SR592: SR592 Georgia PlanFirst communities; honoring

This resolution marks the 36th anniversary of the Georgia Planning Act, a 1990 law that requires local governments to do coordinated, comprehensive planning to protect the state's natural resources and quality of life. The resolution notes that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs runs a program called PlanFirst that recognizes communities with a strong track record of creating and following through on comprehensive plans. The Senate uses this resolution to formally honor the City of Brookhaven, the City of Brunswick, Bryan County, the City of Cedartown, the City of Cochran, the City of Covington, the City of Douglas, the City of Dublin, the City of Gainesville, Gwinnett County, the City of Lawrenceville, Oconee County, the City of Sugar Hill, and the City of Woodstock for their planning accomplishments. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.

• Formally honors 14 named Georgia cities and counties for being designated Georgia PlanFirst communities by the Department of Community Affairs.
• States the Senate's recognition of these communities' comprehensive planning efforts in connection with the 36th anniversary of the Georgia Planning Act.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.
• Does not create any new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a ceremonial statement of recognition.

The resolution directly names and honors the City of Brookhaven, the City of Brunswick, Bryan County, the City of Cedartown, the City of Cochran, the City of Covington, the City of Douglas, the City of Dublin, the City of Gainesville, Gwinnett County, the City of Lawrenceville, Oconee County, the City of Sugar Hill, and the City of Woodstock, along with their local governments and residents.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect, but it publicly recognizes local governments that have invested in long-term comprehensive planning, which can affirm their efforts and visibility with residents, businesses, and the press without changing any Georgia law.

• Notes that 2026 marks the 36th anniversary of the Georgia Planning Act, which requires coordinated comprehensive planning by local governments.
• Explains that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs created the PlanFirst program to recognize communities with strong planning histories.
• Resolves that the Senate honors the 14 named cities and counties for their planning accomplishments.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.

1. 2026-01-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-22Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)Primary sponsor
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)

• community planning
• local government
• Georgia Planning Act
• PlanFirst program