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UGA CyberArch 101 Webinar
Join the University of Georgia’s CyberArch Program, housed at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, for CyberArch 101—a webinar designed to help local governments, small businesses, rural hospitals, nonprofits, and school systems strengthen their digital defenses. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 12:00 p.m. Don't miss the opportunity to hear firsthand from a county government IT director and small business owner about their experience partnering with UGA CyberArch and how cybersecurity impacts their operations. Click here to register.
Georgia Supreme Court Rules that Citizens May Seek to Overturn County Zoning Decisions
On September 30, the Georgia Supreme Court issued a decision in a case involving a zoning dispute in McIntosh County. The County had amended its zoning ordinance to increase the maximum allowable size for dwellings in a portion of the county (Sapelo Island). Dissatisfied county residents challenged that decision under a provision of the Georgia Constitution allowing citizens to seek to overturn county ordinances, first by gathering a minimum number of signatures on a petition and then via a referendum election. While the county argued that the citizen petition/referendum process is not available to seek a repeal or change zoning ordinances (because zoning power is derived from a different portion of the Constitution), the Court disagreed. County officials should discuss with the county attorney the potential impact of this Court decision (Bailey v. McIntosh County) on county zoning decisions.
DCA Clarifies Rules for Modular and Manufactured Homes
On Oct. 1, 2025, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) released updated guidance distinguishing industrialized/modular buildings from manufactured homes. The memo clarifies permitting, code compliance, and installation requirements under law. Modular buildings must meet state building codes and be installed by licensed Georgia contractors, while manufactured homes follow HUD standards and require HUD-certified installers. DCA emphasized that while local governments maintain zoning and land-use authority, they may not deny permits based solely on a structure's construction method. A copy of the memorandum can be found here.
For additional guidance, contact DCA's Construction Codes and Industrialized Buildings division at codes@dca.ga.gov or IB@dca.ga.gov. You can also contact the Safety Fire Commissioner's Office Manufactured Housing Division at ManHousing@oci.ga.gov or 404-656-9498.
Georgia House Rural Development Committee
The House Rural Development Committee met in early October at Mercer University in Macon-Bibb County to discuss issues affecting counties. Lawmakers reviewed House Bill 244, which would raise the audit threshold for local governments from $550,000 to $2.5 million and ease requirements for smaller ones. Cities and counties that do not comply risk losing key state funding that supports joint projects. They also discussed Georgia’s $30 million cap on historic tax credits, which is fully allocated through 2029 and limits access for rural areas. Lawmakers are considering changes to make the program more accessible. Finally, the committee addressed the rural healthcare crisis. Twenty rural hospitals have closed in recent years, and more are at risk. Low Medicaid reimbursement and shrinking local tax bases are putting added financial pressure on counties.
Click here to view a full recording of the meeting.
Stakeholder Meetings Announced for Proposed Updates to State Water Plan
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division, on behalf of the State Water Council, is conducting stakeholder meetings on Nov. 10, 2025, to discuss proposed updates to Section 14 of the State Water Plan. The proposed changes can be found here. Click here for additional information and to access links to stakeholder meetings. Written comments must be submitted by the close of business on Nov. 14, 2025, to veronica.craw@dnr.ga.gov. The words “State Water Plan” should be placed at the top of the first page of comments and in the email subject line.
Call for Financing Water Projects Now Open
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) 2026 Water Financing Call for Projects period is now open for the following funding sources:
- Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)
- Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
- Georgia Fund
- Hurricane Helene Resilience Funding
To be eligible for funding, submit a pre-application by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Click here for more information on each fund. To submit pre-applications, access the portal here. For more information, please call 404-584-1000 or email waterresources@gefa.ga.gov.
Clean Georgia Rivers - Trash Trap Grants Available
Thanks to a generous donation, Georgia Rivers has funding available to provide grants for trash traps with the intent of reducing trash and plastic pollution in waterways. All river basins are eligible except for Chattahoochee Basin (the donor has funded traps in the Chattahoochee through another program). Additional funding may be available in 2026 and 2027, so requests not funded in 2025 will be held for future consideration. Click here to access the application.
All questions should be directed to Dana Skelton at dana@garivers.org or 706-247-6998. Grants will be funded on a rolling basis while funds last.
FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program Applications Open
The Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has opened the application period for the FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The application window opened on Oct. 1, 2025, and applications are due by Nov. 17, 2025. If you are interested in applying, reach out directly to GEMA/HS to confirm your eligibility and discuss potential project ideas. Detailed information on the application process can be found here.
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