The lobbying entity responsible for assisting municipalities around the state has filed a brief in support of the City of Atlanta in the legal battle over whether or not Governor Kemp’s Executive Order can nullify ordinances enacted by local governments.
The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), an entity subsidized by taxpayers that offers training and resources for city officials, filed the brief Tuesday according to an email sent out to member municipalities.
Hello GMA Member Cities,
This email is to advise you that today, July 21, GMA has filed a brief in the case of Governor Kemp v. the Mayor and City council of the city of Atlanta. The GMA officers and leadership have made a decision to file this brief in opposition to the Governor’s actions since his lawsuit goes beyond the case against Atlanta and includes provisions that affect ALL of Georgia’s cities, including your city’s right to have a policy for your buildings and your property. This brief is to protect Home Rule for all cities and to protect the right of approximately 100 cities who have adopted a policy regarding the wearing of masks in their own public buildings in order to protect their employees and local citizens.
In the event you are contacted by the media regarding this action, please feel free to contact Kelly Bennit or myself by replying directly to this email and we will be happy to provide you with a set of talking points. You may also direct media inquiries to gMA. If you would like to access the 30-page brief, please click here.
Sincerely,
Larry Hanson, GMA Executive Director
GMA is funded by dues and training feeds paid by local governments and has involvement and appropriations through mechanisms of the legislature. According to the website, the entity’s mission “anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s cities and to provide leadership, tools and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective and responsive.” Whiel GMA is voluntary, all 538 cities in Georgia are currently members. A 66-member Board of Directors, composed of city officials, governs GMA. Program implementation is charged to the Executive Director and staff of 91 full-time employees.
You can read the brief here.
