Georgia Association of Regional Commissions has large contributions to associate.
