Tifton Mayor Julie B. Smith has been honored with induction into the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame at the annual convention of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in Savannah. As the first female mayor of Tifton, Smith has made significant contributions to local boards, commissions, and the City Council. She has played a crucial role in revitalizing neglected areas, promoting high-quality housing, and enhancing residents’ access to community activities. The GMA recognized her commitment to investing in housing, arts and culture, clean water, public safety, and economic development, acknowledging their profound and lasting impact on people’s lives and community prosperity.
Smith’s dedication to public service extends beyond her role as mayor. She served as the GMA president, effectively advocating for the needs of all 537 cities in Georgia. Her leadership within the GMA involved various positions, including the Municipal Training Board, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. She chaired important councils such as the Legislative Policy Council, Federal Policy Council, and Member Services Advisory Council. Through her efforts, Smith actively represented Georgia’s cities in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., ensuring their voices were heard.
The Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional city officials who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and demonstrated unwavering support for the GMA. Alongside Mayor Smith, the 2023 inductees include Michael Brown, former City Manager of Savannah, and Eric Clarkson, former Mayor of Chamblee. At the convention, Tommy Roberts was elected as a GMA district officer, Jason Holt was named a director-at-large, and Randall Walker succeeded Mayor Smith as the new GMA president. Despite stepping down from the presidency, Smith will continue her service on the GMA board.
The GMA, headquartered in Atlanta, is a voluntary nonprofit organization that offers legislative advocacy, education, employee benefits, and consulting services to all 537 cities in Georgia. It plays a pivotal role in shaping Georgia’s cities by providing leadership, tools, and services that promote innovation, effectiveness, and responsiveness in municipal governments. Established in 1933, the GMA remains the sole state organization representing municipal governments in Georgia. For more details, visit www.gacities.com.
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Julie Smith inducted into Georgia Municipal Association Hall of Fame | Plus | gwinnettdailypost.com