August 2021
ACCG NEWS
Register Now: 2021 Policy Committee Meetings

Have you registered for a policy committee meeting yet? The first round of meetings are well underway but there's still an opportunity to get involved and participate in ACCG’s policy development process. The final round of in-person meetings will take place August 25 - 26 in Macon-Bibb County, a virtual meeting option offered on September 8th and the Federal Policy Committee will meet virtually September 15th. Be sure to register soon to take advantage of the opportunity to provide input on the issues that will help shape the 2022 Policy Agenda.  

Visit the ACCG website to discover what topics will be covered at each meeting. All officials are welcome to attend and are strongly encouraged to provide their input into the groups’ deliberations. Note: You do not have to be a member of a policy committee to participate.

Meeting agendas and locations can be found here.
ACCG Deputy Legislative Director and County Officials Testify before the House Study Committee on Annexation 


On Tuesday, August 17, ACCG Deputy Legislative Director Todd Edwards along with DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Rader, Houston County Chairman Tommy Stalnaker and Barrow County Chairman Pat Graham testified before the House Study Committee on Annexation. A recording of the meeting and their testimony can be accessed here. Their remarks begin at 58:56. ACCG's recommendations to the Study Committee can be found here.


The next meeting of the House Study Committee will be August 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center in Cherokee County. For more information, please click here.


ACCG Fall Regional Training: Local Option Sales Tax Negotiations and Redistricting

This fall ACCG is hosting a series of regional trainings around the state on Local Option Sales Tax Negotiations (LOST) and Redistricting. Training begins on September 20 and ends on October 6. County officials and staff are encouraged to attend as these issues can have longstanding impacts on your county. Meeting dates and locations can be found here.
State News
ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund Grants

The State of Georgia has received direct funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This funding is separate from the funding that counties and cities have received. Governor Brian Kemp established the State Jobs and Infrastructure Committees to oversee $875 million of these funds that are being made available through grants for projects related to: 1) broadband infrastructure ($300 million); 2) water/sewer infrastructure ($250 million); and 3) addressing negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19 ($325 million). State government entities, units of local government, industries and nonprofits are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply for State Fiscal Recovery Funds is quickly approaching, all applications must be submitted by August 31. Additional information can be found here.


Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Application Now Open

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce the opening of the Pre-application period for the 2021-2022 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP). GOSP is a grant and loan program administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and authorized by The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act. Click here for more details.
Federal News
Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann Participates in White House Infrastructure Panel

On Wednesday, August 11, President Biden met virtually with Governors, Mayors, and other state, local, and tribal officials to discuss the importance of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment. One of six invited speakers, Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann represented Georgia and the National Association of Counties sharing what the investment means for Georgia counties and others throughout the country.

Hausmann was accompanied by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Mayor Jerry Dyer (Fresno, CA), Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba (Jackson, MS), and Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. (Cherokee Nation). She serves on the ACCG Board of Managers as the 3rd District Representative. A recap of Commissioner Hausmann's presentation can be found here.



The EDA's Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Program is focused on accelerating recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors. There is currently $240 million available to non-state tourism organizations to help with recovery from pandemic-related closures and support efforts including marketing, infrastructure, workforce, and other projects. Applications for the Competitive Tourism Grants are due by March 15, 2022. Eligible communities can now apply for funding through the EDA Competitive Tourism Grants.
Questions? Email the
ACCG Legislative team:
Register for the Policy Committee Meeting(s) of your choice!

Follow us on social media!

ACCG is YOUR county association. We are here to advance all 159 Georgia county governments. Please feel free to contact a member of the policy team if they can assist in any way.