Welcome to the 2026 Legislative Leadership Conference
The Legislative Leadership Conference is ACCG’s fall policy conference that prepares the association’s membership for the upcoming session of the Georgia General Assembly. County officials are encouraged to attend this conference to learn more about the issues expected to come before the state legislature and, most importantly, to participate in the Business Session where appointed voting delegates will approve the 2027 ACCG Policy Priorities.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, through Friday, October 9, 2026
The Classic Center
300 N Thomas Street.
Athens, GA 30601
Attend the Business Session
ACCG Membership to Vote on 2027 Policy Priorities.
County officials are encouraged to attend the Business Session on Thursday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m. to vote on the Proposed 2027 Policy Priorities. The Business Session presents the opportunity for the ACCG membership to vote on the issues the association’s policy team will take before the General Assembly and Congress.
Voting credentials can be picked up on Wednesday, October 7, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, October 8, from 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the voting delegates desk in The Classic Center lobby.
*Note: If your county does not designate a voting delegate prior to the conference, the voting delegate shall be the chair or sole commissioner or his or her designated member of the governing body (a county commissioner).
Gubernatorial & Lieutenant Governor Candidate Forums
ACCG has invited the Democratic and Republican party nominees for Georgia Governor and Lieutenant Governor to participate in candidate forums focused on the issues that matter most to Georgia counties. Moderated by ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills, the discussions will provide each candidate an opportunity to share their positions on key topics, including property tax reform, the state-county partnership in delivering essential services, mandated county responsibilities, and the growing impact of data centers on local communities.
Lieutenant Governor Candidates Forum
Thursday, October 8
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
 Sen. Greg Dolezal (invited) www.gregdolezal.com |
 Sen. Josh McLaurin (confirmed) www.joshmclaurin.com |
Gubernatorial Candidates Forum
Thursday, October 8
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
(the forum is scheduled for 30 minutes during the lunch hour)
 Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (invited) www.keishaforgovernor.com |
 Mr. Rick Jackson (invited) www.rickjackson.com |
Keynote Panel: Insights from the House Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Local Government Taxation, Funding, and Budgeting
Thursday, October 8
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Join the Chair and members of the House Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Local Government Taxation, Funding, and Budgeting for an update on the Committee's ongoing work and key policy issues under review. Topics will likely include property tax reform, local government revenue caps, counties' authority to collect franchise fees, tax abatements, and reducing unneeded mandates and regulations on local governments. The Committee's recommendations are expected to shape legislation next session that could have significant implications for county revenues, budgeting, and long-term financial planning
 Rep. Chas Cannon Committee Chair |
 Rep. Victor Anderson |
 Rep. Yasmin Neal |
Moderated by ACCG Deputy Director Clint Mueller
Hot Topic: Data Centers and Public Policy: Navigating Local Economic, Infrastructure, and Environmental Impacts
Thursday, October 8
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Data centers are among the fastest-growing sectors of economic development, offering significant opportunities for local investment, job creation, and expansion of the tax base. At the same time, their development can present challenges related to infrastructure, utilities, energy and water demand, environmental impacts, land use, zoning, and community planning.
This session will explore the key considerations county officials should evaluate before approving a data center development, including infrastructure capacity, fiscal impacts, land use and zoning, environmental considerations, and community needs. The discussion will also examine state-level policies and resources that can help local governments better prepare for, evaluate, and manage the growth of data centers in their communities.
Thank you to our Sponsors
