Newsworthy (Summer 2009) - Regional Outlook
Administrators, staff, and board members of the 12 new Regional Commissions are gaining a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities through customized, on-site workshops being carried out this fall by Vinson Institute training specialists.
The commissions (formerly Regional Development Centers) provide local and regional comprehensive planning services as well as specialized services in such areas as transportation, land use, economic development, historic preservation, and water resources.
The components of each training session will be tailored to each commission's instructional needs and may include goal-setting and team-building activities. "Our goal is to help the commissions be in the best position possible to serve their respective communities within the new organizational framework," emphasizes Walt McBride, Vinson Institute faculty member and workshop director.
The Institute began working with the regional agencies in 2008 at the request of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Assistance other than training includes orientations explaining the new organizational structure, facilitating transition meetings, guidance in drafting by-laws, conducting classification/compensation studies for commission employees, and preparing for the legislatively mandated audit requirements.
