HR54: HR54 Honoring several cities upon their designation as Georgia PlanFirst communities; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives rather than a change to state law. It recognizes 2025 as the 35th anniversary of the Georgia Planning Act, which requires local governments to do coordinated, comprehensive planning to protect the state's resources and quality of life. The resolution honors eight cities, Acworth, Alma, Augusta, Camilla, Griffin, Monroe, Toccoa, and Warner Robins, for being designated Georgia PlanFirst communities by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. That program recognizes cities with a strong track record of developing and carrying out comprehensive plans. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and the press, but it creates no new legal requirements or funding.

• Formally honors eight named Georgia cities for receiving the state's Georgia PlanFirst community designation.
• States the historical and policy background of the Georgia Planning Act, which requires local governments to do comprehensive planning.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.
• Creates no new statutory requirements, funding, or penalties; it is a commendation, not a change to the O.C.G.A.

The resolution directly names and honors the City of Acworth, Alma, Augusta, Camilla, Griffin, Monroe, Toccoa, and Warner Robins. It also references the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which runs the PlanFirst program, and local governments generally that engage in comprehensive planning.

The resolution has no legal effect on residents' daily lives; it does not change any law, spending, or regulation. Its practical significance is public recognition of the named cities' planning efforts, which the House directs be shared with the public and press.

• The preamble ('WHEREAS' clauses) explains the Georgia Planning Act's 35th anniversary and the purpose of coordinated local government planning.
• Names the Georgia Department of Community Affairs as the body that created the PlanFirst program to recognize strong comprehensive planning.
• The resolving clause formally honors the City of Acworth, Alma, Augusta, Camilla, Griffin, Monroe, Toccoa, and Warner Robins for their planning accomplishments.
• A final clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and the press.

1. 2025-01-27House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-01-27House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-01-27House Hopper (House)

• Lisa Campbell (D, HD-035)Primary sponsor
• Bethany Ballard (R, HD-147)
• Karen Mathiak (R, HD-082)
• Chris Erwin (R, HD-032)
• Bruce Williamson (R, HD-112)
• Ginny Ehrhart (R, HD-036)

• community planning
• local government
• PlanFirst program
• Georgia cities
• legislative honors