A Complete Guide to OPEM Assistance
Program Description | Downloads & Related Links | Contact Information
Program Description
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Signature Community Program
We offer technical assistance, recognition, and benefits to communities seeking to implement their comprehensive plans. The Signature Community Program offers three increasingly rigorous levels of participation with the highest level providing an extensive package of incentives and recognition for communities that can demonstrate their ability to maintain a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing progress with plan implementation.
| Application Required | On-Site TA Available | Remote TA Available | Training Available | Online Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
This program is under development and will be functional in 2012.
For more information, contact Rebecca Born at rebecca.born@dca.ga.gov.
Resource Teams
Our Resource Teams offer direct technical assistance to communities seeking to improve their Basic Local Plan, to implement the plan, or address particular Quality Community Objectives. Types of assistance include:
- Updating the Community Vision portion of the Basic Local Plan
- Developing strategies for addressing selected QCO
- Strategic planning for Areas Requiring Special Attention (as identified in the Basic Local Plan)
- Evaluating and suggesting improvements for local development regulations.
Application Required |
On-Site TA Available |
Remote TA Available |
Training Available |
Online Information |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
For more information, contact Jim Frederick: jim.frederick@dca.ga.gov or 404.679.3105.
Community Planning Institute
We offer practical training on key planning-related issues faced by local governments. Current Community Planning Institute sessions include:
- Using your local comprehensive plan effectively
- Managing water resources
- Solid waste management and recycling
| Application Required | On-Site TA Available | Remote TA Available | Training Available | Online Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
For more information, contact Adriane Wood: adriane.wood@dca.ga.gov, or 478.319.0433.
Water Resources Technical Assistance
We provide guidance and assistance for managing water resources at the local level; and implementing best practices recommended through the state’s regional water planning process. This program includes WaterFirst, which recognizes and rewards communities that excel in management and stewardship of water resources. The categories of water resource management assistance offered include:
- Watershed assessment
- Water conservation
- Stormwater management
- Wastewater management
- Water supply protection and planning
- Water recycling/reuse.
| Application Required | On-Site TA Available | Remote TA Available | Training Available | Online Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes (WaterFirst) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
For more information, contact Deatre Denion: deatre.denion@dca.ga.gov or 912.704.4136.
Best Practices and Georgia Examples
The Office of Planning and Environmental Management and its partners identify and describe Best Practices for achieving the Quality Community Objectives for sustainable community and economic development in each community in Georgia. Our Georgia Examples are a sampling of in-state communities that have experience with implementing these best practices.
| Application Required | On-Site TA Available | Remote TA Available | Training Available | Online Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
For more information, contact Julie Brown at julie.brown@dca.ga.gov.
Local Planning Assistance
We provide guidance and a variety of resources for complying with state requirements in developing Local Comprehensive Plans, working out county-wide strategies for delivery of public services (Service Delivery Strategies), and establishing a local Impact Fee system.
| Application Required | On-Site TA Available | Remote TA Available | Training Available | Online Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
For more information, contact Jon West: jon.west@dca.ga.gov or 404.327.6872.
Regional Planning Assistance
Our State and Regional Planning staff provides guidance to the regional commissions in developing Regional Comprehensive Plans. We establish standards to help ensure quality planning-related services are provided to local governments by the Regional Commissions.
| Application Required | On-Site TA Available | Remote TA Available | Training Available | Online Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
For more information, contact Elizabeth Smith: elizabeth.smith@dca.ga.gov or 404.679.0666.
Solid Waste Management, Recycling and Radon Assistance
We provide guidance and resources for managing solid waste at the local level, including support to communities and organizations in setting up, expanding, or adjusting their local or regional recycling programs. We support a statewide education program to help homeowners and builders reduce indoor airborne radon levels, though our partners at the University of Georgia Extension Service and Southface Energy Institute
| Application Required | On-Site TA Available | Remote TA Available | Training Available | Online Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
For more information, contact Joe Dunlop: joe.dunlop@dca.ga.gov or 404.276.5193.
For more information about Planning and Environmental Management, please contact the Office of Planning and Environmental Management or 404-679-5279.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
60 Executive Park South, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2231
