January 15, 2026
The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission hosted a New Mayors’ Meeting in Camilla, bringing together newly elected municipal leaders from across Region 10 for collaboration, orientation, and strategic resource sharing.


The session was led by Georgia Municipal Association District 10 Representative Emily Davenport, who outlined the comprehensive services available to cities through GMA, including legislative advocacy, training, risk management programs, and municipal best practice guidance.

Peer Leadership Insights

Mayor James Eubanks of Pelham and Mayor Travis Wimbush of Blakely shared practical insights from their experiences leading small municipalities. Their discussion emphasized fiscal stewardship, infrastructure planning, workforce development, and the importance of regional partnerships.

State and Regional Resource Briefings

Heather Sharpe of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs provided an overview of available state programs, including Community Development Block Grant funding, planning compliance requirements, housing initiatives, and technical assistance opportunities.

Suzanne Angell, Executive Director of the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, 
reinforced SWGRC’s role in:
  • Grant writing and administration
  • Comprehensive planning and Community Work Programs
  • Economic development coordination
  • Housing and infrastructure strategy
  • Regional collaboration initiatives

Region 10’s New Mayors in Attendance

Newly elected mayors representing the following cities were in attendance:

  • Donalsonville
  • Bainbridge
  • Thomasville
  • Climax
  • Coolidge
  • Leesburg
  • Meigs
  • Cairo

Region 10 spans 14 counties and 43 cities, and strong municipal leadership remains foundational to advancing economic development, infrastructure investment, and quality of life throughout Southwest Georgia.

Moving Forward Together

The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission extends congratulations to each of our newly elected mayors. We look forward to supporting your administrations through strategic planning, funding coordination, compliance guidance, and regional partnership development.

Leadership matters. Collaboration accelerates results. Region 10 moves forward—together.
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