The City of Donalsonville is soliciting sealed bids from qualified contractors for the replacement of culverts at 10 sites across the city as part of a federally funded CDBG-DR project

The Town of Sumner is accepting sealed bids for water system improvements funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The project includes raising the town’s existing 50,000-gallon elevated water storage tank by 30 feet to improve system pressure and capacity. Interested and qualified contractors must be listed as plan holders with Still Waters Engineering. This federally funded project encourages participation from Section 3 residents and businesses. All applicable state and federal regulations, including Build America, Buy America (BABAA), will apply. Important Dates Checklist Bid Submission Deadline: June 9, 2025, by 10:30 AM (local time) Bid Opening (Public): June 9, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Sumner Town Hall Bidding Documents Available: May 2025 via Still Waters Engineering Project Award Timeline: Within 60 days of bid opening Project Funding Source: Georgia DCA – CDBG Program (FY24)

The City of Damascus is accepting sealed bids for the construction of 800 linear feet of paved roadway, parking areas, and a new playground as part of a park and infrastructure rehabilitation project. The project is funded by a State of Georgia Parks & Recreation Grant. All qualified contractors with previous similar project experience are encouraged to apply. Bidders must be licensed in Georgia and submit all required documents by the deadline. Contract documents are available through York & Associates Engineering, Inc. Important Dates Checklist - Bid Submission Deadline: June 10, 2025, by 3:00 PM (local time) - Bid Opening (Public):June 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Damascus City Hall - Bid Award Notification (estimated): Within 30 days of bid opening - Anticipated Notice to Proceed: Summer 2025 - Project Completion Timeline:120 calendar days from Notice to Proceed

The City of Thomasville is requesting proposals from qualified architectural firms to support the design and development of a new shelter for battered women, along with duplex housing and therapeutic childcare facilities, under the 2025 CDBG Innovative Grant program. The selected firm will assist with the Preliminary Architectural Report (PAR) for the grant application and may continue through project implementation if funded. This RFP is governed by federal and state guidelines and includes Section 3 participation requirements. Firms must be licensed in Georgia and experienced in similar public projects. Important Dates Checklist Proposal Deadline: Monday, June 9, 2025, by 2:00 PM Draft Preliminary Architectural Report Due: Wednesday, July 10, 2025 Anticipated Project Start (If Funded): Fall 2025

Cordele Launches Chip Grant to Support Home Repairs for Eligible Residents The City of Cordele is pleased to announce its selection for a Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) grant, aimed at improving housing conditions for eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners. Through this grant, residents can receive financial assistance for vital home rehabilitation projects such as: roofing plumbing electrical upgrades heating systems structural repairs weatherization improvements and lead hazard removal where needed. How to Take Advantage of This Opportunity Homeowners interested in benefiting from this transformative program are encouraged to participate in the upcoming call-in event. Call-In Event Tuesday, May 20, 2025 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Meigs Announces Housing Repair Assistance for Low-Income Homeowners The City of Meigs has been awarded a Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) grant to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners with critical home repairs. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), this initiative ensures that local residents can access safe and sanitary housing. Eligible homeowners within Meigs city limits may qualify for assistance with: roof replacement structural repairs electrical and plumbing upgrades heating system improvements weatherization and lead hazard removal How to Take Advantage of This Opportunity Homeowners interested in benefiting from this transformative program are encouraged to participate in the upcoming call-in event. Call-In Event Tuesday, May 19, 2025 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

In every corner of Southwest Georgia, dedicated public servants have quietly ensured the smooth operation of our local governments. Among them are our municipal clerks—unsung heroes who have faithfully served their communities with professionalism and care. This spring, we want to take a moment to recognize and honor three exceptional individuals who have recently retired or are transitioning into new roles after years of service. Judith Young – Jakin, Georgia Judith Young, a long-serving clerk, will be retiring at the end of April. We extend our deepest gratitude and wish her joy and relaxation in her well-earned retirement. Sandra O’Steen – Terrell County Sandra O’Steen has also recently retired, closing a chapter of dedicated service to her municipality, Sandra’s presence will be missed by colleagues and residents alike. Celeste Tyler – Thomas County While we bid farewell to Celeste Tyler in her role as Clerk, we also celebrate her exciting new journey. Celeste is not retiring from public service but stepping into a new leadership role as County Manager of Grady County. These individuals exemplify the heart of public service, and we are honored to recognize their dedication. As they move forward, we celebrate their achievements and wish them the very best in their new endeavors. If you know of other clerks or public servants who deserve recognition, please reach out. Let’s continue to honor those who keep our local governments strong.

What is Georgia Main Street? The Georgia Main Street program, managed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is part of a national effort that supports the revitalization of downtown areas across the state. Main Street communities focus on economic revitalization, historic preservation, and community engagement to create vibrant, thriving downtowns. The program uses a comprehensive approach to bring new life to these historic districts, boosting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Pelham: A Community Committed to Revitalization Pelham has made impressive progress in enhancing its historic downtown, with a particular focus on economic growth and historic preservation. A major milestone for the city was the recent award of a $2.4 million federal grant to restore the historic Carnegie Library—an iconic building located in the center of downtown Pelham. This restoration is just one of the many steps the city is taking to honor its past while creating a bright future. One of the most notable projects in the city’s revitalization efforts has been the transformation of the former Hand Trading Company building—a historic landmark that has stood for over a century. Thanks to financial support from state and local partners, the building has been converted into a mixed-income apartment complex, bringing both historical charm and modern amenities to downtown Pelham. Congratulations to Pelham for earning the well-deserved recognition as Main Street of the Month! We look forward to seeing even more progress as this community continues to grow and thrive. For more information on the Georgia Main Street program, visit Georgia Main Street.

Camilla, GA – March 24, 2025 The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) is inviting qualified Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to submit proposals for audit services for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. This Request for Proposals (RFP) represents a unique opportunity for firms to support a high-performing regional organization known for accountability, innovation, and securing transformative funding. In FY2022 alone, SWGRC helped secure over $22.2 million in funding across its 14 counties and 43 cities, supporting housing, broadband, infrastructure, and economic development efforts (Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, 2022). As the designated Rural Partners Network Community Partner for Southwest Georgia, SWGRC plays a vital role in connecting local governments with federal and state resources to promote community resilience and equity. 🗓️ Important RFP Dates to Remember: • Notification of Interest Due: Monday, April 7, 2025, by 5:00 PM EST • Pre-Proposal Questions Due: April 14, 2025, by 5:00 PM EST • Proposers' Conference: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST Location: SWGRC Conference Room, 181 E. Broad Street, Camilla, GA (Carriage House) • Final Addenda Issued (if necessary): April 21, 2025 • Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, May 16, 2025, by 4:00 PM EST • Tentative Interviews (if conducted): Week of May 26, 2025 • Final Selection & Award Notification: June 6, 2025 • Start of Services: July 1, 2025 📬 Submit proposals to: Traci Hall, Finance Director Southwest Georgia Regional Commission P.O. Box 346, Camilla, GA 31730-0346 Email: thall@swgrc.org Phone: (229) 522-3552 Proposals must include: one signed original RFP, five technical copies, and a sealed cost proposal. Late submissions will not be accepted. 💼 About SWGRC With an annual budget of over $13 million and a regional impact reaching more than 352,000 residents, the SWGRC delivers planning, transportation, grant writing, GIS, and economic development services. Its dedicated team of professionals, under the leadership of Executive Director Suzanne Angell, continues to champion long-term sustainability and innovation for rural Southwest Georgia. Source: Southwest Georgia Regional Commission. (2022). FY2022 Annual Report