President’s Message: Spring Planning

Spring doesn’t technically start until March 20, but we’re already covered in pollen -and – buzzing with plans for the Spring Conference. Our advocacy team is hustling to keep up with the legislative session, and we’re standing up for your policy priorities. GPA joins GMA, ACCG, and many other organizations in strong opposition to HB 517, what we’re not-so-affectionately calling the Georgia Home Builder Opportunity Act. HB 517 is a blatant attempt to remove local voices from the design and construction of single and two-family housing. It undermines home rule, hampering local governments’ ability to provide for safe and healthy housing.

Please take the time to contact your local elected officials and representatives TODAY about how this bill will impact your community. You can read my Op Ed for talking points here. And keep an eye out for a legislative update. Crossover Day is March 6, and Sine Day (the last day of the session) is March 29. We have a lot to do in the next month!

Thank you to all of our volunteers for your collaboration during this busy season. 

Yours in service,
Whitney Shephard, PE
President of the Georgia Chapter of APA