Regional Newsletter

Across 14 Counties & 43 Cities

Southwest Georgia Regional Commission

181 East Broad Street Camilla, Georgia 31730 | (229) 522-3552 | www.swgrc.org

April 2026 Edition

Regionally Important Resources

DUE DATES FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Periodic updates of your local comprehensive plan, service delivery strategy, and other documents are required in order to retain eligibility for various FUNDING, PERMITTING, AND INCENTIVE programs administered by the State.

Please take a moment to review your community’s

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNING DUE DATES

to ensure that your eligibility for state assistance is not interrupted.

(Select your community from either the “County” or “City”, after clicking the link above.)

We urge local governments to check their due dates regularly at the above link.

For additional community planning information, you can access Your Local Government Status on our website or call the Office of Planning & Research at 404-679-5279.

Lee County Transit Development Plan (TDP)

The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission is currently developing a Transit Development Plan (TDP) for Lee County. This effort aims to strengthen coordination and collaboration while supporting local planning and informational needs.

Workforce Growth: 80 Jobs Created in Colquitt

The City of Colquitt has successfully completed its Fiscal Year 2022 Redevelopment Fund (RDF) Grant Project, totaling $708,297, which included the demolition, stabilization, and rehabilitation of the property located at 106 North First Street. This revitalized site is now home to the Hospital Authority Training Center of Miller County, representing a meaningful investment in both infrastructure and workforce development for the community.

GICH 2026 Certified Alumni Communities

2026 GICH Alumni Certification are recognized for continuing the work started during their participation in the GICH program and for demonstrating ongoing leadership in housing and community development efforts across Georgia.

FY26 SS4A Notice of Funding Opportunity

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to solicit applications for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants.

DCA Launches Georgia Rehoused Funding Opportunity to Address Homelessness

DCA Launches Georgia Rehoused Funding Opportunity to Address Homelessness The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has announced a new funding opportunity through the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Commission to support local efforts to reduce homelessness across Georgia.

Apply by June 15 for Georgia Local Road Assistance funds

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is now accepting applications for Local Road Assistance Administration (LRA) funding. These funds, included in the amended FY2026 state budget, help local governments improve roads and infrastructure — and no local match is required.

Events, Trainings, Webinars, & Workshops

May 12

Free

Housing Solutions: Meeting Today's Challenges, Moving Our Communities Forward

Join housing leaders, developers, local officials, nonprofits, renters, homeowners, and lenders for the 26th Annual Southwest Georgia Housing Conference: Housing Solutions: Meeting Today's Challenges, Moving Our Communities Forward.

Local General Contractors Needed

The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) is administering the Community Home Investment Program (CHIP), a federally funded grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP) Grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist eligible homeowners with Housing Rehabilitation.

Licensed Contractors are needed to work on the housing units for grant funding.

Contractors Must Have:

Standard Georgia Licenses
Current Georgia Certified Lead Renovator License
Employment Eligibility Verification (E-Verify)

Contractors Must Maintain:

General Liability Insurance covering death or bodily injury
Motor Vehicle Liability
Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Contractors must be responsible for acquiring all building permits and for arranging waste disposal.

Contact Person:

Brenda Wade, Grants Administration Manager

(229) 522-3552 x105

bwade@swgrc.org

Download Contractor's Application

Pre-Application Call-In Event

Dougherty County

Dougherty County has been awarded a Community HOME Investment Grant (CHIP) to make needed repairs to the homes of eligible low and moderate income homeowners living within project’s target area located in the county limits of Dougherty, Georgia.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

8:00 AM — 12:00 Noon

If you are an interested homeowner:

Call 1-888-467-7814
or Visit the website: www.swgrc.org/chip-dougherty

Items Needed for full Application:

Completed Application Form

Proof of the Following:

Household Income (Current 2026)
Property Ownership (Warranty Deed)
Property Taxes (2025 Tax Receipt)
Property Hazard (Current Fire Insurance)
Utility/Electric Service (Current)
Photo Identification Card

Click here to see Target Area map

Fall Community Planning Institute

Bainbridge, GA The DCA Office of Planning, in partnership with the Georgia Planning Association, offers a series of classes called the Community Planning Institute to Georgia's planning commissioners, elected officials and local government staff. The Institute provides information about planning for land use, growth and development.

DCA Success Story: How to Avoid a Downtown Downturn

Free Webinar

June 24, 2026 - 10 am-11:30 am

Examples of Successful Downtown Revitalizations

Reach out to planning@dca.ga.gov to get registered!

Job Description

How to Apply

Open Position Opportunity: Executive Director

The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission is currently accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to help guide regional growth, support local governments, and strengthen communities across Southwest Georgia.

The Executive Director oversees agency operations, strategic initiatives, staff leadership, and partnerships that serve the Commission’s 14-county region. Ideal candidates will bring strong leadership skills, experience in public administration or community development, and a passion for advancing rural and regional success.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact while leading an organization dedicated to serving Southwest Georgia since 1967. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the Commission’s website.

Employee Spotlight

The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission is pleased to recognize Sheena Stephens on her recent promotion from Planning Assistant to Planner I. Since joining the Commission in 2022, Sheena has played an important role in supporting local governments across the region through grant development, strategic planning, and housing initiatives.

In addition to her planning work, Sheena has helped strengthen SWGRC’s digital communications and public engagement efforts, helping increase visibility for regional programs and initiatives.

Sheena holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Albany State University and serves as Secretary of the Southwest Georgia Housing Task Force and as the Region 10 representative for the Regional Partners Network.

We congratulate Sheena on this well-deserved advancement and look forward to her continued contributions to the communities of Southwest Georgia.

Happy Birthday to Beka Shiver, whose birthday was celebrated on April 21!

Beka serves as the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission’s Economic Development Planner, bringing a strong background in community growth, planning, and business development. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, she holds majors in Sociology, Geography, and Business.

We hope Beka had a wonderful birthday and wish her a fantastic year ahead! 🎂

Serving Local Communities in...

Baker - Calhoun - Colquitt - Decatur - Dougherty - Early - Grady - Lee - Miller - Mitchell - Seminole - Terrell - Thomas - Worth

SWGRC Council Meetings are held the last Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM

at The Camilla Depot (212 East Broad Street, Camilla, GA) Click here for more information.

SWGRC | 181 E. Broad Street P.O. Box 346 | Camilla, GA 31730 US

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