The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) recognized U.S. Rep. John LaHood with the Champion of Georgia Cities Award during the Valdosta City Council’s regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. 

The award was presented by GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson and GMA Director of Governmental Relations Jim Thornton. LaHood was honored for his unwavering support of Georgia’s cities throughout his tenure in the Georgia General Assembly, particularly in his role as chairman of the House Governmental Affairs Committee during the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions. 

The Champion of Georgia Cities Award is given at the end of each two-year legislative term to state legislators who actively support major municipal initiatives and goals. As chairman of the House Governmental Affairs Committee, LaHood played a key role in overseeing proposed legislation affecting Georgia’s cities. He worked closely with GMA and city officials to improve the service delivery negotiation process through House Bill 1407 and addressed concerns about bills that preempted local zoning and planning authority. 

LaHood, who was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives through a special election in 2018, represents District 175 and continues to advocate for issues important to Georgia’s cities. 

"As a city, we are incredibly proud to see U.S. Rep. John LaHood recognized with the Champion of Georgia Cities Award," said Mayor Scott James Matheson. "His leadership and unwavering commitment to advocating for the needs of our cities have made a lasting impact, not just in Valdosta, but across the entire state of Georgia. This recognition is well-deserved." 

The Georgia Municipal Association is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational resources, employee benefit programs and consulting services to more than 500 member cities across Georgia.