Services List

• Expand All
• Public FinancingExpand
  

  The development of public facilities and infrastructure by local governments sometimes requires financial assistance in the form of loans and/or grants. PGS staff is familiar with numerous public financing programs intended to foster economic development and the creation of  jobs. Other financing opportunities also exist that may help businesses in facility expansion, equipment upgrades, or location. Most, if not all, of these efforts conform to a regional economic development strategy prepared by the NEGRC that helps guide economic development on a regional level.
  
  Contact the Director of PGS for further information regarding public financing for local governments.
  
  
  
  
• Local Comprehensive Plan DevelopmentExpand
  

  Planning and Government Services staff have developed comprehensive plans for local governments of all sizes across Northeast Georgia.  Our experienced staff can assist you with all aspects of plan development, from data analysis and public involvement to mapping and project management.  
  
• GIS & MappingExpand
  

  The Northeast Georgia Regional Commission Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department supports the Planning and Government Services Division as well as the public with mapping and data products. GIS is a rapidly evolving technology involving computers, mapping information, and people to help analyze and plan for the future of our twelve-county region. For additional information about GIS,  please call us at 706-369-5650 or email kgilbert@negrc.org.
  
  
• Grant WritingExpand
  

  PGS staff assists local governments in preparing grant applications for submission to numerous state and federal agencies. Part of this process is ensuring all regulatory requirements are met and structuring the proposed project for a high-level of competitiveness.Grant applications not covered by administrative grants may require a fee. Contact the PGS staff for further information.
  
  Fee: Varies
  
• Grant AdministrationExpand
  

  Local Governments accepting public funding through an awarded grant assume the responsibility of meeting both regulatory and compliance requirements. Grant administration involves coordinating and performing these tasks. PGS staff provides grant administration services on most, if not all, local government grants. Contact the NEGRC for questions regarding grant administration and any applicable fees.
  
  Fee: Typically 5% of grant award
  
• Special Reports, Studies, and PlansExpand
  

  PGS staff can assist its member local governments in developing and producing special reports, studies or plans. Many times, these efforts are strategic in nature or directed towards a specific asset, iniative, or prospective project.  Examples of these types of efforts, conducted in the past, are listed below:
  
            * Master Plan Development
            * Urban Redevelopment Plans
            * Hazard Mitigation Plans
            * Environmental Plans
            * Workforce Studies
            * Building Conditions Assessments/HSR
            * Housing Assessments
            * Downtown Streetscape Plans
            * Tourism Plans & Interpretative Programs
  
  Fee: Contact the NEGRC
  
• Project Concept DevelopmentExpand
  

  What does your community need, how do you achieve it, and what will it look like are hard questions. But these questions need to be answered in developing a long or short-term project.
  
  PGS staff can coordinate this effort with a local government and continue to assist in the grant application and project administration phases towards accomplishing a project's goal. Contact the NEGRC's PGS staff to discuss a potential project.
  
• Professional Services ProcurementExpand
  

  NEGRC can assist local governments in coordinating the selection process for professional consultants needed for various services. This process typically involves the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and/or Request for Proposals (RFP). The formal selection process helps stakeholders focus their project's needs. It too is often required for many grants as part of a formal procurement process.
  
  Contact the PGS staff for further information.
  
  
• ResearchExpand
  

  Various types of research can be undertaken by PGS staff at the request of local governments. Requests range in complexity from questions about past projects to estimating the fiscal and economic impacts of new or expanding business.
  
  Contact the NEGRC for local-government questions or to discuss specific research needs.
  
  
• Zoning OrdinancesExpand
  

  Zoning ordinances play a critical role in implementing the visions and goals identified in a local government's comprehensive plan. Upon request, the NEGRC can assist communities in the development and updating of zoning ordinances.PGS staff can also provide technical assistance in answering questions regarding zoning issues. Contact Dave Van De Weghe, Principal Planner at (706) 369-5650.
  
  
• Training & EducationExpand
  

  The NEGRC's PGS staff periodically provides educational and training session to local government officials and staff on a range of topics and programs. Many of these programs are conducted to include the participation of state program representatives. These events are typically announced in our UPDATE publication or by direct mailing (email). Most, if not all, sessions are provided free to participants.
  
  The PGS Division also publishes a quarterly planning newsletter, "Planning Ahead." To subscribe to this free newsletter send an email to: jball@negrc.org or visit the planning section of this site.