There's still time to register for one of the seven remaining meetings taking place around the state. District meetings are a great opportunity to connect with ACCG, discuss pressing topics, hear from key industry leaders, and explore areas of the state you have yet to see. 

ACCG and Georgia Trend are partnering again for the Georgia County Excellence Awards. Counties that have taken innovative and cost-effective approaches to solving local issues with local programs and initiatives are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.

Save the date for the 2025 Capitol Connection Conference. Join the ACCG Governmental Affairs team, state leaders, and your county peers on Feb. 24-25, 2025, at the Capitol Connection Conference to get the latest policy updates and learn more about trending state issues. More details are forthcoming.

Your input is needed. Help ACCG collect important data on truck weights and capital needs by completing two surveys. The data collected will aid ACCG during the legislative session.

ACCG hosted returning summer intern, Colin Marcum, and law clerk, John Bush, during the fall to complete projects on behalf of the Governmental Affairs and Legal staff. Learn more about the interns and the projects they assisted with during their time.

This month's spotlight is shining bright on Emma Harris, a senior at Baldwin Agricultural College and a Charlton County native. She completed a unique summer internship in her home county thanks to a partnership with the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension. Read further to learn more about Emma's experience.

County clerks play a pivitol role in helping government's maintain accurate records. Learn how Upson County Clerk Jessica Jones is embracing innovation with digitization.

Now, more than ever, counties are celebrated for their tireless work on behalf of their communities. Help ACCG highlight those efforts by sending in your photos for Georgia's Local Lens, the newsletter that provides a weekly snapshot of Georgia's counties. Visit the ACCG website for more information. 

The Georgia Forestry Commission is accepting applications for the National Fire Plan/Volunteer Fire Assistance (NFP/VFA) grant for fire departments serving communities with populations of less than 10,000. The application period is ongoing so fire departments can apply throughout the year. 

As a result of House Bill 1105, which enacts several new requirements for entities, the Department of Audits and Accounts (DOAA) has launched a new Immigration Report Collection System. To ensure counties understand the new reporting requirements and the new system, ACCG and the Georgia Municipal Association are hosting two webinars in mid-November.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has been assisting landowners by clearing roads and providing essential supplies. GFC is ready to help through the “Assess, Salvage, Restore” phase to assist landowners who have been impacted.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Georgia's Digital Equity Capacity grant application, which will fund the implementation of the state's digital equity plan. The State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program is one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

Applications for the Public Service Apprenticeship Program are being accepted until Nov. 29. Learn more about how the program can provide essential funds to support registered apprenticeship programs in your county.

Applications for the Georgia Reads Community Award are being accepted until Tuesday, Dec. 3. The Georgia Reads Community Award recognizes the importance of community approaches that involve meaningful partnerships in achieving literacy goals.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts in collaboration with state and federal partners. Please continue to follow local officials' guidance to ensure your safety. USDA Rural Development (RD) has also developed a Disaster Tool Kit to help rural communities with disaster resiliency and recovery assistance.