Blog

Georgia Communities Recognized for Successful Planning

PlanFirst community members from Powder Springs pose with DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn.

Four Georgia communities have received statewide distinction in the PlanFirst program, which recognizes excellence in community planning. PlanFirst, a Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) program, recognizes and rewards communities that clearly demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing...

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Blog
October 23, 2019
PlanFirst

Tiny Houses, Big Awards and More: Fall Conference 2019

Fall Conference attendees tour KIA Mobile Manufacturing Georgia

This year’s Fall Conference returned to Great Wolf Lodge, and more than 300 attendees were able to engage with fellow professionals from across the state . From Broadband to volunteerism and housing and more, conference presenters shared essential information in more than 40 sessions.

Concurrent sessions focused...

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Blog
October 22, 2019
Fall Conference

Back to the Future: Southeastern States Housing Conference Promotes Innovation

Three conference participants at the Southeastern States Housing Conference.

This year, our Office of Portfolio Management hosted the Southeastern States Housing (SESH) Conference to agencies throughout the region. Inspired by a “Back to the Future” theme , this year’s event was all about innovation. With the integration of technology, speakers shared updates about housing policies, discussed what various states...

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Blog
October 11, 2019
Office of Portfolio Management, Housing

AmeriCorps VISTA Offers More Ways to Serve Georgia

Two AmeriCorps VISTA members interact with a third person.

If you have a passion for service – especially related to issues of homelessness, our Balance of State (BoS) Coordinated Entry System (CES) and AmeriCorps VISTA have opportunities for you. Keep reading for more information about getting involved and making a difference....

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Blog
October 11, 2019
AmeriCorps VISTA, Continuum of Care, HUD, Balance of State

Oglethorpe County makes mark as Georgia’s First Broadband Ready Community 

From left are Oglethorpe County Chairman Billy Pittard, Broadband Executive Director Deana Perry, Oglethorpe County Planning & Development Director Amy Stone and DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn.

Although rural Georgia continues to face challenges in having access to high-speed Internet, Oglethorpe County is breaking barriers as the first in the state to be named a Broadband Ready...

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Blog
October 07, 2019
Broadband

GCSV Board Assembles for State Service Plan 2020-22

Board members of the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism (GCSV), housed at the Department of Community Affairs, assembled at Jekyll Island to discuss their state service plan for 2020-22. The goal was to analyze their current impact and strategize ways for furthering their outreach.

AmeriCorps members from the ...

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Blog
October 04, 2019
Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism, AmeriCorps

Award win highlights DCA’s commitment to tourism, community support

When you check out of a hotel and review your bill, you might notice an excise tax charge. This 2-8% tax results in millions of dollars from which counties and cities benefit. That’s where DCA comes in.

Our Office of Planning and Research provides training programs for government officials and community leaders about the...

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Blog
September 26, 2019
Hotel-Motel Excise Tax

Soap Creek reopening to boost tourism, economic development

From left, Holly Hunt, DCA Program Manager; Doug Beekman of Enhanced Capital Georgia Rural Fund, LLC; Walker T. Norman, Lincoln County Chairman; Penny Warren, owner of WillieMacs restaurant; Ernie Campbell, Soap Creek Marina and Resort manager; Alana Burke, former Lincoln County Development Authority Executive Director; and John Stone, Executive Director, Lincoln County Economic Development Authority.

The legacy of a Georgia landmark is still intact: The Soap Creek Marina and Resort officially reopened on Sept. 12. This project includes the restoration of the marina, resort, restaurant and nearby factory for boat manufacturing and distribution by Michigan-based company Apex Marine.

...

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Blog
September 19, 2019
GARJA, FOZ

2nd Annual Housing Symposium set for 2020

Housing professionals focused on emergency solutions, mental health, homelessness and more are invited to register for the 2nd Annual Housing Symposium in Savannah from Feb. 10-12, 2020. This event, hosted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Office of Homeless and Special Needs Housing, is designed to provide professional development, best practices and training for providers who...

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Blog
September 13, 2019
Housing, Housing Symposium, HOPWA, ESG, HMIS, CoC, S+C, RPH, Fair Housing

Application for $3 million in grant funds for housing now available

Two people shake hands over a hard had and blueprints.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) released a grant application today for approximately $3 million in new Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) grants.

DCA will make available $3,000,000 in Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) grant funds to local government, nonprofit, and public housing authority applicants to provide housing rehabilitation of owner-...

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Blog
September 04, 2019
CHIP

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