William Dews

The session served as a Rural Zone 101 orientation for new rural zone communities, including Alma, Barnesville, Blairesville, Albertton, Folkston, Grantville, and Somerville. Key discussion topics involved understanding the Rural Zone designation, the roles of the team leader and team, and an in-depth review of the three Rural Zone income tax credits: the job tax credit, the investment tax credit, and the rehabilitation tax credit. The presentation detailed the thresholds, credit amounts (e.g., $2,000 per FTE for the job tax credit, limited to 20 net new jobs over five years), and eligibility criteria, including acceptable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Statistical examples from previously designated cities showed substantial drops in average downtown vacancy rates, from 26% to 12.9%, and provided case studies on successful revitalization projects like the Eagle Saloon Suites and The Gathering Box. The agenda also covered promoting the rural zone and annual reporting requirements.

The strategic goals of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for FY20-FY24 focus on enabling all Georgians to live and work in thriving communities. Key areas of focus include strengthening rural Georgia through local partnerships, leveraging public-private partnerships to deliver affordable housing, enhancing DCA effectiveness through improved technology and process efficiency, strengthening GHFA balance sheet to support housing finance and homeownership, and attracting, developing, and retaining talent to address evolving community needs.

The meeting included a welcome address and the review of amendment presentations. There was a lunch break, followed by further amendment presentations. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The meeting included introductions of task force members, DCA staff, and guests, followed by amendment presentations and reviews. Specific amendments, including Amendment #7, 8, and 9, were presented. The meeting adjourned with a motion made by Ryan Taylor and seconded by Daniel Baiamonte.

The meeting included an approval of minutes from July 25, 2024, and an amendment to the SCAC Agenda to include a presentation from ICC. A subcommittee for proposed amendments was approved, with its first meeting scheduled for March 27th, 2025. Task force preliminary reports were presented for the 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, the 2024 International Mechanical Code, and the 2024 International Plumbing Code and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Presentations were given by ICC and SEEA. A motion was passed to give a Building Safety Month proclamation from the SCAC.