Representing College Park at the 2024 Cities United Summit

At the recent Cities United Summit hosted by the Georgia Municipal Association, I had the privilege of representing College Park alongside city officials from across Georgia. From workshops on municipal finance to engaging with legislators during Cities United Day at the Capitol, it was a transformative experience.

I attended a municipal finance class where I learned more about bonding issues and best practices for finance departments and their relationship with external partners, such as auditors. Another great class was Fire & Emergency Medical Services, where I gained a better understanding of what factors influence a community’s Public Protection Classification (PPC), which helps determine insurance rates and tells prospects to the city about the level of fire safety in the community. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the best, College Park currently has a 2 rating, which shows the great work our outstanding Fire & Rescue Department does daily to protect our city.

One of the most significant aspects of the summit was the chance to establish relationships with legislators during Cities United Day at the Capitol. By showcasing our fantastic work in College Park, we amplify our influence and make sure our city's priorities are heard loud and clear. It was enlightening to hear from experts and legislators about the legislative process and how we can make our voices heard for College Park's benefit.

Because I have the privilege of serving as GMA's Second Vice President, I was honored to formally recognize Certified Cities and Organizations of Ethics during the Summit's luncheon. This program underscores our commitment to ethical governance and community engagement, highlighting our dedication to transparency and accountability.

I also serve as the Chair of GMA's Federal Policy Council. We held our meeting over the weekend and welcomed Chris Speed, District Director for Congresswoman Lucy McBath. We had a robust discussion that covered important issues to cities that are being considered on the federal level, including access to broadband & infrastructure funding, down payment assistance for first responders and rail safety.

Attending the Cities United Summit was about learning, taking action and bringing valuable insights back to our community. Together, we're shaping the future of College Park and ensuring that our city remains a beacon of progress and integrity.