Buckner Receives 'Champion of Georgia's Cities' Award

LAGRANGE, Ga. - Sept. 12, 2024 - PRLog -- Rep. Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City) received a 2024 "Champion of Georgia's Cities Award" from the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The award, which is given at the end of every two-year legislative term to state legislators who actively support major GMA initiatives and goals, was presented to Buckner on September 10th in LaGrange.

Rep. Buckner has long been an advocate for city revitalization, and in particular the redevelopment of downtowns and historic structures.  Rep. Buckner was the principal advocate and House sponsor for legislation that ultimately became SB 496, which extended and expanded the state historic tax credit and extended the state revitalization zone tax credit.  Both tax credits are of value and benefit to many Georgia cities.  In addition, Rep. Buckner was a principal advocate for Georgia cities in opposing the expansion of private water systems without municipal oversight.

"Representative Buckner has long been a supporter of the cities in her district and throughout the state," said GMA CEO & Executive Director Larry Hanson.  "She knows the important work done by cities and works closely with GMA to advance legislation that aids cities, supports their revitalization, and benefits their residents."

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 536 member cities

Pictured (l-r):  Jim Thornton, GMA Director of Governmental Relations; Representative Debbie Buckner; LaGrange Mayor Jim Arrington