SAVANNAH - Allenhurst city council member Douglas Burgess was among more than 2,200 officials to attend the Georgia Municipal Association annual convention in Savannah on June 21-24.
The convention included training, policy committee meetings, new officers elections and numerous sessions on topics affecting municipal government.
Burgess attended training on conflict resolution.
"The course helped me to learn strategies and techniques for successfully resolving conflict through negotiation and mediation," he said.
The convention gives city officials the opportunity to hear from state leaders and local government experts on issues affecting cities. It also allows city leaders from around the state the chance to network with each other and learn about innovative programs.
"We spend a lot of time in sessions, but one of the most valuable experiences is talking to other city officials," Burgess said. "Georgia is one of the most innovative states when it comes to local government leadership and the GMA convention provides an opportunity to share experiences and valuable information."
His most memorable experience was listening to CNN commentator Donna Brazile during a session called "Politics and the Econonmy - The Hidden Impact on Cities," where she also gave her perspective on the 2008 presidential election.
Other topics discussed at the convention included economic development, tourism, revenue and finance and city services, such as parks and wireless Internet.
Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical assistance services to its 501 member cities.
Burgess is also the assistant director for the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus for district 12.
The convention included training, policy committee meetings, new officers elections and numerous sessions on topics affecting municipal government.
Burgess attended training on conflict resolution.
"The course helped me to learn strategies and techniques for successfully resolving conflict through negotiation and mediation," he said.
The convention gives city officials the opportunity to hear from state leaders and local government experts on issues affecting cities. It also allows city leaders from around the state the chance to network with each other and learn about innovative programs.
"We spend a lot of time in sessions, but one of the most valuable experiences is talking to other city officials," Burgess said. "Georgia is one of the most innovative states when it comes to local government leadership and the GMA convention provides an opportunity to share experiences and valuable information."
His most memorable experience was listening to CNN commentator Donna Brazile during a session called "Politics and the Econonmy - The Hidden Impact on Cities," where she also gave her perspective on the 2008 presidential election.
Other topics discussed at the convention included economic development, tourism, revenue and finance and city services, such as parks and wireless Internet.
Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical assistance services to its 501 member cities.
Burgess is also the assistant director for the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus for district 12.