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.

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!

Attention local government leaders! The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is hosting an essential webinar to help you navigate Qualified Local Government (QLG) and Hotel/Motel Tax (HMT) program compliance. This information session is perfect for anyone involved in local government operations, including Community Development Directors (Planners), Finance Directors, Clerks, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau or Destination Marketing Organization professionals, local auditors, and Authority staff. Why Should You Attend? As a local government, maintaining your QLG status is crucial for continued access to vital state funding and programs. These include: CDBG Funding PlanFirst Designation GEFA Loans Historic Preservation Grants Economic Development Programs (EDGE, REBA, Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund, Employment Incentive Program) In addition, the webinar will cover Hotel/Motel Tax Reporting and provide guidance on other required state reports that may impact your operations. Event Details: When: Wednesday, March 26, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Where: Online (Link provided below) Who Should Attend: Community Development professionals, Finance Directors, Clerks, and others involved in local government and state compliance This session will offer ample time for questions and feedback, ensuring you walk away with a clear understanding of compliance requirements and how to manage them. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay informed and compliant! We look forward to seeing you there!

Sylvester, GA – February 7, 2025 – The Sylvester Housing Authority, in partnership with the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC), has successfully completed new construction on two homes funded through the Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) grant. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 609 and 611 Jefferson Street, bringing together local officials, community leaders, and housing advocates to highlight the impact of the grant-funded renovations. The CHIP grant, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is a state-funded initiative aimed at improving housing conditions for low- and moderate-income families. The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) wrote and administered the grant, ensuring the project met all compliance requirements and successfully reached completion. In 2019, the Sylvester Housing Authority was awarded $300,000 through the CHIP grant, which allowed for new construction of homes to improve affordability and living conditions. The new construction included modernized interiors, enhanced energy efficiency, and significant aesthetic upgrades, aligning with efforts to improve the city’s affordable housing stock. The properties, now referred to as the “Green House” at 609 Jefferson Street and the “Corner House” at 611 Jefferson Street, provide improved housing options for local residents. Representatives from SWGRC, local government agencies, and community members attended the event to discuss the success of the CHIP grant in revitalizing neighborhoods. Continued investment in housing initiatives remains a priority for improving economic conditions and the quality of life for Sylvester residents. With the completion of this project, the Sylvester Housing Authority and SWGRC continue to explore additional funding opportunities to further improve housing conditions in the region. Residents interested in learning more about affordable housing initiatives and future projects are encouraged to contact the Sylvester Housing Authority or the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission. For more information on the CHIP grant program and its impact on communities, visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website or reach out to us.

Colquitt, GA – The City of Colquitt has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP)to expand high-speed broadband access through a fiber optic network** serving the City and surrounding areas in Miller County. This initiative aligns with the city's long-term goal of becoming a "Smarter Colquitt" by enhancing connectivity for residents and businesses. The project, supported by the **Capital Projects Fund grant GA-0013971, will include the construction of 126.6 miles of fiber distribution infrastructure, targeting 1,069 unserved homes**. The city is looking to partner with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and vendors to develop a **Gigabit-speed broadband network** that will support the region’s growth and digital accessibility. Key Project Details: - Proposal Deadline: March 21, 2025, by 5:00 PM EST - Project Location: City of Colquitt & Miller County - Scope: Construction of up to 126.6 miles of fiber optic infrastructure Mix of aerial strand and lash construction and underground deployment Must be spliced, tested, and operational by December 31, 2026 City's Expectations for Proposals: The City of Colquitt has outlined several priorities for interested vendors: 1. Gigabit Technology Deployment – The network must provide high-speed internet capable of Gigabit speeds. 2. City Infrastructure Connectivity – Proposals should include plans to integrate with existing city-owned assets. 3. Preference for Underground Construction – While underground fiber is preferred, aerial solutions will be considered if justified. 4. Use of Existing Infrastructure – The city will provide access to **publicly owned fiber infrastructure** to support deployment. How to Submit a Proposal Interested providers must submit their proposals by March 21, 2025. Additional details, including network layout and existing infrastructure availability, can be found on the city's website: https://www.colquittga.gov/rfps . For inquiries, contact: 📧 Cody Hamilton – Director of Information Technology 📩 Email: chamilton@colquittga.gov 📞 Phone: 229-758-1019 A Step Forward for Rural Connectivity This broadband expansion is a major investment in Southwest Georgia’s digital future, ensuring that residents in rural and underserved areas have access to reliable, high-speed internet. The City of Colquitt’s proactive approach to broadband infrastructure will help foster economic development, improve educational opportunities, and enhance overall quality of life. Stay tuned for more updates on this project and other regional infrastructure developments at www.swgrc.org.

Community Development in Action: Thomasville and Parrott Seek CDBG Grant Proposals