Southwest Georgia Regional Commission
Named an Organization of Civility by Georgia Municipal Association
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 31, 2023
CAMILLA, GEORGIA – The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) has been designated as an Organization of Civility by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Southwest Georgia Regional Commission adopted a civility resolution in GMA’s Embrace Civility program on July 27, 2023.
A 2019 poll by Weber Shandwick revealed that over 90% percent of Americans believe that incivility is a problem, with nearly 68% percent identifying it as a major problem. Civility is more than just politeness; it is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions and teaching others to do the same.
“I strongly believe in this resolution that the Council of the SWGRC adopted tonight at our regular council meeting,” said SWGRC Executive Director Suzanne Angell. “It is of utmost importance, especially in recent times, that we treat each other with respect, courtesy and kindness, even when we don’t have the same views and opinions. I applaud our Council for taking this pledge and for committing our organization to this standard and I appreciate GMA giving us the opportunity to be included in the Embrace Civility program.”
GMA, in partnership with Georgia City Solutions (GCS), a nonprofit organization managed by the Association, created the Embrace Civility program to equip Georgia’s cities and partner organizations with resources to create more civility in their meetings and among their residents, the general public, and meeting attendees. Civil behavior and speech are critically important to a healthy, functional, and respectful society. For public service to be effective, there must be an atmosphere of respect and tolerance and a commitment to a healthy public exchange of diverse ideas and viewpoints.
“I commend the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission for embracing civility and adopting the resolution to become a GMA Organization of Civility,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We believe that Georgia’s cities and partner organizations have a great platform to model open, free, and vigorous debate, while maintaining the highest standards of civility, honesty, and mutual respect.”
To become an Organization of Civility, the board of directors (governing council/commission) is required to adopt a Civility Resolution and pledge to engage in civil behavior with each other as well as with the public and meeting attendees. Organizations also have a civility pledge that can be published or recited at meetings. Learn more about the Embrace Civility program at www.gacities.com/civility.
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Columbus, GA — May 2, 2025 — The River Valley Regional Commission (RVRC), in partnership with the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), hosted an impactful one-day workshop to support local governments in the development and updating of their Pre-Hazard Mitigation Plans (PHMP). Held at the RVRC office in Columbus, Georgia, the training provided both in-person and virtual attendance options, bringing together over fifteen participants from across the state. This timely session focused on helping communities align with the latest Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines and GEMA requirements—both of which are essential for PHMP approval and access to federal mitigation funding. Invited speakers included Alex Park of GEMA and Olukayode “Kay” Olubowale of SWGRC, both of whom brought technical expertise and practical insights to the discussion. Their guidance helped clarify expectations and build local capacity for hazard mitigation planning. The workshop addressed a wide range of critical topics essential to PHMP development, including: GEMA and FEMA guidelines and documentation for contract compliance Collection and identification of essential and critical facilities for the Hazus report Planning process steps and plan maintenance strategies FEMA’s Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool and multi-jurisdictional planning considerations Identification of natural and non-natural hazards Development of goals and actionable strategies for hazard mitigation Understanding the distinction between essential and critical facilities Completion of Worksheets 1–4 and frequency table calculations Plan update, adoption, and integration of required appendices (A–E) Access to official FEMA and GEMA web links to support PHMP preparation This collaborative training effort reflects a shared commitment to enhancing community resilience across Georgia. By equipping local planners and emergency managers with the tools and knowledge to navigate complex planning requirements, the regional commissions and GEMA are fostering safer, more disaster-resilient communities. For more information or to access PHMP resources, visit the official FEMA website at https://www.fema.gov or contact your local regional commission.
The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) is once again stepping up to support transformative economic development in underserved rural communities through its 2025 SEID Grant Program. With up to \$25 million in funding available across the region, SCRC invites local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities to attend its free, virtual **Pre-Application Technical Assistance Training** to better understand how to position their projects for success. Two opportunities are available for the SEID Pre-Application Training: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:30 AM ET Join ZoomGov Meeting Meeting ID: 160 056 2585 | Passcode: 441362 Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET Join ZoomGov Meeting Meeting ID: 160 035 2144 | Passcode: 988672 Training Overview: Why You Should Attend These free Zoom-based sessions offer an invaluable chance to: Gain clarity on eligibility requirements and funding priorities Learn tips for developing a competitive pre-application Ask questions and receive real-time guidance from SCRC and your state’s Program Manager Connect with Local Development Districts, current grantees, and other prospective applicants If your organization is considering submitting a SEID pre-application, attending one of these sessions is a crucial first step. About the SEID Grant Program The SEID (Strengthening Economic Infrastructure and Development) Grant Program is a regional funding initiative designed to: Prepare a Ready Workforce Support Economic Development Efforts to Attract and Retain Jobs Improve Healthcare Access and Quality Address Critical Infrastructure Needs Support Agricultural Innovation and Sustainability Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education located within the SCRC service area. The SEID grant can fund both construction and non-construction projects. The pre-application deadline is rapidly approaching—projects must be submitted well in advance of the anticipated award deadline of September 30, 2025. Entities are encouraged to prepare now and use this technical assistance opportunity to refine their project ideas and align them with the region's strategic priorities. Take the Next Step Don’t miss this chance to bring meaningful investment to your community. Whether you’re a seasoned grant writer or a first-time applicant, this training will help you understand the SEID program’s potential to create lasting regional change. For more details and to access the grant guidelines, visit https://grants.scrc.gov/ or SCRC State Program Manager: Georgia Brittany Pittman Georgia Department of Community Affairs Phone: 706-508-7381 Email: Brittany.pittman@dca.ga.gov
Columbus, Georgia | May 15–16, 2025 Last week, planners and leaders from across Georgia gathered at the historic Columbus Convention and Trade Center for the Community Planning Institute (CPI), hosted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This two-day intensive provided a deep dive into the policies, tools, and funding resources that local governments can leverage to strengthen their communities. Representing the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, Sheena Stephens, Planning Assistant, and Jennifer Pittman, Grant Writer, joined professionals from across the state to sharpen their skills and bring back actionable insights to benefit communities across our region. Why CPI Matters for Our Region The CPI training is not just another conference—it’s a critical learning hub for rural and urban planners alike. Through sessions on zoning enforcement, affordable housing, and engagement strategies for comprehensive plans, the institute equips attendees with actionable strategies and compliance insights essential for local government planning and grant writing. For a region like Southwest Georgia, where collaborative planning is key to long-term growth, the CPI provides the knowledge base to align our goals with state requirements and funding opportunities. Highlights from the agenda included: “Planning Essentials in Georgia” by Juli Yoder, AICP, of DCA, offering foundational knowledge for both new and seasoned planners. Affordable Housing Planning and a Rural Workforce Housing Tour, led by Cathy Williams of NeighborWorks Columbus, showcasing innovative solutions to one of our region’s most urgent needs. A dynamic session on Using CDBG Funds to Implement Comprehensive Plans, presented by Glenn Misner of DCA, which resonated deeply with attendees who work regularly in grant development. The Power of Place: Columbus Sets the Bar Beyond the learning, the City of Columbus exemplified what it means to host with hospitality. Attendees were welcomed with a curated discount flyer from Visit Columbus, highlighting exclusive deals at over 25 local businesses—from The Black Cow and Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant to local gems like Uptown Float Spa and Ride On Bikes. Whether it was \$10 off whitewater rafting or a sweet treat at Kilwins, Columbus made every effort to ensure visitors could enjoy the city’s charm and culture. Optional walking tours, a scenic downtown dinner, and even a post-dinner happy hour brought participants together in meaningful ways, proving that networking and relationship-building are just as important as policy discussions. Final Thoughts Participation in trainings like CPI is an investment in our region’s leadership capacity and policy alignment. As planners, community advocates, and regional stakeholders, it is our responsibility to stay informed, connected, and ready to implement change. Let’s continue to show up together—for our cities, for our counties, and for the region we all call home. Next CPI Training: October 28-29, 2025 Brasstown Valley Resort Young Harris, Ga Registration Link Coming Soon !!! https://dca.georgia.gov/community-assistance/coordinated-planning/local-planning/community-planning-institute Contact for more information about CPI: Daniel Gaddis , AICP Outreach Coordinator Email: Daniel.Gaddis@dca.ga.gov Direct: 404-679-4934
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.
