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LaGrange, Ga. June 25, 2024 –  The City of LaGrange has been recognized as a City of Civility by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and its nonprofit Georgia City Solutions during its annual convention in Savannah on Monday, June 24. 

The City of LaGrange adopted a civility resolution as part of GMA’s Embrace Civility program. A 2019 poll by Weber Shandwick revealed that over 90% percent of Americans believe that incivility is a problem, with nearly 68% percent identifying it as a major problem. Civility is more than just politeness; it is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same.

“This resolution is a promise to our community that the LaGrange Mayor and Council are committed to engaging in respectful and healthy discourse. All of the city councilmembers signed this resolution, meaning that we are pledging to hold ourselves accountable to work together in the best interest of our residents and community,” said Mayor Jim Arrington. “I’m proud that the City is participating in this program. It’s the right thing to do.”

Civil behavior and speech are critically important to a healthy, functional, and respectful society. For public service to be effective, there must be an atmosphere of respect and tolerance and a commitment to a healthy public exchange of diverse ideas and viewpoints.

“I commend the cities that are embracing civility and adopting the resolution to become a GMA City of Civility,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We believe that Georgia’s cities have a great platform to model open, free, and vigorous debate while maintaining the highest standards of civility, honesty, and mutual respect.”

To become a City of Civility, city councils are required to adopt a Civility Resolution and pledge to engage in civil behavior with each other as well as with residents and meeting attendees. Learn more about the Embrace Civility program at www.gacities.com/civility.