Dallas Mayor Boyd Austin Among '100 Most Influential Georgians'

Dallas Mayor Boyd Austin has been named as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” in the 16th edition of the list. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed was named “Georgian of the Year.” 

In addition to Austin and Reed, three other mayors are included on the list: Mayor Deke Copenhaver of Augusta, Mayor Edna Jackson of Savannah, and Mayor Teresa Tomlinson of Columbus. Lamar Norton, Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association was also included on the list.

The January Georgia Trend article states that the list “reflects the realities of leadership, power and influence in Georgia.” It continues, “Some of the 100 wield their influence in the limelight; others work behind the scenes. But all of them impact the daily lives of Georgians everywhere.”

The list includes Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Speaker of the House David Ralston, and a number of constitutional officers, members of Georgia’s congressional delegation, state legislators, business leaders, bankers, philanthropists, university presidents, social activists, and 
entertainers.

The article on Mayor Austin notes his length of service to his community. Georgia Trend states, “A leader in promoting regional growth and cooperation, he chairs the governing board of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and is on the board of directors of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority.”

Mayor Austin said he was “very surprised” when he received the notice of the award. He continued, “To be included in a list that includes so many people I know and admire is very humbling. I appreciate the recognition, particularly, acknowledgment of the need for regional and statewide cooperation.”

For more than a decade, Mayor Austin has worked on water issues in Georgia. As chair of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water District, he has helped to educate his fellow Georgians on water policy, and to stand up for Georgia’s right to use the water that falls, flows through, and is stored in the state. 

Mayor Austin is also well-known for his work in the Georgia Municipal Association which represents 512 Georgia cities. He serves on its Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Legislative Policy Committee, and Property Committee. Austin is a trustee and executive committee member of the 
Georgia Municipal Employees Benefits System Retirement Fund, Life & Health Insurance Fund, Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Fund, and the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Property & Casualty Fund.

Mayor Austin serves as a member of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, and is a member of the Immigration Enforcement Review Board.

Link to article here.