2022 Cities United Summit

2022 Cities United Summit
GMA's Cities United Summit will take place at the Hilton Atlanta from January 21-24, 2022.

Cities United Summit highlights include:

  • Invited special guests including Georgia’s top leaders.
  • More than six opportunities to engage directly with Georgia legislators.
  • The Capitol Connection Breakfast followed by a “Cities United” trip to the Gold Dome.
  • Unmatched training opportunities offered by the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute.

Contact Erica Grier for questions regarding Cities United Summit at [email protected].

Venue: The 2022 GMA Cities United Summit will take place at the Atlanta Hilton and Towers.

The Capitol Connection Breakfast will take place at the hotel on Monday morning.

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House will be invited to address attendees and, as usual, all members of the Georgia General Assembly will be invited to attend, providing a great opportunity for networking with state leaders. After breakfast, if COVID protocols permit, city officials will be encouraged to visit the Capitol to celebrate GMA Cities United Day at the Capitol. Shuttle service from the Atlanta Hilton to the Capitol will be provided available through the lunch hour.


All changes and cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected]. Cancellations after December 10th will be assessed a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations after December 31st will not be eligible for refund.

When
1/21/2022 9:30 AM - 1/24/2022 12:00 PM
Eastern Standard Time
Where
Hilton Atlanta 255 Courtland St NE Atlanta, GA 30303 UNITED STATES
Additional registrations must be made onsite.
Event Contact
Mrs. Erica Grier - Phone: (678) 651-1015

Program

Friday, 21 January 2022

Description
Category
Conference
When
1/21/2022 9:00 AM - 1/24/2022 12:00 PM
9:00 AM
(3-hour class) Decisions made in Washington, D.C. on issues ranging from environmental regulations to tax reform and the federal budget have a direct impact on municipal operations. Federal policies may create unfunded mandates and result in unintended consequences. Local officials have a key role in influencing federal policy. By sharing information with federal leaders about local challenges and needs, federal leaders can make more informed decisions. This class provides information about Congress, federal agencies, and how municipal officials can engage most effectively with leaders at the federal level to advocate for municipal priorities. Participants obtain tips for communicating with members of Congress and engage in role playing exercises to hone their negotiating skills.
Category
Training
Time
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
9:30 AM
(6-hour class) This class examines the importance of ethical conduct in the administration of one’s public duties and how ethical lapses can severely damage the reputation of both individual officeholders and the city. An overview of state ethics laws and regulations that apply to municipal officials, including campaign financing and private interest disclosure requirements, is provided. Ethical dilemmas that often confront public officials and the value of strong local ethics ordinances are also discussed.
Category
Training
Time
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
9:30 AM
(3-hour class) Elected officials are the “face” of a city’s commitment to information privacy and security. This class covers what municipal officials “need to know” about information privacy and security policies including: risk assessment, access controls, security provisions in contracts, disaster recovery / business continuity, workforce training and incident / breach readiness. Class attendees review actual municipal and county information privacy and security breaches. They also learn how to champion for the resources to secure city information and how to designate the city as a HIPAA “hybrid entity.”
Category
Training
Time
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
9:30 AM
(3-hour class) Never in the history of humankind have we experienced a more radical population shift. Advances in technology and health care are increasing longevity for many Americans. Increased numbers of older residents is not a temporary situation that will end with any generation but rather a permanent state for communities throughout the nation. By 2029, it is estimated that persons over 65 years of age will make up 20 percent of the U.S. population. This class examines the implications of an aging population on cities and how municipal leaders can maintain and attract the older residents, a vital plank of economic vitality and development. Public administrators can play a unique role in preparing communities for residents of all ages and abilities to live healthy and independent lives. Critical components are the adoption of age-friendly practices that address fundamental aspects of housing, transportation and services through decisions about land use, zoning and investments. This session discusses ways for communities to enact change through integrated public policy, community design and engagement.
Category
Training
Time
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
9:30 AM
(6-hour class) This class examines the difficult choices municipal officials encounter in stimulating economic well-being, protecting public infrastructure investment and maintaining environmental integrity. It examines legal considerations for planning and zoning, the role of the mayor and council and practical steps for maintaining a comprehensive plan and effective zoning procedures. In addition, the class highlights issues, barriers and policy solutions associated with efforts to achieve desirable patterns of development.
Category
Training
Time
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
9:30 AM
(3-hour class) The success of a city is often gauged by how its residents perceive city council meetings. This class is designed to give elected officials and others a practical understanding of the most commonly-used procedures available to govern meetings. The basic tenants of Robert’s Rules of Order, as well as alternatives to Robert’s, are taught in a manner that seeks to arm presiding officials with the tools necessary to run successful and productive gatherings of their elected officials and other meetings necessary to operate their cities.
Category
Training
Time
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
9:30 AM
(6-hour class) Public officials will explore the democratic context of leading and governing. It addresses the role of elected officials in a democratic society, the relationship between elected and appointed officials, the core values underlying public problems and choices, and the reasons why councils can make better choices than individuals. The goals of this class are to help public officials better understand their roles in leading and governing their communities, to develop a better understanding of what councils do and why, and to develop practical skills in public problem solving and decision making. Participants learn how to use public problems to discuss the kind of community they want to build and how to ensure that their choices and decisions preserve the fundamental goals of our democratic society.
Category
Training
Time
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
9:30 AM
(3-hour class) This class provides a basic overview of the economic development process, with a focus on the strategies, resources and programs employed by the state of Georgia to assist communities in achieving success in today’s global economy. Topics such as community development building blocks, business development strategies, regional cooperation, and the role of local leadership in economic development are covered.
Category
Training
Time
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
2:00 PM
(3 hour class) Funding local transportation projects is a complex process with many federal, state, regional and local stakeholders. Changing project requirements and shifting political priorities can further complicate the process.  This class will help participants understand the full array of transportation funding options for road, bridge, transit, sidewalk, trail and bike lane projects that are available in Georgia. Information will be provided on the advantages/disadvantages of each funding option, limitations (if there are any), key partners, and time frames for application and/or expenditure. Class discussion will include key components of project management, including public engagement, project design, right-of-way acquisition, public utility relocation, construction start, and conclusion. Additionally, a panel of transportation funding experts will help participants understand the importance of developing a comprehensive transportation funding plan based on sound process and best practices.
Category
Training
Time
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
2:00 PM
(3-hour class) Annexation is an important and unique power of city governments. It often can be a difficult and complex undertaking. This class will describe the different methods of annexation permitted by Georgia law, the steps for zoning annexed territory, and handling county objections to annexation. Participants will discuss why cities annex property and the potential impacts of annexation to the cities, newly-annexed stakeholders, and the county government.
Category
Training
Time
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
2:00 PM
(3-hour class) Today, technology is essential to most aspects of our public and private lives. For mayors, councilmembers and other community leaders, technology has become a critical factor in governance, communication and citizen engagement. In this advanced class, your role regarding local government technology is outlined and you are made aware of the ways your city might better utilize available technology or digital solutions. These solutions include applications and services that enhance opportunities for increased operational effectiveness and productivity such as engaging citizens on a more consistent basis, increasing quality services, facilitating transparency, and enhancing efficient operational procedures. Participants hear from those with technology expertise who have had success with digital solutions in their communities.
Category
Training
Time
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
2:00 PM
(3-hour class) Open, accessible meetings are a hallmark of local government and are important for communicating with residents and businesses. This class examines the requirements of Georgia’s Open Meetings Act, what constitutes a “meeting,” and the limited circumstances authorizing executive sessions. The importance of proper notice as well as meeting agendas, summaries and minutes are discussed. Class participants are apprised of potential consequences for failing to follow the law.
Category
Training
Time
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
2:00 PM

Saturday, 22 January 2022

Description
This class provides an overview of the state legislative process and helps city officials understand how they can be effective advocates of issues important to their community and cities throughout the state. Participants receive ideas for establishing productive year-round relationships with members of the General Assembly as well as practical lobbying tips they can use during the legislative session. The class also includes a hands-on exercise using real-life legislative scenarios.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
This class examines the importance of building effective working relationships with the media and the role the media plays in informing the public and shaping their opinion of municipal governments. Advice for repairing poor relationships is provided, along with insights on when and how to speak with reporters, especially during times of crisis. This class is limited to 40 participants.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
This class explores strategies and techniques for successfully resolving conflict through negotiation and mediation. Emphasis is placed on identifying the sources of conflict and the personality styles of the parties involved.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
This class provides participants with information pertaining to workforce trends in local government and Georgia’s workforce, as well as the role of elected officials and key players throughout our state.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
This class is primarily directed at those who serve on Downtown Development Authorities, but it is open to all city officials. Topics include: management of downtown as a valuable resource; the role of the authority, board members and staff; DDA laws; and the day-to-day operations of a Downtown Development Authority.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
This class provides a basic overview of the economic development process, with a focus on the strategies, resources and programs employed by the state of Georgia to assist communities in achieving success in today’s global economy. Topics such as community development building blocks, business development strategies, regional cooperation, and the role of local leadership in economic development are covered.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
This class is aimed at providing municipal officials with a general understanding of the roles of local, state and federal government in responding to and helping communities recover from both natural and man-made disasters. The functions of local emergency management agencies and important legal and financial issues that arise during times of emergency and disaster are also discussed.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
Making decisions within a single jurisdiction is complicated enough, but relatively simple compared to the complexity of decisions multiple jurisdictions must often make among themselves. In this class, participants explore first-hand some of the critical leadership challenges involved in collective decision making, such as: How should such decisions be made? What form should they take? How should they be governed, monitored and enforced? How should costs and benefits be allocated?
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
This class provides an overview of state and federal personnel law that apply to municipal governments and the basics of human resource management. Key topics include day-to-day issues facing human resource staff, the role of the personnel manager, establishing and adhering to sound personnel policies and procedures, and dealing with the media.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
This class familiarizes municipal officials with the basic concepts of law enforcement. In addition to reviewing applicable laws, funding mechanisms and staffing models, the class addresses emerging public safety issues, trends and innovations.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
All organizations, institutions, associations, and jurisdictions must respond to change, either because they happen to change or change happens to them. This is why virtually every city and town engages in some form of what is commonly referred to as strategic planning. But having a strategic plan and thinking strategically are not the same. If they were, so many so-called strategic plans wouldn’t sit on the shelf. Municipal leaders must be able to engage colleagues, constituents, citizens, and their community in strategic thinking if they are to address not only the challenges facing them today, but also those of tomorrow. This class uses a strategic simulation that incorporates strategic thinking, visioning, and navigating to address the what, why, and how of strategic planning. Class participants work together in small groups to simulate a strategic process that includes an environmental scan, building scenarios of most likely and most preferred futures, identifying driving and restraining forces, conducting a gap analysis, identifying key themes, framing goals and strategies, and developing an action plan to guide how to navigate from today to tomorrow.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
Municipal governments face many challenges today in delivering services to their citizens with resources that continue to diminish. These challenges have provided new opportunities for cities to work across jurisdictional boundaries to effectively support community and economic development efforts, as well as many other local projects and programs. This cooperation can be accomplished through informal and formal agreements, and partnerships may extend to public, non-profit and private sector entities. This class examines the concept of regional cooperation, tools for implementation, opportunities to explore best practices around the state and strategies for establishing successful regional partnerships.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
** CLERK’S COURSE - Review of Alcohol Excise Tax, Laws and Regulations(6-hour class) Each year we see an overwhelming number of alcohol bills introduced to the state legislature.?This course will examine the new laws and regulations and how the changes impact the excise tax received by local governments. A review of the Alcohol Statewide Centralized Application Process (2020 HB 879) will also be a topic of discussion.
Category
Training - Saturday
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
This class provides an overview of the tools and resources available to cities interested in effectively responding to neighborhood problems such as dilapidated and unsafe structures, unsightly property, junk automobiles, weeds, trash and other nuisances. Topics include Georgia’s Urban Redevelopment law, code enforcement and land bank authorities.
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8:30 AM
The registration fee for each youth is $150 to cover three meal events, breaks, meeting materials and transportation to the Sunday night event and the Monday morning breakfast. Lunch and dinner on Sunday and breakfast on Monday morning are included in the registration fee.
Category
Youth
When
1/22/2022 2:00 PM - 1/24/2022 9:00 AM
2:00 PM
The registration fee for each chaperone is $150 to cover three meal events, breaks, meeting materials and transportation to the Sunday night event and the Monday morning breakfast. Lunch and dinner on Sunday and breakfast on Monday morning are included in the registration fee.
Category
Youth
When
1/22/2022 2:00 PM - 1/24/2022 9:00 AM
2:00 PM

Sunday, 23 January 2022

Description
8:00 AM
Category
Conference
Time
12:15 PM - 2:15 PM
12:15 PM
Category
Conference
Time
12:15 PM - 2:15 PM
12:15 PM
Time
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
5:30 PM

Monday, 24 January 2022

Description
Category
Conference
Time
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
7:00 AM
Category
Conference
Time
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
7:00 AM

Sign in to Register