Newsletter, Jan. 2008

January 2008 Newsletter
DCA Will Sponsor/ Co-Sponsor These Events In January 2008 Bring One For The Chipper January 5 Statewide
For more information, please visit www.KeepGeorgiaBeautiful.org. More than 300 Christmas tree drop-off sites
statewide. To locate the most convenient drop-off site, please use the "zip code locator" function available at www.earth911.com or (800) CLEAN-UP.
DCA Resource Team Visit January 14-18 West Point, GA
For more information, please contact Julie Brown at (404) 679-5279 or jbrown@dca.state.ga.us or visit www.georgiaplanning.com.
ARC's Renewable Energy Conference January 23-25 Rome, GA
For more information, please visit www.cvrdc.org/ARCC or call (706) 295-6485.
DCA/ KSU Homeless Count Exercise January 27-28 Statewide
For more information, please contact Dr. Lindsay Stillman at (404) 327-6813 or lstillma@dca.state.ga.us.
Community Planning Institute January 29-30 Thomasville, GA
Advance Registration Required for CPI Sessions. Registration is $150.00 per person. For more information, please contact Leslie Stumpff at (404) 679-3114 or lstumpff@dca.state.ga.us or
visit www.georgiaplanning.com
Executive Division News
Angela Gregory Named DCA's Quarterly Exceeding Excellence Winner. Wow! Way to go! 2007 ended on a high note as Angela Gregory was selected as DCA's quarterly Exceeding Excellence winner! Angela has been a part of DCA's Team since October 2003. In her current role as Marketing Assistant for the GeorgiaDream Homeownership Program, she is called to interact with prospective homeowners, banking and mortgage professionals and her fellow DCA staffers. In reviewing her nomination, the Exceeding Excellence Committee quickly determined that Angela consistently provided everyone with the same high level of customer service. The proud parent of a new Georgia homeowner gave special kudos to Angela stating that she "returned her call, answered ALL of my questions and provided additional information that proved to be helpful in the process of my daughter's first home purchase." She further described Angela as "responsive, professional and courteous." Now, that's exceeding excellence!

It's also worth noting that her commitment to her DCA peers goes beyond her normal work duties. She's always among the first to volunteer and donate her time and energy to efforts that will make DCA better.
As DCA continues efforts to implement Governor Perdue's mandate for faster, friendlier and easier customer service, Angela Gregory serves as a great role model. Whether her workload is hectic or steady, her cheerful and encouraging manner and commitment to provide helpful answers demonstrate the kind of customer service excellence that DCA wants to be known for statewide.
Please join the entire DCA team in congratulating Angela Gregory as this quarter's Exceeding Excellence Award winner. Congrats Angela!
Appalachian Regional Commission News
REMINDER: Less Than Three Weeks To Go -- ARC To Host Renewable Energy Conference. The Appalachian Regional Commission is hosting a renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies conference January 23 - 25, 2008 in Rome, Georgia.
The ARC region includes all of West Virginia and parts of 12 other states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
In 2006, recognizing its role as an important source of the nation's energy resources, ARC released Energizing Appalachia: A Regional Blueprint for Economic and Energy Development. In April 2007, ARC held a conference on Clean Coal Technologies in Lexington, KY. The 2008 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies Conference will build on those successful events and help move forward ARC's energy agenda.
The conference will give participants knowledge about how to determine if a bio-fuel processing industry is feasible for their region; how to generate energy revenues from publicly-owned facilities; how to develop training programs for the next generation of energy workers; and how to institute programs that may eliminate their air quality non-attainment restrictions.
For more information, please visit www.cvrdc.org/ARCC or call (706) 295-6485. We hope to see you in Rome in January!
Community Development News
Public Comment Period Extended To January 7th For Proposed Job Tax Credit Regulation. DCA staff recently shared additional public comments regarding modifications to Georgia's Job Tax Credit Regulations with DCA's s Board during its December 2007 meeting. These comments may be reviewed at www.dca.state.ga.us/economic/taxcredits/programs/taxcredit.asp.
In an effort to obtain maximum public input, DCA has extended the public comment period until 5:00 PM on January 7, 2008. Comments may be sent to DCA Assistant Commissioner Brian Williamson at bwilliam@dca.state.ga.us or may be mailed to his attention at DCA's Central Office. DCA's Central Office is located at 60 Executive Park South, Atlanta, GA 30329.
DCA's Board will consider adoption of proposed regulations during a telephonic board meeting scheduled for January 9, 2008. Interested parties are invited to attend the meeting at DCA's Central Office. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM.

Additional information is outlined at http://www.dca.state.ga.us/economic/TaxCredits/programs/downloads/Extension_ofPublicCommentPeriod_onUpd atedProposedJob_2.pdf.
Questions may also be directed via email to Brian Williamson at bwilliam@dca.state.ga.us, Joanie Perry at jperry@dca.state.ga.us or Dawn Sturbaum at dsturbau@dca.state.ga.us or via telephone at (404) 679-4940.

Construction Codes & Industrialized Buildings News

Beatty Names State Codes Advisory Committee. DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty recently announced the selection of members for the State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC). Members were appointed to serve a fouryear term, from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2011.

The State Codes Advisory Committee plays a major role in the development and review of the State Construction Codes. The SCAC also advises the DCA Board on the adoption of any new code additions and/or amendments.

The committee is made up of 21 members who are experts in the various codes. Members are chosen to represent the diverse interests of interested stakeholders, including citizens, builders, codes enforcement officials, designers and other groups. DCA's Commissioner, Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner (John Oxendine) and Department of Human Resources Commissioner (B. J. Walker), or their designees, are ex officio members of the Advisory Committee. The remaining members are appointed the DCA Commissioner.

The following individuals were appointed to serve:

Name (Representing Organization) Barry Abernathy (Conditioned Air Contractors
Industry) David Adams (Local Fire Officials) Gregori Anderson (Code Enforcement Officials) Mike Bean (Electrical Contracting Industry) Tom Carty (Code Enforcement Officials) Tom Collins (Industrialized Building Industry) Roy Dailey (Manufactured Homes Industry) William Duck, Jr. (Code Enforcement Officials) Iby George (Local Fire Officials) William Guinade (Plumbing Contracting Industry) Gregg Johnson (Mechanical Engineering
Profession)

Name (Representing Organization) Danny Lundstrom (Electrical Engineering
Profession) William Lusk (General Contracting Industry) Robert Magbee (Building Material Industry) Windell Peters (DCA) Rex Pless (Structural Engineering Profession) Paul Tuggle (Human Resources Commissioner) James Vaseff (Architectural Engineering
Profession) Morgan Wheeler (Code Enforcement Officials) Tim Williams (Home Building Contractors Industry)

SCAC's officers for the next term are as follows: Bill Duck, Chairman; Morgan Wheeler, Vice Chairman; and Tom Carty, Secretary. Officers serve two year terms.

Additional questions, including those from individuals that may want to be considered for future committee appointments, may be directed to DCA Director Ted Miltiades at tmiltiad@dca.state.ga.us or at (404) 679-3106.

Workshops Planned To Share Info About Georgia's New Energy Code. DCA's Board recently adopted the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with Georgia State Supplements and Amendments as the new Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code to replace the 2000 IECC. The new code became effective January 1, 2008. The Georgia Supplements and Amendments to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code can be found online at http://www.dca.state.ga.us/development/constructioncodes/programs/codes2.asp.
The adoption of this Code by the State of Georgia represents a significant step toward lowering total energy consumption. All new residential and commercial buildings and significant renovations will be required to comply

with the new code. Building designers, general contractors, home builders and code enforcement officials are strongly encouraged to become familiar with the new codes.
To assist in the transition to this code, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority and DCA are sponsoring workshops given by the Southface Energy Institute. Ten workshops will be conducted across the state between February and May 2008. Workshops will be 3-4 hours in length and will address the residential compliance requirements of the new Georgia Energy Code. Currently, dates and locations are being finalized. For more information, please contact Ryan Meres at rmeres@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 679-3109.
Customer Service News
Did You Receive Excellent Service From A DCA Staffer? New "Exceeding Excellence" Customer Service Recognition Program Allows You To Recognize A Job Very Well Done. In April 2007, DCA announced an innovative effort that would allow DCA team members and our external customers to recognize DCA team members for providing excellent customer service. Excellent customer service goes above and beyond normal job duties. DCA "dubbed" this effort Exceeding Excellence.
Previous winners included Jo Childers and Joseph DeGumbia. The "above and beyond" efforts of our most recent quarterly winner, Angela Gregory, are featured in this month's (January 2008) newsletter.
Please consider nominating a DCA staffer that's gone above and beyond! Information is available from our website's front page www.dca.state.ga.us. Questions may also be directed to DCA Assistant Commissioner Bill Swaim at bswaim@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 679-4940.
Environmental News
Join Us For the Nation's Largest Christmas Tree Recycling Party. DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty recently called on Georgia families to make "eco-friendly" post-Christmas disposal plans by participating in the state's 18th annual Bring One for the Chipper (Chipper) recycling program.
Chipper is Georgia's annual Christmas tree recycling program. Chipper is also the nation's largest Christmas tree recycling program.
For the 2007-post holiday efforts, more than 300 tree collection sites will be available statewide, including 100 in the metropolitan Atlanta area. As days of operation for collection sites vary, Georgians are encouraged to visit www.earth911.com or call (800) CLEAN-UP for the most up-to-date information.
Since its inception in 1991, Keep Georgia Beautiful's Chipper program has collected over 5 million trees and provided over 1 million tree seedlings to program participants. Nearly 242,000 trees were recycled statewide following the 2006 holidays. "Recycled" trees are chipped into mulch or used as wildlife habitat.
Chipper has become a holiday tradition for many Georgia families. Recycling the Christmas tree provides a wonderful opportunity for families to discuss taking care of our environment and practice those principles by recycling their tree and planting a new seedling," said DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty.
"Georgia's program continues to be so successful in due in large part to the dedication of our Keep Georgia Beautiful volunteers and affiliates in participating communities. We are especially proud of our affiliates and their successful efforts to engage Georgia communities on this effort and other important programs year round," added Commissioner Beatty.
For more information about the 2008 Bring One for the Chipper program, please visit www.KeepGeorgiaBeautiful.org. To get information about local drop-off sites, please visit www.earth911.com or call 1-800-CLEANUP.

Created in 1978 by Governor George Busbee, Keep Georgia Beautiful (KGB), became the first state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Housed within DCA, its unique structure as a public-private partnership allows KGB to benefit from the resources of citizens in government, corporations, and community organizations. These connections aid us in our mission to build and sustain community environmental activities and behaviors resulting in a more beautiful Georgia. KGB coordinates a number of important environmental efforts, including the Great American CleanupTM activities in Georgia and the statewide Bring One for the Chipper Christmas tree recycling program.

Georgia Academy for Economic Development News

DCA's Party Of Five. No, it's not a return of the TV show. Instead, it's a reference to the five DCA staffers that recently graduated from the Georgia Academy For Economic Development Regional Program.

Rebecca Born, Kimberly Carter, Carmen Chubb, Bettina Durant and Zaneta Ivery, along with other participants from DCA's Service Delivery Region 3, recently completed the Academy's intense, five-day program. Classes took place over a four month period.

Meet DCA's Academy Graduates. DCA staffers and other program participants completed an intense, five-day training program. The graduates, pictured above, are Bettina Durant, Zaneta Ivery, Kimberly Carter, Carmen Chubb and Rebecca Born.

The Academy's regional programs are targeted toward community leaders interested in bettering the economic vitality of their community and region. Program sessions feature interactive training and expert speakers on economic development strategies and leadership development skills.

The program is accredited by ACCG and GMA for county and city officials, and is recommended for those who work as volunteer and appointed leaders in developing their communities and regions.

Additional questions regarding the Academy may be directed to the Academy's Executive Director Saralyn Stafford at sstaffor@dca.state.ga.us or (912) 393-3690.

Georgia Commission on Volunteerism & Service News
Commission Links Service And Disaster Preparation With Ready Kits. In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday as a national day of volunteer service. Instead of a day off from work or school, Congress asked Americans of all backgrounds and ages to celebrate Dr. King's legacy by turning community concerns into citizen action known today simply as A Day On.

Each year the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism (GCSV) leads service efforts across the state to bring together people and organization to participate in a wide range of volunteer projects that honor Dr. King's life and teachings.
For 2008, GCSV, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), the Atlanta Chapter of The American Red Cross, DCA's Rental Assistance Division and many others have joined together to answer this call to serve by educating Georgia citizens about disaster preparation by teaching them how to create an emergency or disaster supplies filled Ready Kit.
The team has recommended that Georgia citizens have a Ready Kit with the following items: (1) A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil; (2) One blanket or sleeping bag per person; (3) A first aid kit, including prescription medicines; (3) Emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight and extra batteries; (4) An extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash; and (5) Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members. Additional helpful hints about creating a Ready Kit may be found at www.GEMA.state.ga.us or (800) TRY-GEMA.
Questions about GCSV's 2008 King Holiday projects, including the Ready Kit, may be directed to Kate Webb at kwebb@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 327-6860.
Housing News
REMINDER: DCA Homeless Count Preparing For January '08 Event. In October 2007, DCA announced its search for partners to participate in a January 2008 count of the state's homeless families and individuals. Conducting a point-in-time count is part of DCA's responsibilities for the Balance of State Continuum of Care plan, as well as its efforts to create county level homeless information statewide.
The January 2008 count will provide data on families and individuals who meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) definition of homelessness. In the process of collecting that data, counties will also begin to develop data on families and individuals who are in danger of becoming homeless.
The planned count will use short surveys asking people where they spent the night of January 27th. Surveys will be administered during the week of January 28th at locations where homeless persons are likely to seek help, as well as "hot spots" where homeless people are known to gather. DCA will provide the survey instrument, training, technical assistance, data input and data analysis for participating counties.
DCA has partnered with Kennesaw State University (KSU) in order to develop and implement a count methodology that is feasible and statistically valid. Based on analyses conducted by KSU using key census variables, counties have been grouped into nine "clusters". A sample of counties in each of the nine clusters will participate in the count. KSU will use the sample data to estimate Georgia's homelessness rate.
Thirty-six (36) counties have agreed to participate: Baker; Barrow; Burke; Calhoun; Carroll; Catoosa; Clayton; Colquitt; Decatur; Dougherty; Early; Elbert; Emanuel; Glynn; Gordon; Grady; Greene; Gwinnett; Houston; Jackson; Lee; Lowndes; Madison; Miller; Mitchell; Morgan; Murray; Oconee; Pierce; Rockdale; Seminole; Terrell; Thomas; Walton; Whitfield; and Worth. Chatham and Clarke counties will conduct their own surveys in January.
Additional questions may be directed to Dr. Lindsey Stillman at lstillma@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 327-6813.
Comments Requested For The State's '08 Consolidated Plan. DCA has released for public comment the draft of the State of Georgia Annual Action Plan Update for FFY2008 Consolidated Funds.
The Action Plan is part of the State's five-year Consolidated Plan that is prepared as a prerequisite to receiving federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); HOME Investment Partnership (HOME); Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG); and the Housing Opportunities for People with Aids (HOPWA) programs. The Consolidated Plan describes Georgia's existing housing conditions and how the state, local, private and federal resources will be used to address the identified needs.

A copy of the draft Annual Action Plan for FFY2008 will be available on January 7, 2008 on DCA's website under DCA News and Events - Public Notices. Copies of the plan may also be obtained by request from DCA at (404) 679-5293 through the TDD line at 1-877-204-1194 or via email at housingplanning@dca.state.ga.us.
The State encourages citizens and other interested parties to review the contents of the draft document and to submit their written comments no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 6, 2008. All written comments should be addressed and submitted to Lolita S. Collins, Office of Special Housing Initiatives, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, 60 Executive Park South, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2231. Questions may be directed to Lolita Collins at lcollins@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 679-4940.
Georgia Housing Search Continues To Connect Property Owners and Prospective Renters Statewide. Born out of disaster, GeorgiaHousingSearch.org grows to be the leading resource for affordable rental housing statewide.
GeorgiaHousingSearch.org, a FREE online listing and locator service for affordable rental housing in Georgia, was initially established in response to the influx of Hurricane Katrina evacuees that required immediate rental housing. The site currently has 58,000 property listings and typically receives more than 5,000 daily searches.
On the site, Georgia residents can search for rental properties statewide. Property postings are detailed, current, and updated bi-weekly. Property managers and independent landlords can post listings for free and reach thousands of potential renters.
The website is bilingual (English and Spanish) and has a toll-free number (877) 428-8844 - available to assist potential renters or property owners and managers. In addition, the site's unique Special Needs Housing Search feature has assisted Georgia caseworkers locate housing for hundreds of traditionally hard-to-place families and individuals.
Mapping & Decision Support Systems News
Georgia Communities Show Strong Support For LUCA. The Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) is a U.S. Census Bureau (Census Bureau) program that allows local governments to help update the address lists and maps that the Census Bureau will use to conduct Census 2010 and other surveys.
In 2007, DCA worked with the Census Bureau and the state's 16 Regional Development Centers to provide training and technical assistance to local governments. Registration was required by December 31, 2007.
Thanks Georgia for stepping up! As of January 4, 2008, 156 Georgia counties and 460 cities registered with the Census Bureau to participate in this important project. Over 300 cities in 100 counties also indicated that they will work together with their county taking the lead on the review.
More details are available at http://www.georgiaplanning.com/luca.
Aerial Images of Georgia Just A Click Away. In 2007, DCA partnered with the USDA's National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) to obtain statewide 1-meter pixel resolution, natural-color aerial photography.
Over 3,900 Digital Ortho Quarter Quadrangle images were flown between late July and October 2007. These images have been assembled into compressed county mosaics and are now available for download at www.georgiaplanning.com/dataforplanning.htm. More details individual images should be available during the first quarter of 2008.

Planning & Quality Growth News
Thomasville Targeted For 2008's First Community Planning Institute (CPI). DCA's Office of Planning and Quality Growth will host the year's first Community Planning Institute (CPI) in Thomasville, Georgia. The CPI is scheduled for January 29-30, 2008 at the Thomasville Cultural Center.
CPI is one of many resources designed to help planning officials achieve a well-planned community. CPI provides attendees the opportunity to learn the latest in the planning process and obtain hands-on experience in meeting its many challenges. Further, the institute targets the training needs of attendees with a two-day program in planning concepts and procedures conducted by Georgia planning and legal professionals.
Program topics include Community Vision and Planning, Getting the Most out of Your Local Plan, The Good, the Bad, and the Legal, Conducting Meetings and Making Good Decisions. Participants will also be grouped into breakout sessions to complete the popular Quinn County exercise that demonstrates how it feels to face an agenda full of challenging development and zoning issues.
Attendees completing the two-day training program earn twelve hours of education in land use, comprehensive planning and legal issues. Course completion provides participants with "Certified Planning Commissioner" status a "Certificate of Achievement: granted by the Georgia Planning Association and DCA.
Advance registration is required and class size is limited. Registration is $150.00 per person. For more information, please contact Leslie Stumpff at 404-679-3114 or lstumpff@dca.state.ga.us or visit www.georgiaplanning.com.
West Point To Host Winter '08 Resource Team Visit. There's no military connection, however, the community of West Point has been selected for DCA's Winter 2008 Resource Team visit. The "visit" is scheduled for January 14-18, 2008.
Resource Team visits are organized by DCA, working with its quality growth partners, to assist Georgia communities in implementing quality growth principles into the comprehensive plan, land development ordinances, and day-to-day decision making. Previous quality growth issues examined by the Resource Team have included Environmental Protection & Open Space; Growth Preparedness; Appropriate Economic Development; Housing Choices; and Sense of Place.
Questions about the DCA Resource Team's may be directed to Julie Brown at jbrown@dca.state.ga.us or 404679-0614. Additional information about Resource Team visits is available at www.georgiaplanning.com.
Begin The New Year Using "Best Practices" Toolkit Makes It Easy. Quality growth is not just a buzz word. Many Georgia communities rely on quality growth principles to create an environment that supports families and businesses. In an effort to "make it plain," DCA offers on online, quality growth-focused Best Practices Toolkit for local governments and citizens.
The Best Practices Toolkit was designed to provide advice to local governments on tools that may be used to put quality growth principles into practice at the local level. It is easy to use and allows users to obtain information via "Search by Index of Tools, Search by Issues Affecting Community, or Search by Keyword". In addition, the site also provides detailed "Tool Descriptions" in the effort to inform and educate the user.
Questions about DCA's Best Practices Toolkit and other planning & quality growth resources may be directed to the Office of Planning & Quality Growth at (404) 679-5279. Additional information is also available at www.dca.state.ga.us/development/PlanningQualityGrowth or www.georgiaplanning.com
"Something New" For Your Next Lunch `N Learn. Pass the pepper, please. DCA's Office of Planning and Quality Growth staff wants to join you for lunch.

Speakers are available for lunchtime presentations on eight (8) topics: (1) What is Quality Growth?; (2) Comprehensive Planning & Quality Growth; (3) Appointed Planning Officials: Roles and How to Make a Difference; (4) Quality Community Objectives; (5) Character Area Identification; (6) Character Area Implementation; (7) OPQG Educational Products; and (8) Why Plan? To schedule a "lunch date" with DCA's planning gurus, please contact Bettina Durant at bdurant@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 679-0569.
SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Important Events, Meetings, Conferences and More
January 5, 2008 18th Annual Bring One For The Chipper Christmas Tree Recycling Event. More than 300 dropoff locations statewide. State Senate at (404) 656-5040 or the Georgia House of Representatives at (404) 6565015.
January 14-18, 2008 DCA Resource Team Visit/ West Point, GA. For more information, please contact Julie
Brown at (404) 679-5279 or jbrown@dca.state.ga.us or visit www.georgiaplanning.com.
January 23-25, 2008 ARC Renewable Energy Conference/ Rome, GA. For more information, please visit
www.cvrdc.org/ARCC or call (706) 295-6485.
January 27-28, 2008 DCA/ KSU Homeless Count Exercise/ Statewide. For more information, please contact
Dr. Lindsey Stillman at lstillma@dca.state.ga.us or (404) 327-6813.
January 29-30, 2008 -- Community Planning Institute/ Thomasville, GA. For more information, please contact
Leslie Stumpff at (404) 679-3114 or lstumpff@dca.state.ga.us or visit www.georgiaplanning.com.
Reader Information
For more information on any of the topics included in this newsletter, please visit the DCA website at http://www.dca.state.ga.us or call DCA's main telephone number at (404) 679-4940 or TDD 1-877-204-1194. Look for the next edition of DCA News on February 1, 2008. If you wish to be removed from the DCA Newsletter distribution list, please send an email to unsubscribe@dca.state.ga.us.
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