Registration for the 2020 ACCG Capitol Connection Conference will open soon! Remember, all conference activities will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Atlanta on February 27-28. This year, Lifelong Learning Academy classes will take place on the second day of the conference from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. while policy sessions occur on day one. ACCG strongly encourages commissioners to invite their legislator(s) to join them for breakfast and/or the reception on Thursday. 

Here's a great opportunity to showcase the amazing individuals that work in your community! ACCG is now accepting nominations for the 2020 ACCG Awards & Recognition Program, which serves as a way to recognize the individuals who provide outstanding contributions to their local community. The deadline to submit your nominations is Friday, March 6, 2020. 

Don't forget to register for the joint ACCG & GMA 2020 Census webinar taking place on Thursday, January 9, 2020. The webinar will include information about public outreach, reaching hard-to-count communities, available resources and more. This webinar is ideal for elected and appointed city and county officials to learn more about how to get a good census count in their communities.

Internships provide real, hands-on experience to college students who are exploring career options. If your county is interested in promoting career opportunities available in county government, GCIP is a great way to do so. Find out how your county can help college students gain valuable experience and discover the importance of county government.

ACCG in partnership with Georgia Trend, wants to honor county programs and initiatives for their efforts to make positive impacts on their communities. If you would like your county to be recognized for the innovate and cost-effective approaches to solving local issues, submit your nomination today. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 7.

There are several opportunities for counties to learn about the resources available for Census outreach in preparation for the 2020 Census. From the joint ACCG and GMA Census Webinar to the workshops hosted throughout the state by the State Complete Count Committee, counties are sure to be equipped with the latest tools and resources.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has established a new, dedicated webpage, allowing the public and law enforcement to report blocked rail grade crossings. FRA will use the information collected to gain a more complete picture of the location, duration, and impact of blocked crossings.

The Georgia Solar Program is offering rebates to cities, counties, and K-12 public schools for solar projects that increase awareness of renewable energy production while decreasing energy costs for Georgia taxpayers. 

Join the Georgia Archives on Friday, January 10 for an exciting Lunch and Learn program featuring Dr. Aaron Levy, Director of Academics for the Georgia Film Academy.  During this exciting program, Dr. Levy will dive into the "Explosion of the Film Industry in Georgia". Grab your lunch and bring a friend to learn about the booming film industry.

ACCG has introduced a new tool to help counties tell their stories! The Georgia County Spotlight will allow counties to share with ACCG, and other counties throughout the state, what great things are taking place in their communities. Visit the County Spotlight page by clicking "Read More." Once on the page, share your news by clicking the "Submit Your News Here" button in the top right corner.