Articles
Georgia City Solutions (GCS) today announced it received a $130,000 grant from Truist Foundation to assist six Georgia cities conduct a workforce needs assessment and develop a job recruitment strategy. This effort is part of GCS’ Jobs With Purpose (JWP) initiative. The six cities are Americus, Cordele, Griffin, Jackson, Rockmart and Thomasville.
Georgia City Solutions has received a $40,000 grant from the Volcker Alliance to fund the development of a workforce needs assessment and a job recruitment strategy for two Georgia cities.
March 1, 2023
“Love is the main thing” is now painted on a retaining wall along Main Street, just down from the Mill Hill East Macon Arts Village, thanks to about 20 students on break from seven schools.
January 18, 2023
An innovative new program from Georgia City Solutions encourages mayors get out into the community and read to children, promoting literacy and community engagement.
November 1, 2022
The City of Clarkston has found that collaboration is key in finding ways to engage the community with the goal of improving early childhood learning.
June 6, 2022
It’s been a year since GCS launched its Embrace initiative. Here’s a look at the progress that has been made so far.
During GMA's April 12, 2022, Cities Connect call, Dr. Randell E. Trammell, CEO of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement (GCCE), shared key data points on youth and civic engagement, how cities and officials can get youth engaged now, and a how GCCE engages with Georgia students to increase positive civic outcomes.
February 10, 2022
“Building Community. Kindling Hope. Seeding Change.” That’s the name of the report that was presented to the Brookhaven City Council on Dec. 14 by Brookhaven’s Social Justice, Race and Equity Commission (SJREC).
New survey results from the National League of Cities (NLC) find that mayors, city councilmembers, and other municipal leaders across the country overwhelmingly believe that afterschool and summer learning programs are important strategies to utilize as the nation continues on a path to pandemic recovery.
December 3, 2021
Through its nonprofit subsidiary, Georgia City Solutions, GMA is helping cities strengthen their communities by creating a place where everyone wants to live, play and work – and most importantly, feel like they belong.
What do young people need from their communities? How can decision-makers change local systems to better support younger constituents? What can adults do to ensure youth have the desire and information they need to become active, contributing members of their communities now—and in the future?
August 26, 2021
Strides have been made in the areas of youth engagement and tackling the challenges that plague youth. But cities need to work together and forge partnerships for continued success in this area.
July 19, 2021
Two communities found a way to involve their youngest citizens. One uses town hall meetings designed just for kids while the other used an art initiative. The result, increased engagement.
July 19, 2021
This report includes recommendations developed to strengthen the infrastructure and quality of metro Atlanta’s summer learning landscape, increase and coordinate funding, and serve the needs of the whole child. Although the report is metro-Atlanta specific, it can be used as a framework by communities across the state.
June 21, 2021
Walking in Authority Teen Council teaches Clayton County’s youth leadership, civic engagement, networking and much more.
May 24, 2021
Today's youth face a litany of challenges on their way to adulthood. In addition to peer pressure, kids also face mental health and disconnection challenges. The good news is that there are things adults can do to help – both individually and through organizations and programs – to address and alleviate these challenges.
April 22, 2021
Youth engagement programs can come in many shapes and sizes and are vital to youth development.
March 22, 2021
Promoting literacy helps protect the health, well-being and economy of communities, and it’s a great way to engage young readers.
February 22, 2021
Plagued by the challenges of looming retirements, a competitive job market and compensation issues, city governments are finding ways to cultivate their own employees.
January 19, 2021
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson has worked with young people and led the Chatham County Youth Commission for more than 25 years. Here he shares some advice for other communities.
December 18, 2020
If children are engaged and connected in quality afterschool and summer care, everybody wins.
November 30, 2020
Access to quality child care not only helps children and their families; it can also be a strong economic development tool for cities.
October 26, 2020
Youth in Dublin have a chance to learn about city government, participate in the court system and gain valuable job experience – all before they’re 18.
September 24, 2020
Innovative program educates youth on the dangers of joining gangs and gives them tools for a better life.
Resources
GCS Brochures
GCS brochure
EMBRACE brochure
Jobs With Purpose brochure
Poverty: A Guidebook
for City Leaders in Georgia
Download the Poverty Primer as a PDF
Partner Organizations
Georgia Center for Civic Engagement
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Georgia Municipal Association
Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education
Georgia School Board Association
Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network
Voices for Georgia's Children
Our Journey Together Continues
(final report of GMA's Equity and Inclusion Commission)
