August 2026

The First Round of Policy Committee Meetings Takes Place This Week

There's still time to register for the meeting(s) of your choice.

Summer Policy Committee Meetings kick off this week in Houston County on August 12 -13. Attendees will hear from state agency representatives, legislators, and the ACCG Governmental Affairs Team on various issues ranging from data centers, proposed reforms to FLOST and LHOST, Next Generation 9-1-1, and much more. Attend the meeting(s) of your choice to hear firsthand from subject-matter experts and to recommend 2027 Policy Priorities for the Association to focus on during the next legislative session. Committee policy recommendations will be considered by the ACCG Policy Council before heading to the full membership for a vote during the 2026 Legislative Leadership Conference.

Your involvement in these meetings is essential for shaping policies that can lead to the passage of important legislation. Join this year's meetings to make a meaningful impact for Georgia's counties. Click here for more information.

2026 ACCG Fall Mobile Classroom - Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2026 Fall Mobile Classroom: Response Reimagined. Taking place Sept. 21-22, this year’s Mobile Classroom will provide an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at advancements in public safety training and technology through site visits and information sharing from county and state experts. Please note: Registration is limited to 32 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited. County clerks and/or registrars for ACCG events will need to log into Engagifii to register county officials for this event.  



Click here to view the information sheet for more details on space limitations, accommodations, and the agenda. 

ACCG Salary Guide Now Available

The "Computing County Official Salaries for 2027" guidebook is now available. ACCG publishes this guidebook annually to assist counties in calculating salaries (effective as of Jan. 1, 2027) of certain county officials, as well as state officials who receive supplements to their salaries from the county.

ACCG Hires New Governmental Affairs Associate

After an extensive search and interview process, ACCG is proud to announce that Ron Roberts has been hired as the association’s new Governmental Affairs Associate. Ron has more than 20 years of county government work experience, including most recently as the Douglas County transit director. He’s also worked in the transportation, planning and zoning areas in Douglas, Cobb, Coumbus-Muscogee and Harris counties. Ron has a Master of Public Administration from Columbus College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Georgia. ACCG welcomes Ron on board and is looking forward to having his county experience on the Governmental Affairs Team.  

ACCG Honors Four Legislators with 2026 Legislative Service Awards

Members of the ACCG Governmental Affairs Team recently traveled across the state to present several Legislative Service Awards, honoring four legislators for their impactful contributions. Rep. David Wilkerson was honored for serving as a trusted partner to Georgia counties during the 2026 legislative session, particularly on matters of fiscal policy and property tax reform. As the lead evaluator for the House Democratic Caucus on HB 1116, the House’s major property tax reform legislation, Rep. Wilkerson thoughtfully considered ACCG’s input.

Another recipient was House Majority Caucus Chairman Rep. Bruce Williamson who was recognized for championing long-needed reforms to the Notice of Assessment and property tax administration process in his House Revenue and Finance Subcommittee and on the House floor.

Rep. David Wilkerson (center) with Cobb County commissioners and ACCG's Director of Governmental Affairs Todd Edwards.

Walton County commissioners, ACCG Governmental Affairs Associate Nathan Corbitt, Rep. Bruce Williamson (center), and Sheriff Keith Brooks at the Historic Walton County Courthouse. 

Senate President Pro Tem Larry Walker was honored for his leadership in carrying HB 1344, the insurance omnibus bill, which included a provision that allows new insurance premium tax reporting requirements to be met using a pre-existing reporting process. Throughout the session, President Pro Tem Walker and his office remained engaged with ACCG staff on a variety of issues affecting counties, consistently demonstrating a collaborative approach to policymaking. 

Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Hufstetler was awarded for his work in sponsoring SB 566, an ACCG legislative priority that revises the tax bill and Notice of Assessment. SB 566 enhances the clarity and usability of the Notice of Assessment. ACCG expresses appreciation to each of these legislators for their contributions to advancing the interests of Georgia's counties.

A full write-up of this year's award recipients and the legislation in which they were involved can be found here.

Houston County commissioners, Sen. Larry Walker (center), Mrs. Adrienne Walker, and ACCG's Nathan Corbitt during a Houston County BOC meeting.

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (left), ACCG's Nathan Corbitt, and ACCG Past President & Bartow County Sole Commissioner Steve Taylor.

GECA’s 9-1-1 Advisory Committee Meets to Discuss NextGen 9-1-1 Funding

On the November 2026 ballot, state voters will decide whether to approve the creation of the Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund. Should this constitutional amendment pass, legislation is expected next legislative session which will likely place all current 9-1-1 fees into the state Fund. GECA’s 9-1-1 Advisory Committee met on July 20 to begin discussing recommendations, for the General Assembly’s consideration, on how these 9-1-1 fees are to be distributed from the Fund to counties to implement NextGen 9-1-1. 

Click here to view the Advisory Committee’s presentation. More information about the Advisory Committee and its upcoming meetings, can be found here.      

ACCG Staff Present at the House Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Local Government Taxation, Funding, and Budgeting

On July 22, members of ACCG’s Governmental Affairs Team presented at the first meeting of the House Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Local Government Taxation, Funding, and Budgeting in Bartow County. Topics covered by ACCG included state-mandated services impacting county budgets, restrictions on county revenues, and the biggest issues causing county budgets to increase. Bartow County Sole Commissioner Steve Taylor and County Administrator Peter Olsen also presented, asking legislators to allow counties to collect electric franchise fees, like cities currently do. The next meeting of the Blue-Ribbon Study Committee is at the Capitol on Aug. 19.

For more information on the Blue Ribbon Study Committee, click here. Watch a recording of the meeting here.

ACCG Staff Attend the 80th Southern Legislative Conference

ACCG staff attended the 80th Southern Legislative Conference in Lexington, Ky., participating in sessions across a range of policy areas, including technology, tourism, and fiscal policy. Staff also took part in the ceremony swearing in Speaker Jon Burns as the Council of State Governments South Chair for 2026–2027, ahead of next year's conference in Chatham County (July 16–20, 2027).

ACCG's Nathan Corbitt and Keenan Rogers with

Sen. Billy Hickman and Mrs. Hickman.

ACCG's Keenan Rogers with Sen. Jaha Howard at the Southern Legislative Conference.

ACCG Joins County Leaders at the 2026 NACo Annual Conference

ACCG leadership and staff joined county leaders at the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in Orleans Parish, La. During the conference, the team participated in policy committee discussions on the national county platform, engaged with NACo affiliates such as the National Association of County Intergovernmental Relations Officers (NACIRO) and National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO), and hosted the Georgia delegation. Georgia's presence was punctuated by an invitation from Chatham County Chairman Chester Ellis and Savannah State University's Powerhouse of the South Marching Band to the 2027 Annual Conference in Chatham County.

Ask!ACCG Chatbot Now Available

ACCG has added a new chatbot, Ask!ACCG, to its website to help members find answers on topics like tax policy, zoning questions, or other issues affecting their county. This is a new tool for us, so we encourage members to try it out, put it through its paces, and share feedback as we continue to refine it.

EPD Seeking Nominations for Regional Water Planning Councils

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is accepting nominations for individuals to serve on Georgia’s regional water planning councils. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Community Affairs, and the Department of Economic Development, EPD is seeking nominees from a broad range of sectors, including: business, agriculture, forestry, local government, education, environmental organizations, regional development and planning, and the general public. Nominations are due Saturday, Aug. 29, and can be submitted at this link.

For more information on eligibility criteria, click here. All questions and comments should be directed to the Regional Water Planning team at water.planning@dnr.ga.gov.

Election Committee Holds First Convening 

On Aug. 7, the Joint Election Equipment Standards & Specifications Committee held its first of multiple meetings to develop recommendations for Georgia's next statewide election system. As outlined in SB 3X, passed during the June 2026 Special Session, the Joint Committee is responsible for submitting recommendations to the General Assembly by January 2027. ACCG will remain closely involved in the Committee's work and continue to highlight the cost and administrative challenges counties currently face in administering elections, as well as advocate for efficiency and sufficient resources to accommodate the voting system transition. A recording of the first meeting, which is largely focused on the state procurement process, is available here. 

The Committee’s next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 3, will focus on cybersecurity. 

The agenda can be found here. Additional information, such as Committee membership, can be viewed here. ACCG will offer updates as meetings continue through this fall. 

GMA to Host Georgia Broadband Summit

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is hosting Georgia’s 7th Annual Broadband Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Oconee Fall Line Technical College in Dublin, Ga (Laurens County). The Broadband Summit is a statewide gathering of community leaders, elected officials, policymakers, internet service providers, economic development professionals, public safety officials, utility leaders, and state and federal partners working to expand high-speed internet access across Georgia. Attend the Summit to receive practical strategies, funding insights, and real-world examples to help your community move forward. Registration is $25 per person.

Click here for more information. To register, visit https://www.gacities.com/events/georgia-broadband-summit.

DCA Releases Updated Uniform Chart of Accounts to Include FLOST

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) recently released the latest version of the Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA), which now includes classifications for FLOST revenue. The UCOA is used by local governments in Georgia to maintain consistency in how financial information is reported to the state. All Georgia counties and municipal governments, along with the organizations controlled by them, are required to comply with the provisions outlined in the uniform chart of accounts. 

The latest version can be viewed here.



Deadline to Apply for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program Extended to October

The deadline to apply for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program has been extended to Monday, Oct. 5. The CDBG-DR Program works to rebuild areas affected by disaster through grants for unmet housing needs, infrastructure, and business needs. $50,000,000 has been allocated for communities still in need of infrastructure improvements following the 2023-2024 hurricanes. Eligible counties are encouraged to apply for assistance.

Visit the CDBG-DR Program webpage to learn more about the program.

EPD SWTF Grant Funding Cycles to Open this Month

The application window for two grant tracks under the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division’s (EPD) Solid Waste Trust Fund (SWTF) Grant Program will open on Monday, Aug. 24. Applications for the FY27 Recycling and Waste Diversion (RWD) and Tire Products (Tire) grants will be accepted online through the SWTF Grant Program Administration Portal until Wednesday, Sept. 30. The RWD Grant supports a wide range of projects, including recycling and waste diversion infrastructure, hub and spoke development, hard-to-recycle materials, recovery of additional materials, waste reduction, and innovation. Click here to access the RWD Grant Portal. The Tire Grant is for projects that incorporate scrap tire-derived products into paving, trail, and playground surfaces or that identify innovative uses for these products through research. The Tire Grant Portal can be accessed here.

EPD will host an informational webinar on Monday, Aug. 24 along with two workshops in September to outline the grants, eligibility criteria, and the application process. Click one of the links below to register for the meeting of your choice.

August Webinar | September 14 Workshop | September 28 Workshop

Funding Cycles Now Open for Two Georgia DNR Grant Programs

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for its Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program and

the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. The ORLP Grant Program is available to cities and counties populated by at least 25,000 individuals. ORLP can assist with the development, acquisition, or rehabilitation of land specifically for public outdoor recreation in urban areas. Applications must be submitted via email to rayne.gaston1@dnr.ga.gov by Friday, Sept. 4. Guidelines and more information can be accessed here.

The LWCF Program is a federal program authorized by Congress for the purpose of acquiring federal lands and assisting states and local governments with funds to acquire lands and develop and renovate outdoor recreation facilities. More than $19 million is available to local governments in good standing with LWCF during this cycle. Pre-applications are due by Friday, Oct. 2. For more information, click here.

Questions related to both grant programs should be directed to DNR Program Coordinator Rayne Gaston at rayne.gaston1@dnr.ga.gov or 404.290.7958.

Fourth Round of Rural Site Development Grants Now Open

The fourth round of grants from the Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI) within the OneGeorgia Authority is available for local projects across the state. RSDI grants are awarded for either site improvement or to assist with the costs of seeking Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certification on approved projects critical to economic development in that area of the state.

To learn more about the application process, click here.

GTIB Accepting Applications for Two Loan Programs

The Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) is a grant and low-interest loan program administered by the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA). SRTA currently has two calls for projects open until Friday, Aug. 21. Applications are being accepted for GTIB’s Roadway Program and the Airport Hangar Program, a loan funding opportunity for publicly owned, public use airports for the purpose of constructing airport hangars.

GEFA Accepting Applications for WIPP Grant

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority is currently accepting applications for the Water Infrastructure Planning Program (WIPP). WIPP is a grant program to incentivize planning efforts that protect and conserve Georgia’s water resources, improve water quality, enhance the financial sustainability of public water systems, and support affordable water for Georgians—particularly in small and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by Monday, Aug. 31.

Click here to apply.

2026 Georgia Environmental Conference

Registration is open for the 19th Annual Georgia Environmental Conference (GEC). Taking place Aug. 19 - 21 on Jekyll Island, the GEC aims to provide attendees with new, relevant, and diverse educational opportunities that will positively impact them and Georgia's environment. Over the span of three days, environmental professionals will exchange knowledge and share ideas around environmental concerns in Georgia and across the Southeast region.

To register, click here.

Senate CR Delays OMB Uniform Guidance Rule

After several weeks of negotiations with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and other partners, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the FY 2026 Continuing Resolution (CR), which now includes a provision that blocks the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from finalizing its Uniform Guidance proposed rule through Dec. 11. It also closes the loophole where OMB could have rushed to finalize the rule before full passage of the CR. 

In terms of next steps, NACo is encouraging county leaders to maintain the pressure so this becomes law. Specifically, they are asking county officials to:

• Contact your U.S. Senators - thank them for including the provision and urge them to support passage of the CR.
• Contact your U.S. Representatives - encourage them to support the Senate's CR language once it comes to the House.

Click here to read the full article published by NACo.