Southern Georgia Regional Commission

The Georgia Municipal Association will be hosting the 5th annual GMA Broadband Summit on Tuesday, July 16 in Warner Robins. This year, Georgia cities have an unprecedented opportunity: The Georgia Technology Authority will administer over $1.3 billion in federal funding through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The purpose of this funding is to build out broadband infrastructure in over 200,000 unserved locations statewide.

Furthermore, Georgia has been allocated $22.45 million for programs to help communities and residents build the skills, technology and capacity needed to take full advantage of the digital economy. The Georgia Technology Authority is expected to open competitive grant applications for these funding pots this fall. With support from our presenting sponsor AT&T and our event sponsors Charter Communications and Calix, the Summit will bring city and county officials together with key stakeholders for a day of networking and exploring partnerships for successful, community-driven broadband programs.

At the Summit, we will discuss BEAD funding, digital literacy, the Affordable Connectivity Program, the "Broadband Ready" designation that 63 communities already claim, and so much more. Expect to learn, network and engage! Spots are limited.

𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: https://www.gacities.com/What-We-Do/Advocacy/Federal-Issue/GMA-Broadband.aspx

If you have any questions about the Summit, please contact Claire Chan, GMA Manager of Research and Policy Analysis, at [email protected] or (470) 484-6705.
We look forward to seeing you on July 16!

In observance of Independence Day, the SGRC Regional Transit service will be closed tomorrow Thursday, July 4, 2024.

All transit operations will resume Friday, July 5, 2024.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, or we can assist in any way, please call us at the number below.

Our offices will be closed next Thursday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen on Friday normal business hours.

𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐀-- 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒𝐀𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐘 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

Congratulations to Lindsay Ray of the Southern Georgia Regional Commission’s Community and Economic Development Division! Lindsay has been promoted from Grants Specialist to Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development. In her new role, Lindsay will assist Division Director Tonia Hendricks in overseeing and coordinating the activities essential to the department's success.

In addition to supervising staff, Lindsay will continue collaborating with department team members and local governments to boost regional community and economic development, aiming to enhance the quality of life for area residents. Her responsibilities will include helping local communities improve aging infrastructure, increase their development capacity, secure funding for new and existing industry growth, and facilitate business development and job creation.

The SGRC’s Community & Economic Development Division provides technical assistance to local governments in identifying projects to improve community programs and facilities in the areas of street paving and drainage, water and sewer, public buildings, neighborhood revitalization, streetscape and pedestrian facilities, as well as police and fire department facilities, equipment, and vehicles. This division develops project-related grant and loan applications, and administers funded projects.

Since joining the SGRC in 2019, Lindsay has been an integral part of the Community and Economic Development Division. With five years of experience in state and federal government grant writing and administration and 5 additional years of project management experience, Lindsay brings enthusiasm, dedication, and determination to every project assigned to her. Her demonstrated leadership skills will be a tremendous asset to both the Department and the Region.

Congratulations, Lindsay!

𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐀-- Today, the SGRC Planning Services Division hosted a Planning and Zoning 101 Workshop. The course was lead by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The event was attended by several representatives from our member local governments throughout our 18-county region, along with SGRC staff members. Many thanks to our partners at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government for making this event possible.

In observance of Independence Day, the SGRC Regional Transit service will be closed next Thursday, July 4, 2024.

All transit operations will resume next Friday, July 5, 2024.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, or we can assist in any way, please call us at the number below.

In observance of Juneteenth holiday, the SGRC Regional Transit service will be closed Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

All transit operations will resume Thursday, June 20, 2024.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, or we can assist in any way, please call us at the number below.

Our offices will be closed on Wednesday. We will return to normal business hours on Thursday.

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐀 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄

The SGRC recently assisted the City of Blackshear in obtaining OneGeorgia Equity Grant funds through the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative (RWHI) to serve the 32-acre Pinehurst Village Development. The city has been awarded $2,450,000 to construct water, sewer, street, and drainage improvements to serve 43 new homes being constructed within the development.

Announced in the Governor’s 2023 State of the State Address, the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative is helping to spur the development of critically needed workforce housing in communities across the state.

"Demand for workforce housing continues to increase across the state as our economy grows," said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. "The OneGeorgia Authority is pleased to support these communities that are pursuing deliberate workforce housing strategies."

In addition to the $2,450,000 in OneGeorgia Equity Grant funds, the City of Blackshear committed to $89,600 in cash-match and leverage to the project costs. A private investment of $7,625,970 was also committed, bringing the total project costs to $10,165,570.

The SGRC Community and Economic Development Division will serve as the Grant Administrator for the project. For more information about the OneGeorgia Authority and the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative, please contact SGRC Community and Economic Development Director Tonia Hendricks at (912) 285-6097 or email [email protected].

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 (𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐏) 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐒

On May 9, 2024, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded over $13 million in grant funds to nineteen (19) local communities around the state through the Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP). CHIP funds are part of annual allocation of HOME Investment Program funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be administered by DCA.

“Affordable housing is a critical need in Georgia” said DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “I am proud of these communities for thoughtfully seeking solutions for affordable housing.”
CHIP funds are awarded to communities through a competitive and collaborative effort that reviews and scores applicants who demonstrate their commitment to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing.

The City of Homeland was awarded $500,000 to replace seven (7) owner-occupied mobile homes. The City of Waycross was awarded $500,000 to rehabilitate eight (8) owner-occupied homes. Both cities will receive a “big check” during the FY2024 CDBG Summit to be hosted in Athens, GA in October.

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission Community and Economic Development Division prepared these applications for the cities and will serve as the grant administrator for both projects. In efforts to improve housing conditions within the communities, the Cities of Homeland and Waycross will provide project oversight, as well as waive all permitting and inspection fees.

The Cities of Homeland and Waycross both have areas of low-moderate income residents that live in substandard and dilapidated housing. Families in these areas will now be given the opportunity to improve their quality of life through housing rehabilitation that will create a safer and more affordable living environment. For more information about the CHIP program and other funding programs, please contact SGRC Community and Economic Development Director, Tonia Hendricks, at (912) 285-6097.

Pictured below are two houses in the Waycross Target Area in need of rehabilitation and two mobile homes in the Homeland Target Area in need of replacement.

Welcome to the team, Tiffany!

For more information about the services our Lending Division offers, contact the SGRC Valdosta Office at (229) 333-5277.

This morning, SGRC and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs hosted a Compliance Training Workshop at the Valdosta office. The event was attended by several representatives from our member local governments and Development Authority partners, along with SGRC staff. Many thanks to our partners at the Department of Community Affairs for making this event possible.

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission is accepting applications for the position of Grants Specialist. This position serves as consultant, liaison, problem-solver, and project manager for units of local governments in an 18-county region. The Community and Economic Development Grants Specialist develops projects, writes and administers grant applications (e.g. CDBG, OneGeorgia, EDA, USDA), focusing on community and economic development related projects to include housing rehabilitation and reconstruction, and markets Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC) project development and implementation services to local governments.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in business, public administration, marketing, finance, management, or closely related field; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training involving technical writing, grant development and administration, and experience in the public sector; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must have the ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment that requires a flexible approach to workload demands.

Valid driver’s license, MVR, and pre-employment drug test required. Position can be in the Valdosta or Waycross office. Competitive salary DOE. Hours M-F, 8:30-5. Excellent benefits. Send resume and cover letter to 1725 S Ga Pkwy, W, Waycross, GA 31503 or email to [email protected] Position will remain open until filled. EOE 60+. See complete job description at www.sgrc.us/opportunities.html. Must submit Cover Letter, Resume and SGRC Application.

𝐊𝐈𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐁𝐁𝐒 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒

𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧, 𝐃𝐂, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 – Kimberly Hobbs, Executive Director of the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, was recently elected to the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term. Kimberly represents the Southeast Region on the 66-member Board.

The NADO Board of Directors oversees the association’s budget and operations and develops policy on issues affecting Regional Development Organizations (RDOs). The organization was founded in 1967 to provide training, information, and representation for RDOs throughout the United States. Today, NADO member organizations serve local governments and the public within their regions through various programs focused on diversifying local economies, assisting businesses, creating jobs, and providing social services.

“We are honored to have Kimberly Hobbs serve on NADO’s Board of Directors. Kimberly brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and leadership on regional community and economic development issues to the national level,” stated NADO Executive Director Joe McKinney. “Most importantly, Kimberly is focused on helping our nation’s local communities pursue comprehensive regional strategies for remaining economically competitive in today’s rapidly changing global environment.”

NADO’s Board includes members that represent a broad section of the United States including the Eastern, Central, Midwestern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western regions. The 2024-2026 term runs through the association’s Annual Business Meeting held in conjunction with NADO’s Annual Training Conference in Reno, NV in October 2026.

To contact Kimberly Hobbs, email [email protected] or call 229-333-5277. Visit www.sgrc.us to read more about the Southern Georgia Regional Commission. To learn more about NADO’s Board of Directors, visit nado.org/board.

About NADO
The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) promotes public policies that
strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through the regional strategies, coordination efforts, and program expertise of the nation’s regional development organizations. Learn more about NADO at www.nado.org.

SGRC staff members recently attended a professional development training launched by the Georgia Association of Regional Commissions (GARC). The training was presented by the University of Georgia J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development to enhance participants abilities to facilitate community-based meetings with varied stakeholders. This program increased our staff's knowledge to effectively lead and implement community meetings on behalf of the local governments we serve in our region. The four-day course was hosted at the Middle Georgia Regional Commission office in Macon.

Representing SGRC at the Community Facilitator Training
(from L-R):

Amy Martin, Transportation Director
Lindsay Ray, Grants Specialist
Marcus McConico, Planner

In observance of Memorial Day, the SGRC Regional Transit service will be closed next Monday, May 27, 2024.

All transit operations will resume next Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, or we can assist in any way, please call us at the number below.

Register now to attend an upcoming Compliance Workshop co-hosted by SGRC and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. At this event, you will be able to find out in detail how you can keep your City, County, or Development Authority in compliance. This event is well-suited for newly elected officials and local government staff. See below for more details.

Click HERE to register: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SbSd3Nb6zU-JkBQ5QIjU7HiolZ3tfHdBhcJuwQ7Hup9UMFNGSEtJVjJZRlNJWEExQ0oxOUhOWU4wNy4u

Rural Partners Network (RPN) would like to invite you to a special presentation by the Department of Treasury. David R. Eichenthal, Senior Advisor for Policy Implementation and Delivery, will visit Fitzgerald to provide information about the funding assistance local governments and non-profit organizations may receive when implementing clean energy projects.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), state government, local governments and most non-profit organizations can use a provision known as “direct pay” to access Federal funding for clean energy projects through tax credits – even though these entities do not pay Federal taxes. Depending on the project, Federal funding can cover up to fifty percent of project costs. And, in most cases, there is no competition for the funding. If the organization and the project meet eligibility requirements, it receives Federal funding.

The presentation will be held at :
Wiregrass Technical College
667 Perry House Rd.
Fitzgerald, GA 31750

Friday May 10, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Our Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization (VLMPO) staff will host a public meeting for attendees to offer input for the Vision 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

This meeting will be held on Thursday May 9, 2024 at McMullin Southside Library, 527 Griffin Ave., Valdosta, GA 31601. See below for more details. Contact Amy Martin, Transportation Planning and VLMPO Director at (229) 333-5277 with any questions or concerns.

The VLMPO staff will host a public meeting on May 9, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McMullin Southside Library, 527 Griffin Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601.

The community is encouraged to attend our public meeting to offer input into goals for the plan and to review identified deficiencies focused on roadway operations, capacity, and connectivity. Conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as issues related to rail crossings and the need for increased public transportation, will also be discussed.

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission is accepting applications for the position of Planner II. This position is responsible for providing professional and technical assistance to governments in comprehensive planning, hazard mitigation planning, local development regulations, and other specialized land use and resource planning activities. Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Geographic Information Science, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field preferred; supplemented by 1-3 years experience in planning, long-range planning; community and neighborhood development; land use planning; or other related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment that requires a flexible approach to workload demands. Must also have the ability to drive long distances throughout the region and occasionally work evening and/or weekend hours.

Valid driver's license, Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), and pre-employment drug test are required. This position will be in the Valdosta office. Competitive salary DOE/DOQ. Hours M-F, 8:30AM-5PM with excellent benefits.

Send resume and cover letter to 1725 S Ga Pkwy W, Waycross, GA 31503 or email to [email protected]. Position will remain open until filled. EOE 60+. See complete job description and find the SGRC application online at https://www.sgrc.us/careers.html
Must submit Cover Letter. Resume, and SGRC Employment Application.

The upcoming TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) election is rapidly approaching on May 21, 2024. The SGRC Transportation Planning Division has prepared some helpful information so you can learn more about the program.

For more information, contact Amy Martin, SGRC Transportation Planning Director, at (229) 333-5277 or at [email protected].

The upcoming TSPLOST (short for Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) election will be taking place on May 21, 2024. Here is some information that can help you learn more about what the program is!

Addition information can be found at these links:
- https://www.ga-tia.com/
- https://www.sgrc.us/southern-georgia-tia.html

The Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization (VLMPO) will host a public meeting on May 9, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McMullin Southside Library, 527 Griffin Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601. See below for more details.

The VLMPO staff will host a public meeting on May 9, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McMullin Southside Library, 527 Griffin Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601.

The community is encouraged to attend our public meeting to offer input into goals for the plan and to review identified deficiencies focused on roadway operations, capacity, and connectivity. Conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as issues related to rail crossings and the need for increased public transportation, will also be discussed. Please make plans to attend the public meeting and visit www.sgrc.us/vlmpo.html to complete a survey on transportation needs and opportunities!