The Georgia Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism has advanced a measure to create the Georgia Music Office, which would certify cities and counties as “Music Friendly Georgia Certified Communities.”
The committee voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 182, the Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act. The office would be under the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Cities and counties dedicated as Music Friendly Georgia Certified Communities must form a local advisory board to promote music-related economic development in their communities.
“Georgia has a long and rich musical history, but growth does not just happen on its own. The creation of a Georgia Music Office is a smart, strategic step that will solidify our state as a leader in the industry into the future,” state Sen. Sonya Halpern, D–Atlanta, said in a release. “We cannot afford to fall behind other states who recognize that music is economic development. Our state’s music industry is currently valued at $5 billion, a clear indicator of the strength of the industry. This office will help us organize our presence in the industry and promote economic growth through music.”
If SB 182 passes, Georgia would join Texas and North Carolina as one of three states with a dedicated statewide music office.
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