The Georgia Municipal Association inducted Richmond Hill Mayor Harold Fowler into the Municipal Government Hall of Fame at the association’s annual convention in Savannah on Monday, June 26. The Hall of Fame designation, awarded to only three public servants annually, honors municipal officials who exemplify the best in public service, and who, throughout their careers, have made extraordinary contributions to their communities and Georgia’s cities.

“I am incredibly honored to be inducted into GMA’s Hall of Fame,” said Mayor Fowler. “And although I am the one being recognized today, my public service to the City of Richmond Hill would have not been possible without the support of our fine citizens. Thank you.”

In 2009, Fowler began serving as mayor of Richmond Hill, following 10 years on the city council. Under his leadership, the city revamped its city ordinances to maintain the small-town quality of life residents enjoy, added 187 acres of green space, implemented a sidewalk initiative to add pedestrian-friendly connectivity and acquired land for a 51-acre park to include civic space, retail and restaurant space and a Town Centre. In addition, the city launched a program to greatly reduce flooding in low-lying neighborhoods and increased police patrols in city neighborhoods.
 
Other accomplishments include attracting new industry, restaurants and businesses to the city and opening a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant to help accommodate the city’s future growth.
             
“Even with all this keeping him busy leading his community, Mayor Fowler has also found time for GMA,” said GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton. “He’s served as a district officer, as a GMA Board member and been active in the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade every year since he became mayor.” In addition, Fowler has completed 147 hours of training through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute.