August 2026 Edition

Regional Newsletter

Across 14 Counties & 43 Cities

Southwest Georgia Regional Commission

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

Georgia DNR Seeks Input on Outdoor Recreation

Conserve Natural Resources: Protect Georgia's natural resources and encourage environmental stewardship. Enhance Economic Vitality: Support outdoor recreation opportunities that attract residents, businesses, and economic development. Promote Health, Fitness, and Livability: Encourage active lifestyles and outdoor activities that improve community health and quality of life.

Georgia Heritage Grant Cycle is OPEN!

Development projects may include bricks and mortar activities, such as roof, window and foundation repair, or brick repointing. Predevelopment projects may include construction documents, feasibility studies, historic structure reports, or preservation plans.

Deadline: October 31, 2026

2026 BRACE Grants Open

The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 BRACE Grant Program, which provides funding to help Georgia communities address litter, blight, illegal dumping, and code enforcement needs. Local governments, public authorities, agencies, commissions, and institutions are eligible to apply.

Events, Meetings, Trainings, Webinars, & Workshops

Homelessness - Education Session

Albany State University (West Campus)
2400 Gillionville Rd, Albany, GA 31707
View on map

This educational session examines the challenges of homelessness and the role housing professionals, local governments, and community organizations play in addressing it. Learn about effective prevention strategies, available resources, and collaborative solutions that support stable housing and strengthen communities.

**Part of the Southwest Regional Housing Summit**

VIEW ALL 2026-2027 EDUCATION SESSIONS

Nov 19

2026 Regional Partners Network Annual Meeting

The Regional Partners Network Annual Meeting brings together community leaders, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, educators, businesses, and regional partners who are working to strengthen Southwest Georgia.

This annual gathering is an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, share resources, hear from regional leaders, and explore new partnerships that improve the quality of life across Region 10. Whether you're a longtime member or attending for the first time, you'll leave with valuable connections, fresh ideas, and practical information you can bring back to your community.

Large Conference Room
181 East Broad Street, Camilla, GA 31730
View on map

DCA's Community Planning Institute in Bainbridge, GA

Bainbridge, Georgia $300/person Registration Now Open For those communities looking to update their Comprehensive Plan, this is the exact opportunity to hear from DCA staff about the process and give you a holistic view of how this plan can be instrumental in shaping your community and guiding your growth.

Addressing Heirs Property for Forest Landowners and Farmers

Agricultural Technology Conference Center, 46 Camp John Hope Road Location: Fort Valley, Georgia 31030 What you'll learn about: Heirs property essentials Estate planning Working with an attorney Tools to keep your land in the family Planning for your land and timber

Regional Bike & Pedestrian Plan Community Survey

Your feedback will help identify safety concerns, transportation barriers, needed improvements, and priorities.

Bike & Pedestrian Survey

Comprehensive Plan Surveys

Your valued input is needed for your community's future!

Community Input Transit Survey

Micro-Transit Implementation Assessment Survey

Help identify service priorities, potential operating areas, target populations, and funding opportunities.

Micro-Transit Survey

DATA CENTER RESOURCES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

As interest in data center development continues to grow across Georgia, local governments are faced with important questions involving land use, infrastructure, water, energy, economic development, and community impacts.

ACCG – Georgia’s County Association has developed a collection of resources to help county and local government leaders better understand these issues and make informed decisions as potential data center developments are considered.

Resources include information on local ordinances and best practices, water and energy considerations, power system impacts, and ACCG webinar and conference materials.

Helpful Links

Data Center Resources

Georgia Data Center Ordinance Hub

Employee Spotlight

Month of August Staff Work Anniversaries

Amanda Nava Estill

Director of Transportation

1 Year

Traci Hall

Director of Finance

5 Years

Month of August Staff Birthdays - Happy Birthday!!

Heidi Barbee

GIS Manager

September 16

Sheena Stephens

Planner I

September 19

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.

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

Region 10 Community Photo Gallery

View photos taken from the Region 10 Counties and Cities and submit your own!

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

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