The University of Georgia Archway Partnership has worked closely in recent months with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government to provide assistance in five Archway communities across Georgia.
Training was held in Metter for local Downtown Development Authority Boards from Candler and Washington counties. Additional training is in the works for Grady County DDA members. The Institute of Government also facilitated sessions for the newly formed Charter System School Based Governance Team in Candler County. Both the DDA and charter trainings focused on compliance with the Georgia Open Meetings and Open Records Act as well as mission-specific items.
The Habersham Archway Partnership has utilized resources of the Institute of Government for two projects: a water study and Habersham Archway Economic Development Council (EDC) Work Group. The water study is being conducted by CVIOG faculty Harry Hayes and Scott Pippin. The two have conducted community interviews with county officials, community members and staff from each of the seven municipalities in Habersham. The data collected will be assembled into a report for presentation in early fall 2015. The community anticipates the report will provide much needed information related to economic development and planning initiatives. The EDC Work Group will hold its fourth meeting on Wednesday May 13 in Clarkesville and be facilitated by institute faculty members Gordon Maner and Jennifer Nelson. These faculty members will facilitate discussion for the group on possible funding sources for a new EDC, as well as the roles of the new organization related to the various local entities hoping to be involved once the EDC is established.
The Sumter Archway Partnership has collaborated with Danny Bivins of the Institute of Government to assist in the Downtown Renaissance Strategic Vision Plan for Americus. This is a civic engagement process for the revitalization of the city. Three areas were identified for a feasibility study for future development (Jackson Street, Cotton Avenue and the upper parking area behind Rylander Park). Participants are using the Main Street model and creating action items to launch this initiative early in summer 2015.
