ACCG - GMA Local Government Federal Advocacy Forum

The first ever ACCG – GMA Local Government Federal Advocacy Forum recently took place in Macon-Bibb County to encourage city and county officials to become more engaged on federal issues that impact local governments. 

Commissioner Nancy Thrash (ACCG Federal Committee Chair / Lamar County Commissioner) and Mayor Vince Williams (GMA Federal Policy Council Chair / Union City Mayor) kicked off the event commenting how counties and cities are most effective working together, especially on the federal level.

The over 75 local officials in attendance had the opportunity to hear remarks from U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-8) as well as an interactive panel comprised of Georgia Congressional staff.

Presentations were made by federal agencies that included USDA Rural Development, Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Census Bureau. The event concluded with tips on how to effectively communicate with Congressional members and staff.

For more information on the event, see the resources listed below.

Resources:

Final Agenda with Speaker Bios

Presentation by Becky Taylor (GMA): Communicating Effectively

 

USDA Rural Development

Presentation Link

Point of Contact:

Joyce White

State Director, USDA Rural Development

[email protected] / 706-546-2162

Summary: USDA Rural Development we offer more than 40 programs for loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services such as housing, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure. Did you know that USDA Rural Development is the 6th largest bank in the United States?

 

College/Underserved Community Partnership Program

Presentation Link                                       

Point of Contact:

Michael W. Burns                                       

Senior Advisor to the Regional Administrator/ Director of CUPP Program

Environmental Protection Agency (Region 4)

[email protected] / 404-562-8228

Summary: The College/Underserved Community Partnership Program (CUPP) matches local governments with universities who can provide resources and technical assistance to address a community need.

 

U.S. Census Bureau:

Thurmond Tillman                                      

Partnership Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau

[email protected]

2020 Census Website