Southern Georgia Regional Commission

08/28/2026

📢 Shared from Georgia Municipal Association

Great to see municipal leaders from across Southern Georgia coming together through GMA District 11! 👏

This gathering in Hahira brought together elected officials from Hahira, Ocilla, Tifton, and Waycross to discuss opportunities for collaboration, member engagement, training, and issues affecting communities throughout the district.

We’re especially proud to recognize Ocilla Mayor Melvin Harper II, who also serves on the SGRC Council, among the 2026 GMA District 11 officers.

SGRC is proud to see leaders from across our region representing their communities and working together to strengthen connections and support Georgia’s cities.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 GMA District 11 officers, and best wishes for a successful year ahead!

GMA was in the City of Hahira with our 2026 District 11 Officers for a day focused on connection, collaboration and the year ahead! 👏

GMA Member Services Consultant Emily Davenport joined the district officers for a conversation about ways to better serve and connect with members across the district, upcoming events and regional training opportunities, GMA's Mentor & Mentee Program, and topics impacting communities throughout the district.

We're excited for a great year ahead in District 11 and look forward to working alongside these leaders to strengthen connections and support !

📸Pictured L to R: 1st VP and Ocilla Mayor Melvin Harper II, President and Hahira Councilmember Louise White, 3rd VP and Tifton Councilmember M. Jay Hall and 2nd VP and Waycross Commissioner Alvin Nelson

08/24/2026

📢 Shared from Georgia Transportation Investment Act - TIA

Every purchase can make a difference! Visitors traveling through participating communities help support transportation improvements through the regional TIA sales tax. These investments help fund roads, bridges, and other transportation projects that benefit communities across Southern Georgia.

This information is shared from Georgia Transportation Investment Act - TIA. Follow their original post for additional information and updates.

When traveling tourists buy gas, snacks, t-shirts, drinks, road games, whatever in a Georgia county participating in TIA, their purchases include the one cent sales tax that helps pay for new roads, bridges and other transportation needs on their region's project investment list! Those extra pennies really add up through the summer months!

Georgia DOT - East Georgia DOT - Southwest Georgia DOT - West Georgia DOT - Southeast Georgia Department of Transportation River Valley Regional Commission CSRA Regional Commission Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission Southern Georgia Regional Commission AECOM Georgia Chamber of Commerce Georgia Municipal Association ACCG Georgia Counties

08/24/2026

📅 Reminder: SGRC Council Meeting This Thursday

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission Council will meet Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the SGRC Valdosta office.

📍 1937 Carlton Adams Drive, Valdosta, GA 31601

We look forward to welcoming Council members, local officials, partners, and guests for this month’s meeting.

Please see the flyer for meeting details.

08/24/2026

🚗 **Public Comment Period Now Open: FY2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program**

The **Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization (VLMPO)** is inviting the public to review and provide input on the draft **FY2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)**.

The TIP identifies federally and state-funded transportation projects planned for implementation over the next four years. **Public input is an important part of the planning process and helps ensure transportation investments reflect the needs and priorities of the Valdosta-Lowndes area.**

🗓️ **Public Comment Period:**
August 20 – September 19, 2026

📄 **Review the Draft TIP:**
https://www.sgrc.us/documents/transportation/DRAFT_2027-2030_TIP_8_10_26.pdf

💬 **Submit a Comment:**
Comments may be emailed to **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])** or submitted using the public comment form:
https://www.sgrc.us/documents/work-program/PUBLIC%20COMMENT%20FORM-%20FINAL%204.28.26.pdf

🏛️ **Open House:**
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The public is encouraged to review the draft, ask questions, and share feedback before the comment period closes on **September 19**.

08/21/2026

📢 Shared from ACCG Georgia Counties

This upcoming Mobile Classroom offers county officials and public safety professionals an opportunity to learn more about advancements in public safety technology, training, and best practices that can help strengthen communities across our region.

Please note: This training is hosted by ACCG Georgia Counties, not SGRC. We are sharing the opportunity as a resource for local officials, public safety partners, and communities throughout Southern Georgia.

Please refer to the original ACCG post below for registration information and event details.

❗There is still time to register for the 2026 Mobile Classroom! Attendees will take a behind-the-scenes look at advancements in public safety training and technology through site visits and information sharing from county and state experts.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/ppEP50ZCH7k

08/20/2026

📢 Disaster Recovery Resources Available for Georgia Communities

The Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program provides funding to support long-term recovery efforts in areas impacted by disaster, including unmet housing, infrastructure, and business needs.

We encourage local governments, community partners, and residents across Southern Georgia to review the available resources and learn more about recovery assistance opportunities.

⬇️ See the ACCG Georgia Counties post below for additional information and program details.

Take advantage of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program! This program will rebuild areas affected by disaster through grants for unmet housing needs, infrastructure, and business needs.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/bhH950ZC1BM

08/20/2026

📅 Reminder: SGRC Council Meeting Next Week

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission Council will meet Thursday, August 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the SGRC Valdosta Office.

📍 1937 Carlton Adams Drive
Valdosta, GA 31601

We look forward to welcoming Council members, guests, community partners, and regional stakeholders.

For questions or comments, please contact Kim Vining at [email protected] or 912-285-6097.

08/20/2026

🏠 Storm Recovery Assistance for Southern Georgia Homeowners

Homeowners impacted by Hurricane Idalia, Tropical Storm Debby, or Hurricane Helene may be eligible for assistance through Georgia’s Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (HRRP).

The program may help eligible homeowners repair, rebuild, replace, or elevate storm-damaged homes.

📌 Review the flyer for eligibility information and scan the QR code to learn more about the program.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with individuals and families in your community who may benefit.

08/19/2026

📡 Registration is now open for the 2026 Georgia Broadband Summit!

Local leaders and community partners are encouraged to take part in this statewide conversation focused on expanding broadband access and strengthening Georgia’s connected future.

The summit will cover important topics including funding opportunities, Next Generation 911, GIS mapping, broadband partnerships, economic development, and critical infrastructure.

A great opportunity for communities across Southern Georgia to connect, learn, and bring valuable information back home.

🔗 Register today and learn more: https://www.gacities.com/events/georgia-broadband-summit

08/19/2026

🏠 Reminder: Storm Recovery Assistance May Still Be Available

If your home was impacted by Hurricane Idalia, Tropical Storm Debby, or Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for assistance through the Georgia Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (HRRP).

Eligible counties in the Southern Georgia region include:

Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, and Ware Counties.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ HRRP Journey provides a step-by-step look at the process homeowners can expect when seeking assistance.

📌 If you or someone you know may qualify, please review the information below and help us share this resource with families in our communities who are still recovering.