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

The U.S. Census Bureau has officially launched data collection for the 2024 Annual Integrated Economic Survey (AIES). This initiative marks a significant step in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of business data collection across the country. The AIES is one of the Census Bureau’s latest surveys, designed to integrate and replace seven separate business surveys into a single, streamlined process. By consolidating these surveys, the AIES enhances the ability to provide accurate and timely insights into the nation’s economic landscape. The survey captures vital measures of economic activity, including comprehensive national and subnational data on business revenues, expenses, and assets annually. Why Is This Important? The data collected from the AIES serve a variety of purposes, including: - Tracking economic trends at both national and local levels. - Assessing industry performance across different sectors. - Supporting the development of informed policies for economic growth. - Helping businesses, investors, and policymakers with economic planning and resource allocation. - Informing market research efforts for companies and organizations. What Businesses Need to Know Approximately 298,000 businesses across the country will receive the survey, with responses requested within 30 days of receipt. The first round of AIES data is set to be released this summer, offering crucial insights into the U.S. economy. For further details on the AIES and the innovations behind it, visit the Census Bureau https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/3d6d40e blog post, "Integrating Our Business Statistics for an Ever-Changing U.S. Economy." Stay tuned for updates on the AIES results and how they impact local businesses and economic development in our communities. Your participation helps build a clearer picture of economic trends that shape policy and business decisions nationwide.

City of Parrott Invites Public to Share Input on $1 Million Water System Upgrade Proposal The City of Parrott is taking an important step to upgrade our aging water system—and we want your voice to be part of the process. We are currently considering applying to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to $1,000,000. These funds, if awarded, will go directly toward making much-needed water system improvements in targeted areas across the city. To ensure that our application reflects the community’s needs, a Public Hearing will be held to share details about the grant, discuss proposed improvements, and invite resident feedback. 📅 Public Hearing Details - Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - Time: 6:30 PM - Location: Parrott City Hall, 142 East Main Street, Parrott, GA 39877 This hearing will provide an overview of: ✔️ Eligible activities the grant may support ✔️ How the improvements will benefit low-to-moderate income residents ✔️ Plans to assist any displaced persons (if applicable) ✔️ How previous grant funds (if received) have been used Residents with questions about accessibility, language assistance, or other special needs are encouraged to contact April Johnson, City Clerk at (229) 623-2635 by March 11. The City of Parrott is committed to equal access and opportunity for all residents. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient infrastructure for every household. Whether you’re a longtime resident, business owner, or newcomer, your input is vital. 🔗 For updates, follow us on Facebook or visit our website’s Public Notices section. Let’s work together to build a better Parrott—join us and make your voice heard!

The expression passing the gavel signifies an orderly succession from one chair to another. Chairman Emeritus Anthony Jones passes the gavel to Chairman Donnie Baggett

Thomasville, GA – The City of Thomasville invites residents to participate in a public hearing on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, located at 144 East Jackson Street. This hearing will discuss the city’s application for up to $1,000,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to construct a new domestic violence shelter. Why This Matters The proposed shelter aims to provide a safe and supportive space for survivors of domestic violence, ensuring access to essential services. How You Can Participate Thomasville residents are encouraged to attend the hearing in person to share their concerns, suggestions, and priorities. Those unable to attend can still participate by submitting written comments and photos detailing local needs: 📩 Email: info@swgrc.org 📬 Mail: Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, 181 East Broad Street, Camilla, GA 31730 📱 Online Feedback: Scan the QR code on the official notice or click the link below to submit feedback online. Stay Informed & Get Involved For more information, contact: 📞 City of Thomasville – 229.227.7001 📞 Barbara Reddick, Planning Director, SWGRC – 229.522.3552 ext. 102 📩 breddick@swgrc.org Community input is vital in securing this funding and ensuring it aligns with the needs of Thomasville residents. Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape the future of your community!

The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (DOAA) has launched the Local Government Compliance Dashboard , a powerful new online resource designed to improve transparency and public access to critical financial reporting information for local governments. The dashboard, now available on the DOAA website , serves as the official source for tracking government compliance with financial reporting requirements. Key Features of the Local Government Compliance Dashboard The new dashboard offers a user-friendly interface that provides real-time insights into local government financial reporting. It includes: Compliance Requirements: A clear breakdown of the financial reporting obligations that local governments must meet. Noncompliance Listings: A comprehensive list of local governments that have failed to meet reporting requirements. Eligibility Status Information: Details on which local governments are eligible or ineligible to receive state grant funds. Report Submission Status: Tracking of financial report submissions for the current reporting year and the preceding five years. At-Risk Local Governments: Identification of municipalities that are at risk of falling into noncompliance. Data Export Options: Users can download data related to noncompliance, eligibility, and report submissions to suit their specific needs. State Grant Eligibility and Compliance One of the dashboard’s most critical functions is its ability to track local governments' eligibility for state grant funds. According to Georgia law, no state agency is permitted to disburse grant funds to any local government that has not submitted all legally required audits within the past five years. The Eligibility Status Page within the dashboard provides an updated listing of local governments that are compliant and eligible for funding, as well as those that are ineligible due to noncompliance. Financial Report Submission Deadlines Local governments must submit their financial reports within 180 days of the end of their fiscal year to comply with statutory deadlines. The dashboard also includes a Submission Dates Table that outlines these deadlines in greater detail, ensuring that municipalities can remain informed and avoid penalties. A Commitment to Transparency and Accountability The launch of the Local Government Compliance Dashboard marks a significant step forward in **promoting financial accountability and transparency** in Georgia’s local governments. By providing easy access to compliance data and eligibility status, the DOAA aims to ensure that state resources are distributed equitably and that taxpayers can trust their local governments to meet financial reporting requirements.

The City of Colquitt is considering applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of up to $1,000,000 from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). These funds must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Public Hearing Details 📅 Date: March 13, 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:30 AM 📍 Location: City Hall, 154 West Street, Colquitt, GA 39837 The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission** is overseeing the grant application and administration. Why This Matters to the Community 🔹 Proposed Use of Funds: - The City plans to use the CDBG funds for **Sewer System Improvements** in a targeted area of Colquitt. 🔹 Additional Grant Details: - Information on the amount of funds allocated to benefit low- and moderate-income persons will be provided at the hearing. - Plans for assisting displaced individuals (if any) will be discussed. - The rating system for selecting projects will be explained. 🔹 Community Input is Essential: - The public hearing allows citizens to provide input on the development of the grant application. - Progress on previous CDBG grants (if applicable) will be reviewed. 🔹 Accessibility & Contact Information: - The City of Colquitt is committed to providing equal access to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or age. - Individuals requiring special accommodations (e.g., handicap accessibility or language assistance) should contact Kesha Lavette, City Clerk, before March 13, 2025: 📞 (229) 758-1000 (Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM) - For individuals with hearing disabilities, Georgia Relay Service is available: 📞 TDD: 1-800-255-0056 | Voice: 1-800-255-0135 How You Can Participate 💡 Attend the hearing to share your concerns, suggestions, and support for this funding opportunity. 📢 Help spread the word so all residents can participate in shaping Colquitt’s future!