The Southwest Georgia Housing Task Force successfully launched its 2026 Monthly Educational Session Series on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., beginning with a timely and practical discussion on zoning and code compliance. The January session featured M. Angel Gray, Deputy Director of Planning and Development Services for Albany and Dougherty County, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the critical intersection of zoning, code enforcement, and housing development. Drawing from more than two decades of local government experience, Gray provided an in-depth overview of how planning, zoning, and code enforcement functions operate collaboratively to uphold housing standards, protect public health and safety, and preserve property values. Her presentation emphasized that zoning is not merely regulatory in nature but is a foundational tool that shapes long-term community development outcomes, particularly in rural and small-city contexts ZONING & CODE COMPLIANCE Key Topics Covered During the session, Gray addressed several core areas essential to effective housing and community development, including: The legal basis and purpose of zoning under Georgia law. The relationship between zoning, land use regulations, and development review. Common code enforcement violations, such as dilapidated structures, illegal signage, and property maintenance issues. Regulatory areas that extend beyond traditional zoning, including floodplain management, historic preservation, signage controls, and overlay districts. The importance of coordination between zoning staff, code enforcement officers, and development partners to ensure compliance from project intake through construction and occupancy. Participants engaged in a robust discussion, posing questions related to managing non-compliant properties, addressing homelessness within zoning frameworks, and navigating enforcement challenges faced by rural jurisdictions with limited staff capacity. Gray underscored the importance of well-trained code enforcement officers and cross-departmental collaboration as essential components of effective local governance. Announcements The session concluded with announcements regarding upcoming monthly educational offerings and a call for regional participation in Georgia Housing Day at the Capitol on February 25, an opportunity for local leaders and practitioners to advocate for housing-related priorities at the state level. A full recording of the January Educational Session will be available via a replay button on this page. The Southwest Georgia Housing Task Force encourages local government officials, housing practitioners, and community partners to view the recording and participate in future sessions as the series continues throughout 2026.

 The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has released its slate of Fiscal Year 2026 grant opportunities, offering critical federal funding to strengthen libraries, museums, and cultural institutions nationwide. These programs support capacity building, workforce development, community engagement, preservation, and leadership across institutions of all sizes, including small, rural, and tribal-serving organizations. Below is an overview of the IMLS FY 2026 grant programs currently available through Grants.gov, with direct links to each funding opportunity. 📚 Library-Focused Grant Programs Native American Library Services Basic Grant (FY 2026) This program provides noncompetitive, foundational funding to eligible Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages to support core library services, collections, and operations. 🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361141 National Leadership Grants for Libraries (FY 2026) Supports projects that advance library services nationwide through innovation, research, and scalable models. Ideal for projects with regional or national impact. 🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361140 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (FY 2026) Focuses on education, training, and professional development for current and future library professionals, with an emphasis on leadership and workforce sustainability. 🔗 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361139

Communities that have previously completed the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program are encouraged to take note of important updates to the GICH Alumni Certification Application, now open for submission. This application is only for GICH alumni communities, not for new applicants. Communities that are unsure of their alumni status may verify it by reviewing the contact information tab on the official GICH alumni listing.

Mitchell County and Cities Announce Pre-Hazard Mitigation Plan Kick-Off Meeting

Presented annually, the NADO Impact Awards honor regional development organizations and their partners for strengthening communities, building regional resilience, and enhancing local economies through innovative approaches to economic and community development. NADO is a Washington, DC-based membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies. This year’s cohort included 90 impactful projects led by 79 organizations across 24 states. These award-winning efforts were recognized during NADO’s 2025 Annual Training Conference, held this past October in Salt Lake City, Utah. All selected projects are featured in an interactive StoryMap that showcases summaries, images, and key partners. The map is available at www.nado.org/2025impactawards/ . “The Impact Awards are an annual reminder of the creativity and commitment that regional development organizations bring to their communities,” said 2024-2025 NADO President Rick Hunsaker, Executive Director of the Region XII Council of Governments in Iowa. “This year’s awardees show how local and regional partnerships, driven by vision and collaboration, can lead to lasting positive change across our country.” The Impact Awards are presented in memory of Aliceann Wohlbruck, NADO’s first executive director, who was a lifelong advocate for regional solutions and rural economic development.

The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) is seeking qualifications from Licensed Occupational Therapists (OTs) to provide professional assessment services under the HUD Older Adults Home Modification Program. This federally funded initiative helps older adults age safely in place by providing home safety assessments and recommendations for modifications that reduce fall risks and improve accessibility for low-income seniors. Scope of Services The selected Occupational Therapist will be responsible for: Conducting in-home and follow-up assessments using Home for Life Design for eligible participants across the 14-county region. Identifying environmental hazards or barriers that affect mobility, safety, or independence. Recommending home modifications such as grab bars, ramps, improved lighting, non-slip flooring, and door widening. Collaborating with SWGRC program staff and local contractors to ensure proper implementation of recommendations. Conducting outreach to community organizations, agencies, and residents to promote program participation. Participating in Home for Life Design assessment training and monthly program meetings. Qualifications Applicants must demonstrate: Current licensure as an Occupational Therapist in the State of Georgia. Experience conducting in-home assessments and recommending home modifications for older adults. Knowledge of aging-in-place principles, fall prevention, universal design, and assistive technologies. Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to travel throughout the region and maintain reliable transportation. Collaborative approach when working with clients, contractors, and program staff. Service Area Assessments will be conducted in the following counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth. Proposal Requirements Interested applicants should submit: A cover letter summarizing interest and relevant experience. Resume. Copy of current Georgia OT license. Summary of prior experience with home modification or similar programs. Two professional references. Fee schedule or hourly rate. Proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Selection Criteria Submissions will be evaluated on: Relevant qualifications and experience. Knowledge of home modification and aging-in-place strategies. Strength of professional references. Cost-effectiveness and availability. Geographic flexibility across the service area. Submission Instructions Submit materials via email to breddick@swgrc.org or mail to: Southwest Georgia Regional Commission Attn: Barbara Reddick, Program Manager 181 East Broad Street, Camilla, Georgia 31730 For questions or additional information, contact Barbara Reddick at (229) 522-3552 x102 or breddick@swgrc.org We appreciate your interest in supporting older adults throughout Southwest Georgia and helping ensure their homes remain safe, comfortable, and accessible.

SWGRC honored council members across the region for their years of service, celebrating leadership, dedication, and commitment to Southwest Georgia’s communities.

Join the University of Georgia’s CyberArch Program, housed at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, for CyberArch 101—a webinar designed to help local governments, small businesses, rural hospitals, nonprofits, and school systems strengthen their digital defenses. Hear firsthand from a county government IT director and small business owner about their experience partnering with UGA CyberArch and how cybersecurity impacts their operations.

Grady County, along with the Cities of Cairo and Whigham, is updating its Comprehensive Plan, and your input is vital. A short Community Input Survey has been created to gather feedback on topics like transportation, housing, green spaces, economic development, and neighborhood improvements. The survey only takes about 15 minutes, and all responses are anonymous. Your ideas will directly help shape the future growth and development of our community.