Each week ACCG shares photos highlighting activities from counties around the state

and the ACCG team at work. Email your photos to locallens@accg.org.


Note: Local Lens submissions submitted prior to 12:00 p.m. on each Friday will be included in that week's edition. Submissions received after that will be included in the following week’s newsletter.


January 6, 2024

ACCG Executive Director and Georgia County Leaders Among Georgia Trend's 100 Most Influential Georgians

Congratulations to ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills and the following county officials for being recognized as some of Georgia Trend's 100 Most Influential & Notable Georgians!


Influential Georgians:

  • Dave Wills, ACCG Executive Director
  • Nicole Love Hendrickson, Gwinnett County Chairwoman
  • Lisa Cupid, Cobb County Chairwoman
  • Michael Thurmond, DeKalb County CEO


Notable Georgians:

  • Steve Taylor, Bartow County Sole Commissioner
  • Jeffrey Turner, Clayton County Chairman

Macon-Bibb County Communications Department Selected to Lead Presentation at NAGC 2024 Communications School


The Macon-Bibb County Communications Department presentation "For a Good Time, Call Your Local Government" was selected for the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) 2024 Communications School in May. The school aims to provide valuable resources and networking opportunities for government communication professionals across the nation. Macon-Bibb County Chief Communications Officer Chris Floore and his team will represent Georgia at the school this May in New Orleans.

Fayette County Welcomes 17 New Firefighter Graduates


The Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services recently held a graduation ceremony for the graduates of Recruit Class Number 48. The Department is excited to welcome 17 new firefighters to the team.

Columbia County Holds Grand Opening of New Park


The Columbia County Board of Commissioners and the Community Services Division are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Martinez Park Project located at Blanchard Park in Martinez, Georgia. The park expansion includes climbing structures, slides, and sensory play elements to help kids connect with surrounding nature.

Lowndes County Names Large and Small Farmers of the Year at Appreciation Breakfast


The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners recently hosted their Annual Local Farmer Appreciation Breakfast where they presented multiple Farmer of the Year awards. The event is designed to show support for Lowndes County's local farmers and celebrate the resources and culture they bring to the County.

Harris County Named to Forbes' Best Places to Travel in 2024


Harris County's Pine Mountain has been listed on Forbes' list of the Best Places to Travel in 2024. The article lists many Harris County attractions including Roosevelt State Park, Callaway Resort, and the Wild Animal Safari. To read the article click here.

Apply Now for the 2024 Georgia County Excellence Awards - Deadline Extended to February 28

Does your county have an outstanding program that you want to share? Apply now for the Georgia County Excellence Awards. More details, including information on submission guidelines and requirements, can be found in the nomination packet. 


Click here to download the fillable award application.


Award applications are now due Wednesday, February 28, 2024. All nominations should be submitted via email to Madeline Shank at mshank@accg.org. No late entries will be accepted.


All questions may be directed to Madeline Shank at (470) 891-0224 or mshank@accg.org


More details are also available on the ACCG Website.

Tell Us What's Happening in Your County!

ACCG wants to share positive news about events and projects from your county with your peers from across the state. Photos and story ideas submitted to ACCG for Georgia's Local Lens or the Georgia County Spotlight may be used in this e-newsletter or on ACCG's website or social media. Photos and other information used are provided courtesy of our county constituents and ACCG staff. For questions or information, please email locallens@accg.org.

To submit photos and captions for Georgia's Local Lens, click here.

To submit photos and project information for Georgia County Spotlight, click here.