The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) is in the process of updating a regional plan that will have an impact on how Dawson and surrounding counties grow and develop in the future.

The GMRC is a sub-state district created by local governments in 1962 under provisions of Georgia Enabling Law. One of 12 regional commissions in Georgia, the purpose of the GMRC is to locally promote and guide development of human, natural, physical, social and economic resources in the Georgia Mountains Region.

The area covers 3,500 square miles, and includes Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White Counties.

The GMRC is in the process of updating its regional plan, which is required by the state and helps shape the commission’s work program and its ability to coordinate support for the member local governments. 

As part of this process, the commission has created a short online survey asking people to provide their thoughts on select issues and priorities for the region. 

The survey will be accessible through March 31 and is open to anyone with a vested interest in the GMRC region. 

Anyone wishing to participate should visit www.gmrc.ga.gov/RegionalPlan.htm and click the link marked “GMRC Regional Plan Survey” to share their thoughts. 

In addition to the online surveys, there will be public meetings held throughout the region over the course of the spring. More meeting dates and locations across the region will be announced shortly and posted on the commission’s web site and shared through local media outlets. 

Any questions about the public involvement process can contact Adam Hazell at the GMRC at (770) 538-2617.