Georgia Academy for Economic Development

Started in 1993, the Georgia Academy’s mission is to assist Georgia’s leaders in their economic development efforts by providing an understanding of the critical processes, strategies and components involved in improving their local and regional economies and achieving economic success in today’s global economy.

The Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with a Board of Directors representing over 20 statewide economic development organizations. It is this cadre of skilled and respected state leaders that provide the oversight, specialized knowledge and personnel resources to implement this broadly supported training program. The Board of Directors meets quarterly to review the programs and needs, ensuring a continued quality program for the State’s elected and community leaders. A Curriculum Committee meets annually to update the program components, keeping it up-to-date with the latest strategies and information needed for successful community efforts.

The Vision of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is for Georgians to understand and appreciate the irreplaceable value of historic buildings and places and their relevance to modern life. We envision Georgians who promote careful stewardship and active use of these diverse resources and recognize the economic and cultural benefits of preservation. We envision communities where new development complements and reinforces thriving downtowns and historic neighborhoods, contributing to a healthy and enriched humane environment.

The mission of the Georgia Municipal Association is to 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. Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its members.

The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) is a non-profit association that promotes the economic redevelopment of Georgia’s traditional downtowns. Through advocacy, education and marketing, GDA works to focus the public’s attention on the value of downtown. GDA is an independent association that supports both public and private sector efforts targeted at enhancing Georgia’s downtown’s.

GDA has a number of programs that are designed to increase the opportunities for and multiply the talents of its members. Membership in the Georgia Downtown Association include cities, downtown development authorities, businesses, professionals and other individuals interested in downtown. The Georgia Downtown Association also annually sponsors the Georgia Downtown Conference.

For more than 85 years, the Institute of Government has worked with public officials throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people’s lives. From Georgia’s early days as a largely agrarian state with a modest population to its modern-day status as a national and international force in business, industry, and politics with a population of almost 10 million, the Institute has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.