FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
A Regional Commission is a quasi-governmental regional planning organization created and managed under Georgia law for the benefit of member local governments. Georgia’s RCs perform many functions, but essentially develop, promote, and provide comprehensive planning and development services that seek to make Georgia and its many communities better places to live and work. We provide professional technical assistance to state and federal agencies as well as to local governments to advance quality growth and development.
The State of Georgia allowed local governments to voluntarily join together and assess themselves local dues for hiring of professional staff for their mutual benefit. These new groups were called Area Planning and Development Commissions (APDCs). The Georgia Planning Act of 1989 reconstituted the APDCs as Regional Development Centers (RDCs). The Planning Act of 1989 gave RDCs the responsibility for developing, promoting and assisting in the establishment of coordinated and comprehensive planning in the state. RDCs underwent yet another transition in 2009 as a result of House Bill 1216, when they became Regional Commissions.
Member local governments drive the RC’s programs but the RC is mandated to carry out certain functions in order to receive federal and state funds. Local governments determine the final program of work by approving a slate of projects and programs that include locally requested projects as well as state and federal programs. The Annual Work Program is adopted by the RC’s Regional Council in concert with the annual budget
The HOGARC provides technical assistance services to the communities of Heart of Georgia in the areas of planning, economic development, public administration, information technology, and aging services. Please refer to the Services section for more detailed information.
The HOGARC provides technical assistance services to the communities of Heart of Georgia in the areas of planning, economic development, public administration, information technology, and aging services. Please refer to the Services section for more detailed information.
The HOGARC is funded by state, federal and local government sources. On the local level, cities and counties located within the service region pay mandatory membership dues on a per capita basis to the HOGARC. Membership dues help support the HOGARC local technical assistance and provide matching resources for available state and federal grants. On the state level, the HOGARC is funded by the following agencies: Community Affairs (DCA), Transportation (GDOT), Human Resources (DHR), and Natural Resources (DNR). State funds allow the HOGARC to administer planning and development services. Other state agencies provide funds to the HOGARC on an ad hoc basis as various contracts for services are executed or grant funds are awarded. On the federal level, funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce through its Economic Development Administration. Federal funds allow the HOGARC to assist local communities with economic development initiatives. Other federal agencies provide funds to the HOGARC on an ad hoc basis as various contracts for services are executed or grant funds are awarded. Overall, the approximate funding ratio for the HOGARC is as follows: (1) 35% state funds; (2) 39% federal funds; and, (3) 26% local dues.
Yes. The HOGARC, as an organization identified by Section 50-18-70 of the Georgia Code (OCGA), adheres to the proper release and disclosure of public information to the public. Please refer to the Georgia Open Records Act for more information regarding the procedures followed by the HOGARC to release public information. If requesting information, contact the HOGARC Public Information Officer.
Regional Commissions in the state of Georgia are members of a statewide organization called the Georgia Association of Regional Commissions (GARC). The GARC markets and promotes statewide initiatives for regional commissions. You can learn more about regional commission roles and responsibilites by visiting the GARC web site located at http://garc.ga.gov.