WATCH: Help Stop Poo-llution

Did you know that stormwater runoff carries pet waste from our lawns and streets into our waters and is a major cause of water pollution? Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that degrades water quality in local streams and rivers. 

The ACCGov Stormwater Management Program encourages residents to help prevent water pollution by bagging and disposing of pet waste properly, whether it's in your own yard, someone else's yard, or on a trail.

Watch the "Help Stop Poo-llution" video on YouTube or on the ACCGov Roku channel.

Robert (Bob) Cowell, Jr. appointed new ACCGov Manager

At a Special Called Session on July 15, the Mayor & Commission appointed Robert (Bob) Cowell, Jr. as the new ACCGov Manager. He begins in the new role on July 28. 

Cowell has over three decades of leadership positions with cities and counties, most recently serving as the City Manager for the City of Roanoke, VA. ACCGov, in conjunction with Strategic Government Resources (SGR), commenced an extensive search for the Manager position earlier this year. The recruitment process produced an impressive field of roughly 50 candidates from 17 states and two countries.

Current Interim Manager Judd Drake will continue to serve in the position until July 28, when he will resume his duties as ACCGov Attorney.

Learn more about Cowell at accgov.com/news. 

ACCGov launches OpenGov portal for bids

ACCGov has partnered with OpenGov to launch a fully automated, web-based electronic bidding and vendor management system. The OpenGov e-Procurement Portal will allow interested vendors to: 

• Receive notifications of upcoming big opportunities
• Submit bids electronically
• Follow updates to existing bid submissions
• Submit questions regarding open bid submissions
• Guide vendors through the process of responding electronically to RFPs, bids, etc. to ensure submissions have been accurately completed

To learn more, view a list of current bid opportunities, and create a free OpenGov account, visit accgov.com/bids.

Safe Streets for All roadway safety survey available through Aug. 3

As part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, the Transportation & Public Works Department is gathering public input to help improve roadway safety for all users, including driving, walking, biking, and transit.

An interactive map and online survey is available through August 3 at accgov.com/safestreets.

Mayor's Youth Council accepting applications for 10-12th grade students through Aug. 17

High school students are encouraged to apply to be a part of the 2025-2026 Mayor’s Youth Council by Aug. 17. Current 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from public, private, or homeschools who live in Athens-Clarke County can apply. 

Applications (including one reference) should be submitted at accgov.com/youthcouncil. Selected applicants will be interviewed in late August, with the first council meeting in September. The council meets monthly.

2025 Athens Music Walk of Fame Inductees

Congratulations to the 2025 Athens Music Walk of Fame Inductees, whose plaques have already been installed downtown on North Hull Street.

• Walter Allen Sr.
• Randall Bramblett
• Five Eight
• Flagpole Magazine
• Michael Guthrie Band

Inductees are selected by a local resident committee appointed by Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz. During the selection process, committee members considered the contribution to the identity of Athens, established career, diverse representation in cultural and racial identity, distinct musical style, and historical context. 

The Walk of Fame is funded by the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission and supported by community partnerships, including the Athens Downtown Development Authority, Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services, and Athens-Clarke County Streets & Drainage.

A map of the locations of all 35 inductees since 2020 and inductees bios are available online at the Athens Music Walk of Fame page at accgov.com/publicart.

The ACCGov Mixtape is distributed monthly by the Communications Department, accgov.com/communications, 706-613-3795