I hope you enjoy this edition of Georgia’s Cities Magazine, highlighting successful downtowns and cities addressing workforce challenges. Each has its challenges and opportunities in Georgia. 

In many cities, downtowns are thriving, in others they are a work in progress, and in still others, they represent opportunities for redevelopment and job creation. It’s not possible for every city to land a Kia, Rivian, or similar mega-development or a large EV battery manufacturer. But every city has a downtown and opportunity. What’s often needed is a plan developed with input from citizens, local leaders, and experts. Through GMA and partners and programs such as the Renaissance Strategic Visioning and Planning program (RSVP), the Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative, and technical consulting services from our Community and Economic Development Department and Member Services consultants, you can receive assistance that will lead and guide your city into creating a plan based on your unique strengths, identity, history, assets, and resources. 

To succeed, we must plan, and effective planning requires collaboration with citizens and stakeholders. Downtowns offer unique opportunities, especially with strong existing infrastructure like roads, water, and sewer. Since the pandemic, many have gained a renewed appreciation for local gems—farm-to-table restaurants, farmers markets, outdoor dining, art galleries, greenspaces, theaters, and breweries. Downtowns have rightly reclaimed their place as community gathering spots and the heart of our cities. 

The Georgia Cities Foundation provides low-interest loans to help downtown businesses drive private investment and job creation. Fox Gives, the grant program of the Fox Theatre, supports downtown theaters statewide, funding restoration and renovations of these cultural hubs. Success lies in creating a sense of place – offering activities that attract residents and visitors while fostering a unique local identity. It can happen in every city with vision, dreams and leadership. 

We are here to assist your city with technical assistance, planning and design services, access to low interest loans for qualified private sector development, and additional support services. 

Workforce development remains a significant challenge for cities, affecting public safety, local government management, and critical operational roles like CDL drivers. Leadership turnover is also notable—since 2000, 139 cities have had 172 City Clerk changes, and 81 cities have seen 100 City Manager changes, leading to a loss of institutional knowledge and recruitment difficulties. Cities report the greatest hiring challenges in Police (64%), Water/Wastewater/Stormwater (45%), Fire/EMS (42%), and Sanitation (31%), with retention issues similarly high in Police (52%), Public Works (33%), Fire (24%), and Water/Sewer (21%). GMA, through Georgia City Solutions, has developed an innovative recruitment and retention program delivering excellent results for pilot cities. There are many reasons for workforce challenges today, including the fact all Baby Boomers will turn 65 by 2029, competition from the private sector and other public employers, and studies that show today’s workforce is often exploring many occupations and less inclined to serve a career at one employer. 

GMA is here to help you with innovative strategies that support both recruitment and retention. From revitalizing downtowns to addressing workforce needs, our shared focus on planning, innovation, and collaboration is key to success. Remember, we succeed when we are Cities United.