The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) is proud not only to support our local governments but also to celebrate their accomplishments. We extend our congratulations to the City of Albany , which has been named one of nine Georgia cities recognized as 2026 Visionary City Award Honorees by the Georgia Municipal Association in partnership with Georgia Trend. This statewide recognition honors cities that turn thoughtful planning into measurable results for their residents. According to Georgia Trend, the 2026 honorees demonstrate that visionary leadership is rooted in listening to residents, working collaboratively, and following through with purpose-driven action. Why Albany Was Recognized Albany was honored for the reopening of the Charles Driskell Park Community Center , a project shaped by resident input and focused on neighborhood-driven revitalization. The City transformed an aging facility into an ADA-compliant community hub offering after-school programs, wellness activities, technology access, and welcoming gathering space. Outdoor enhancements, including an accessible playground, further expand the center’s role as a place for education, health, and connection. This investment reflects Albany’s continued commitment to inclusive planning and community-centered outcomes. For readers interested in learning more about Albany’s project and the other 2026 Visionary City Award honorees, full details are available through the Georgia Municipal Association’s feature article: Nine Georgia Cities Named 2026 Visionary City Award Honorees (GMA). SWGRC applauds the City of Albany and all honorees for their leadership and dedication to building strong, resilient, and forward-looking communities across Georgia.  References: Georgia Municipal Association. (2026, January 27). Nine Georgia cities named 2026 Visionary City Award honorees. https://www.gacities.com/articles/nine-georgia-cities-named-2026-visionary-city-award-honorees Georgia Trend. (2026). Visionary City Awards. Georgia Trend Magazine.

 The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has opened registration for its Spring 2026 Community Planning Institute (CPI), scheduled for March 19–20, 2026, in Brunswick, Georgia. DCA is asking Regional Commissions to help share this opportunity with local governments across the state. Hosted in partnership with the Georgia Planning Association (GPA), CPI is a highly regarded, 1.5-day intensive training designed for professionals who need high-quality instruction without extended time away from their communities. Why Attend the Community Planning Institute? For more than 21 years , CPI has supported Georgia’s communities by equipping local leaders with practical planning tools and real-world examples. The Spring 2026 institute continues this tradition by combining expert instruction, peer learning, and on-the-ground project exposure. At $300 per attendee , CPI offers one of the best values for local government training in Georgia , pairing: High-quality planning resources Exposure to transformative housing and downtown development projects A compressed, efficient agenda tailored for busy local officials Who Should Attend? This training is ideal for: Planning commissioners Elected officials City and county staff Regional commission staff Local government professionals involved in planning, housing, and community development Topics Covered Participants can expect sessions focused on: Comprehensive planning fundamentals Affordable housing strategies, including combating NIMBYism Using CDBG funds to implement local plans Downtown revitalization approaches Success stories from communities across Georgia A housing tour of a Rural Workforce Housing Grantee And more Location & Lodging The institute will be held in Brunswick, Georgia. DCA has secured a discounted group rate of $139 per night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brunswick (138 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525). Hotel booking information will be provided after registration. Registration & Scholarships Local governments are encouraged to register early. Full details and registration are available on DCA’s Community Planning Institute webpage: 👉 Community Planning Institute Information & Registration https://dca.georgia.gov/community-assistance/coordinated-planning/local-planning/community-planning-institute Attendees may also be eligible for scholarship support through the Denise Abboud Memorial Fund via the Georgia Planning Memorial Foundation. Additional information is available through the Georgia Planning Association.

The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) recently recognized RMS with a Transit Services Award during a Council meeting, honoring the organization’s continued commitment to providing reliable and accessible transportation services across the region. The award was presented by Donnie Baggett, SWGRC Chairman, alongside Suzanne Angell, Executive Director. Accepting the award on behalf of RMS were Tim Pinson, RMS President, and Holly Polluck. Also in attendance were Dorothy Worden, Amanda Barfield, Shannon Robinson, and Amanda Nava‑Estell, Director of Transportation. The recognition highlights RMS’s ongoing partnership with SWGRC and its essential role in supporting mobility and access to services throughout Southwest Georgia.

The Partnership for Innovation (PIN) has issued a regional call to action as the application deadline approaches for its 2026 Summer Internship Program, which closes on February 1. Local governments, regional organizations, and community partners across Southwest Georgia are being encouraged to help promote internship projects to ensure a strong and competitive pool of applicants. PIN, housed at Georgia Institute of Technology, connects college students with applied, real-world projects led by public and community-based organizations. The 12-week paid internship program places students on high-impact initiatives that support innovation, problem-solving, and workforce development at the local level. The PIN Summer Internship Program is open to technical college, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students of all majors, providing broad access to experiential learning opportunities. Selected interns receive professional mentorship, networking opportunities, and a total stipend of $8,000, paid biweekly over the course of the summer. Community partners interested in supporting recruitment are encouraged to repost official PIN internship announcements and tag Partnership for Innovation on LinkedIn and other platforms. Customized outreach language is available to make promotion easy and consistent across regions. Students and interested applicants can review available project descriptions and apply directly through the official PIN application portal. Organizations seeking additional guidance on recruitment or outreach strategies may contact KeAndrea Rivers with the Partnership for Innovation team. Key Dates and Links Application Deadline: February 1 Program Length: 12 weeks (Summer 2026) Stipend: $8,000 total Apply Here: Summer PINternship Application Project Listings: PSI 2026 Project Job Descriptions By expanding outreach efforts over the coming weeks, Southwest Georgia partners can help ensure that local projects attract talented students while strengthening the region’s innovation and workforce pipeline.

Local governments across Southwest Georgia are encouraged to apply for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Safety Equipment Purchase Program, which currently has more than $1 million in available funding remaining for the current fiscal year. This program has a strong track record of delivering quick, high-impact safety improvements at locations with documented safety needs. Program Overview The Safety Equipment Purchase Program is funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and is designed to support local agencies by purchasing safety equipment, while the local government installs and maintains the equipment. Projects may be located on or off the state route system, making this a flexible opportunity for cities and counties addressing pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety concerns. Eligible Safety Equipment Eligible equipment includes, but is not limited to: Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) Flashing Yellow Arrows Signal backplates and visibility enhancements Other traffic safety devices Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) may also be considered; however, due to their higher cost, these requests must include strong justification and demonstrate that the local agency has the capacity to install and maintain the equipment. Key Application Requirements Applicants should be prepared to provide: A clear safety justification, supported by crash data or other relevant studies An installation and maintenance plan Location details, including whether the equipment is on a state route Supporting analysis, which may be completed using existing pedestrian or bicycle planning contracts Please note that any signal equipment installed on a state route will be required to go through the GDOT signal permitting process. GDOT staff are available to assist local agencies with this step. Timeline and Next Steps Applications are being accepted through March, and GDOT strongly encourages eligible local governments to identify priority locations and submit requests as soon as possible. This program has consistently proven to be an effective way to implement safety improvements without long project delivery timelines. A Safety Equipment Request Form is available below. Applicants are also welcome to attend upcoming VRU Task Team meetings, where GDOT staff will walk through the application and answer questions. Call to Action: If you are aware of intersections, corridors, or crossings in your community that would benefit from enhanced safety measures, now is the time to apply. [Button: Safety Equipment Request Application]

January 15, 2026 The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) reported that unemployment increased across all 12 of Georgia’s regional commissions between September and November 2025, reflecting broader labor market adjustments as the state transitions into the winter season. While unemployment rates rose statewide, GDOL leadership emphasized continued momentum around workforce connections, skills development, and employer support. “While unemployment rose across regions in November, we're staying focused on what matters most: connecting Georgians to mortgage-paying jobs and ensuring businesses have the skilled workers they need,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Building opportunity in every region takes partnerships, and we'll continue working with communities across Georgia to prepare workers and support the businesses that create opportunity.” Spotlight on Southwest Georgia For Southwest Georgia, the latest data presents a nuanced picture of labor force growth alongside modest employment shifts: Unemployment rate: Increased by five-tenths to 4.2% from September to November, compared to 3.6% one year ago. Labor force: Increased by 3,142 over the two-month period and by 410 year-over-year, reaching 151,444, signaling renewed labor force participation across the region. Employment: Rose by 2,301 from September to November but declined slightly (–577) compared to the prior year, totaling 145,056 employed residents. Initial unemployment claims: Decreased by 147 over-the-month and by 182 year-over-year, to 386, indicating fewer new layoffs entering the system. These trends suggest that while Southwest Georgia is experiencing the same upward pressure on unemployment seen across the state, the region continues to draw residents back into the labor force, an important indicator for long-term economic resilience. Declining initial claims further point to relative stability among existing employers. Statewide Context Across Georgia’s regional commissions, unemployment rates rose between five- and seven-tenths of a percentage point during the September–November period. Several regions, including Heart of Georgia, River Valley, and Southern Georgia, reported increases in both labor force participation and employment, while metro and coastal regions saw declines in employment counts alongside higher unemployment rates. GDOL officials note that these fluctuations underscore the importance of regional strategies that align workforce training, education pipelines, and employer needs, particularly in rural and mixed economies like Southwest Georgia. Resources for Employers and Job Seekers Employers seeking workforce assistance or recruitment support can contact GDOL staff directly at: https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail Individuals seeking unemployment benefits or employment services may call 877-709-8185 , access the MyUI Claimant Portal, or visit one of GDOL’s Career Centers statewide. Comprehensive labor force and employment data are also available through the Georgia LaborMarket Explorer. As Southwest Georgia communities continue to focus on workforce development, regional partnerships and data-informed planning will remain central to strengthening job access and economic opportunity throughout the region. References Georgia Department of Labor. (2026, January 15). Unemployment rose across Georgia’s regional commissions in November [Press release]. Georgia Department of Labor. Georgia Department of Labor. (n.d.). Georgia LaborMarket Explorer. https://explorer.gdol.ga.gov

The community is reminded of the upcoming Point-in-Time (PIT) Count training, scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 12:00 noon. The training will be held in the first-floor conference room at the Micro Business Technology Building, located at 230 S. Jackson Street, Albany, Georgia. This training is intended for organizations, agencies, and community members interested in participating in the annual PIT Count, a critical effort to collect data on individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Participants will receive an overview of PIT Count objectives, roles, and data collection protocols to ensure accurate and consistent reporting. Organizations are encouraged to share this invitation with partners, volunteers, or community groups that may wish to participate. For those unable to attend the January 21 training, an alternative session will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 12:00 noon, during the regularly scheduled monthly Coalition meeting. Attendance at both sessions is not required. Individuals with questions or who need additional information are encouraged to respond directly to the training invitation. Why the PIT Count Matters The Point-in-Time Count is a federally required data collection effort used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to inform funding decisions, measure trends in homelessness, and guide local and regional housing strategies (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD], 2023). Accurate participation at the local level directly impacts resources available to address housing instability and supportive service needs.

ATLANTA, GA — Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced that Grupo Vialume , a global leader in advanced visibility and transportation safety solutions, will establish its first United States manufacturing operation in Colquitt–Miller County, Georgia. The announcement marks a significant economic development milestone for Southwest Georgia and underscores the state’s continued success in attracting international investment. The Brazil-based company will invest $4.4 million to launch a new manufacturing and recycling facility, an initiative expected to create 150 new jobs over the next seven years. The project is anticipated to generate long-term workforce opportunities while strengthening the region’s industrial base and supply chain capacity. Headquartered in São Paulo, Grupo Vialume is a second-generation, family-owned enterprise and one of the world’s largest producers of reflective raised pavement markers and related transportation safety products. The Georgia facility will manufacture plastic raised pavement markers and precision-engineered reflective lenses, supporting U.S. commercial partners and expanding domestic production capabilities within the state. In addition to job creation, the facility will emphasize circular-economy innovation. Operations will focus on repurposing materials previously considered unrecyclable, including textile offcuts and peanut-shell byproducts, transforming agricultural and industrial waste streams into high-value manufacturing inputs. Governor Kemp noted that the project reflects Georgia’s strong global relationships and pro-business climate, highlighting that the new jobs are expected to have generational economic impacts for the Colquitt–Miller County community. Facility upgrades are projected to be completed in 2026, with hiring planned across a range of roles, including production operators, machinists, logistics staff, and management positions. This announcement builds on ongoing efforts by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and local partners to recruit global manufacturers, particularly in rural regions such as Southwest Georgia. The investment further positions the region as a competitive location for advanced manufacturing, sustainability-focused industries, and long-term economic growth.

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.