Southern Georgia Regional Commission

10/20/2026

📣 City and county managers and administrators: Join us for the GCCMA District 11 Meeting!

SGRC is pleased to collaborate with Kathy Young, City Administrator for Fitzgerald and GCCMA District 11 Board Member, to bring local government managers together for information sharing, conversation, and networking.

📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
🕥 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 SGRC Waycross Office
1725 South Georgia Parkway West, Waycross

Hear from SGRC directors about programs, services, and technical assistance available to support your community, receive GCCMA updates, and connect with fellow managers from across the district.

🍽️ Catered lunch provided by SGRC.

We look forward to welcoming you!

10/19/2026

SGRC was proud to participate in the 2026 Valdosta Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Valdosta Middle School track.

Our team has raised $2,206.11 so far and will continue fundraising through December 31, 2026 in support of the fight against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Collectively, the 2026 Valdosta Walk to End Alzheimer’s has raised more than $20,000 to date! 💜 What an incredible show of community support for this important cause!

This year’s SGRC team included Christy Joyner, Kristi Hames, Scott Courson, Jennifer New, Lindsay Ray, Sarah Wibell, Sabrina Boatright (not pictured), and Bill New (spouse, not pictured).

A special congratulations goes to Jennifer New and Sarah Wibell, who each achieved Walk Champion status by raising more than $500.

The Alzheimer’s Association hosts walks in more than 600 communities nationwide, raising funds to support research efforts, increase awareness, and connect individuals and families with valuable resources.

We are thankful to be part of this important cause and to support the ongoing effort to end Alzheimer’s.

10/19/2026

📢 REMINDER | Regional Housing Listening Session Next Tuesday!

There's still time to register for the 2028–2029 QAP Regional Listening Session for Regions 10 and 11!

Join the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at the Southern Georgia Regional Commission's Valdosta office to share your perspectives on housing needs and priorities in our communities.

📅 Tuesday, October 27
🕐 1:00–3:00 p.m.
📍 SGRC Valdosta Office | 1937 Carlton Adams Drive

✅ Open to the public — register today!

🔗 https://dcaqap.formstack.com/forms/2028_2029_qap_regional_session_registration_region_10_11

Help ensure our region's housing needs are part of the conversation!

🏡 Your Voice Matters in Shaping Housing Opportunities in Southern Georgia!

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC) is pleased to host the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) 2028–2029 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) Regional Listening Session for Regions 10 (Southwest Georgia) and 11 (Southern Georgia).

This listening session provides an opportunity for local governments, housing professionals, community organizations, and residents to share their perspectives on housing needs and challenges across our region.

Your input will help inform the development of Georgia's 2028–2029 Qualified Allocation Plan, which establishes priorities and criteria for allocating Housing Tax Credits to support affordable housing development and preservation.

📅 Tuesday, October 27, 2026
🕐 1:00–3:00 p.m.
📍 Southern Georgia Regional Commission
1937 Carlton Adams Drive
Valdosta, GA 31601

✅ Registration is open to the public!

🔗 Register here:
https://dcaqap.formstack.com/forms/2028_2029_qap_regional_session_registration_region_10_11

We encourage local officials, housing advocates, developers, service providers, and community stakeholders throughout Southern Georgia and Southwest Georgia to attend and participate in this important conversation.

Help make sure the housing needs of our communities are heard!

10/14/2026

🏡 **REMINDER | Regional Housing Listening Session – October 27!**

There's still time to register!

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC) will host the Georgia Department of Community Affairs' **2028–2029 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) Regional Listening Session** for Region 10 (Southwest Georgia) and Region 11 (Southern Georgia).

This is an opportunity for local officials, housing professionals, community organizations, and residents to share input on housing needs and challenges throughout our regions.

📅 **Tuesday, October 27, 2026**
🕐 **1:00–3:00 p.m.**
📍 **SGRC Valdosta Office**
1937 Carlton Adams Drive, Valdosta, GA

✅ **Registration is open to the public!**

🔗 Register here:
https://dcaqap.formstack.com/forms/2028_2029_qap_regional_session_registration_region_10_11

Help ensure the housing needs and priorities of our Southern Georgia communities are represented!

🏡 Your Voice Matters in Shaping Housing Opportunities in Southern Georgia!

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC) is pleased to host the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) 2028–2029 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) Regional Listening Session for Regions 10 (Southwest Georgia) and 11 (Southern Georgia).

This listening session provides an opportunity for local governments, housing professionals, community organizations, and residents to share their perspectives on housing needs and challenges across our region.

Your input will help inform the development of Georgia's 2028–2029 Qualified Allocation Plan, which establishes priorities and criteria for allocating Housing Tax Credits to support affordable housing development and preservation.

📅 Tuesday, October 27, 2026
🕐 1:00–3:00 p.m.
📍 Southern Georgia Regional Commission
1937 Carlton Adams Drive
Valdosta, GA 31601

✅ Registration is open to the public!

🔗 Register here:
https://dcaqap.formstack.com/forms/2028_2029_qap_regional_session_registration_region_10_11

We encourage local officials, housing advocates, developers, service providers, and community stakeholders throughout Southern Georgia and Southwest Georgia to attend and participate in this important conversation.

Help make sure the housing needs of our communities are heard!

10/14/2026

📢 **REMINDER | SGRC Council Meeting Tomorrow!**

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission will hold its October Council Meeting tomorrow, **Thursday, October 15, at 11:00 a.m.**, at our Valdosta office.

We look forward to seeing our Council members, local officials, and guests!

📍 1937 Carlton Adams Drive, Valdosta, GA 31601

📢 NOTICE | SGRC Council Meeting

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC) will hold its next regularly scheduled Council meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at our Valdosta office.

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m.
📍 SGRC Valdosta Office
1937 Carlton Adams Drive, Valdosta, GA 31601

The SGRC Council brings together local leaders and community representatives from across our 18-county region to share updates, discuss regional initiatives, and strengthen collaboration throughout Southern Georgia.

We look forward to another productive meeting as we continue working together for a stronger Southern Georgia!

10/08/2026

🏡 Your Voice Matters in Shaping Housing Opportunities in Southern Georgia!

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC) is pleased to host the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) 2028–2029 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) Regional Listening Session for Regions 10 (Southwest Georgia) and 11 (Southern Georgia).

This listening session provides an opportunity for local governments, housing professionals, community organizations, and residents to share their perspectives on housing needs and challenges across our region.

Your input will help inform the development of Georgia's 2028–2029 Qualified Allocation Plan, which establishes priorities and criteria for allocating Housing Tax Credits to support affordable housing development and preservation.

📅 Tuesday, October 27, 2026
🕐 1:00–3:00 p.m.
📍 Southern Georgia Regional Commission
1937 Carlton Adams Drive
Valdosta, GA 31601

✅ Registration is open to the public!

🔗 Register here:
https://dcaqap.formstack.com/forms/2028_2029_qap_regional_session_registration_region_10_11

We encourage local officials, housing advocates, developers, service providers, and community stakeholders throughout Southern Georgia and Southwest Georgia to attend and participate in this important conversation.

Help make sure the housing needs of our communities are heard!

10/08/2026

📢 NOTICE | SGRC Council Meeting

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC) will hold its next regularly scheduled Council meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at our Valdosta office.

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m.
📍 SGRC Valdosta Office
1937 Carlton Adams Drive, Valdosta, GA 31601

The SGRC Council brings together local leaders and community representatives from across our 18-county region to share updates, discuss regional initiatives, and strengthen collaboration throughout Southern Georgia.

We look forward to another productive meeting as we continue working together for a stronger Southern Georgia!

10/07/2026

Last week, SGRC Executive Director Kimberly Hobbs, Deputy Executive Director Roberta Lovett, and Program Engagement Coordinator Kim Vining attended the Georgia Chamber of Commerce 2026 State of Rural Prosperity in Tifton.

We were especially proud to see SGRC Council member Jason Dunn, Executive Director of the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Development Authority, participate in the panel discussion, “Responsible Economic Development: Building Stronger Communities Through Growth.”

Congratulations also to Mana Nutrition of Fitzgerald, recognized as one of this year’s Rural Champions! 🏆

It was a great opportunity to connect with leaders from across Georgia and hear important conversations focused on strengthening rural communities and creating opportunities for continued growth.

10/02/2026

🌟 SGRC Planning Staff Attend 2026 GPA Fall Conference

Members of the Southern Georgia Regional Commission Planning Division attended the Georgia Planning Association Fall Conference, held September 23–25 in Augusta.

Over the two-and-a-half-day conference, staff participated in sessions focused on current planning practices, critical infrastructure, inclusive communities, resiliency, and emerging issues affecting communities across Georgia.

Topics included data center development, farmland preservation, stormwater management, tree selection and resiliency, and innovative approaches to community engagement. These discussions provided valuable ideas and resources that SGRC planners can bring back to communities throughout Southern Georgia as they address growth, infrastructure, environmental concerns, and public involvement.

The conference also included some exciting recognition for SGRC’s Planning Division, as Alexandra Arzayus was welcomed as the Georgia Planning Association’s District 8 Director. Congratulations, Alexandra! 🎉

We are proud of our Planning staff for continuing to expand their knowledge, build professional connections, and bring new ideas back to the communities we serve.

10/01/2026

🌿 Help Shape the Future of Outdoor Recreation in Georgia!

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input for the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).

SCORP helps guide outdoor recreation priorities across Georgia and is connected to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), an important funding resource that supports parks, recreation facilities, trails, and other outdoor improvements in communities across our region.

The survey includes just 18 questions and should take only a few minutes to complete.

📅 Survey closes Friday, October 2.

We encourage residents, community leaders, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts throughout Southern Georgia to take a few minutes and share their input.

🔗 Take the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RGXTCXS

Your feedback can help inform future outdoor recreation opportunities in Georgia! 🌳🚶‍♀️🚴‍♂️