City of Thomasville leadership, including the City Council and City Managers, recently attended the 2026 Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah, Georgia. The 93rd annual gathering brings together municipal leaders from across Georgia to learn, share ideas, and strengthen relationships that help cities succeed.
According to City Manager Chris White, the convention is a crucial professional development experience that helps shape the decisions that City leadership and City Council must make to drive the community forward. “The annual GMA Convention provides our city leaders with an avenue to compare challenges and discuss solutions with municipal leaders from across the state while learning and examining developing trends.”
White said that a focal point of discussions at the convention centered around a recent GMA survey highlighting top city concerns, including fiscal pressures, infrastructure needs, and protecting local decision-making against unfunded mandates. “The highlighted concerns are driving a push for more resources and stronger support from the state,” said White. “Statewide, many of us are facing the same issues and working to push back against unfunded mandates, protect federal funding and keep communities safe.”
From engaging sessions and policy discussions to networking events and the Municipal Marketplace, every aspect of the convention was designed to equip city leaders with new ideas and practical solutions to bring back to the communities they serve. “As attendees, our city leadership had the opportunity to tailor our convention schedules with seminars and speakers that addressed community needs while supporting our professional development priorities,” said White. “With topics ranging from Finance to Community Development and Municipal Government Policy to Public Safety, there was truly a vast selection of sessions that allowed each of us to continue the growth our community deserves.”
“The convention comes at a meaningful moment as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary,” said White. “Our City Council and City leadership are honored to use this opportunity to grow and reflect on the important role cities have played throughout American history, as well as the work it takes for us to help fulfill the bright future ahead for our own wonderful community.”
Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to all of Georgia’s 537 cities. GMA anticipates and influences the forces shaping Georgia’s cities while providing leadership, tools and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective, and responsive. Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. For more information, visit www.gacities.com.