| | 189th Edition | January
23,
2026 |
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| | Updated Economic Impact Data
OGCA recently contracted with Econsult Solutions, Inc. to quantify Emory’s economic impact.
Internal Webinar: Understanding Endowments
OGCA is hosting a special webinar focused on the critical role our endowment funding plays in supporting Emory's mission. Titled “Understanding Endowments: Sustaining Emory’s Mission,” the event is at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and registration is required. |
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|  | Federal Affairs | Government Funding
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees released the final group of Fiscal Year 2026 funding bills, which includes the Labor, Education, Health, and Human Services package. While we are still reviewing the bill, we are hopeful it will make it across the finish line. This package includes several provisions we have been advocating for, including sustained funding for NIH, language limiting changes to indirect costs, and Emory-specific funding.
Hospital Fly-In
Lorry Lewis, vice president of operations for Emory Long-Term Acute Care, and Wylonda Jones, director of operations for Emory Long-Term Acute Care, participated in the National Association of Long-Term Hospitals DC fly-in on Capitol Hill. They met with the House Committee on Ways and Means, the offices of Senators Warnock and Ossoff, and the office of Congressman Buddy Carter. |
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|  | State Affairs | Under the Gold Dome 2026
On Monday, Jan. 12, the Georgia General Assembly kicked off the second year of its two-year biennium. The full calendar was set. Of note, Crossover Day will take place on Friday, March 6, and the session will conclude with Sine Die on Thursday, April 2.
On Thursday, Jan. 15, Governor Brian Kemp delivered his final State of the State address, reflecting on his administration’s achievements while maintaining a cautious, forward-looking tone. He emphasized several priorities aimed at easing financial pressures on Georgians — this session’s clear buzzword is “affordability.” Kemp highlighted tax rebates, a lowered income tax rate, a proposed $2,000 supplement for state employees, and a $325 million investment in needs-based college scholarships, all while stressing the state’s continued fiscal strength, anchored by a $10 billion budget reserve.
With the 2026 election cycle approaching and many current leaders positioning themselves for higher office, the session is expected to be especially active as policy goals intersect with political ambitions. The Georgia Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19.
Capitol Connections Dinner
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Emory’s Office of Government and Community Affairs hosted its sixth annual Lullwater Dinner to recognize government leaders with ties to Emory, whether as alumni or through district representation or committee work. Invited officials included Emory alumni serving as state‑elected officials or state employees, state‑elected officials whose districts encompass Emory, and state‑elected leaders serving on key committees of jurisdiction, including education and health care.
The dinner serves as a strategic appreciation event to honor and thank legislators for their public service, while reinforcing Emory’s commitment to working collaboratively with government leaders across Georgia. |
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| | GICA Day at the Capitol
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, Emory participated in GICA (Georgia Independent College Association) Day at the State Capitol. Emory was well represented by Jetaun Davis, senior associate dean of admission–DeKalb, and George Lunkin, senior associate director in the Office of Financial Aid. Jetaun and George met with legislators to discuss the great work underway at Emory, including the continued expansion of Emory Advantage Plus and the positive impact of Emory students and alumni across Georgia. |
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|  | | Eggs & Issues
On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Eggs & Issues breakfast. Emory’s Government Affairs Office was joined by Emory leaders, members of the legislature and senior staff from executive offices at the event, which brought together members of the General Assembly, industry leaders, local chambers of commerce and other policy‑focused organizations. State leaders outlined their priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session, offering a preview of the issues expected to shape the months ahead. |
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|  | Local Affairs | DeKalb Chamber Annual Meeting
Emory Healthcare CEO Dr. Joon Lee delivered the keynote address at the DeKalb Chamber’s 2026 Annual Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 15, where more than 150 civic and business leaders gathered to discuss economic growth and collaboration across DeKalb County. The program also featured remarks from county leadership and the Chamber’s annual board installation. Emory’s Director of Community Programs, Kendra Price, was installed as chair‑elect, further highlighting Emory’s commitment to strong community partnerships and regional progress. |
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|  | | New Brand Vision Presentation
Emory Healthcare Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Molly Biwer presented Emory Healthcare's new brand and strategic vision to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The presentation, coordinated by OGCA, reflected Emory’s strong partnership with DeKalb County and ongoing collaboration with county leadership. Emory’s Director of Community Programs, Kendra Price, introduced Biwer on behalf of Emory, reinforcing the importance of sustained relationship‑building between Emory and the communities it serves. |
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|  | | Five Years of Trusted Election Partnership
2026 marks Emory’s fifth year serving as a DeKalb County polling site, reflecting the university’s commitment to civic engagement. DeKalb County has recognized Emory for its partnership in supporting “Excellence in Elections,” with 85 volunteers contributing 229 service hours during the most recent election cycle and welcoming approximately 11,000 voters at the 1599 Clifton Road site. This milestone highlights strong collaboration among Building Operations, the Emory Votes Initiative, the Emory Police Department and Emory’s dedicated volunteers. As we look ahead to upcoming elections, we encourage you to review the 2026 Elections Calendar; volunteer sign‑ups for the May election will be shared soon.
Carnegie Classification
Emory is honored to have once again received the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement (CE) Classification, awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This evidence-based designation recognizes an institution’s commitment to collaborating with its broader communities. Emory previously received this distinction in 2015 and 2006, when it was among the first U.S. universities to be honored.
OGCA Staff Update
We’re excited to welcome Tristan Porter as our team’s new associate director, local affairs. Tristan brings a wealth of experience in government affairs from his previous positions at the Georgia Apartment Association and the Georgia Student Finance Commission. In this new role, Tristan will support Emory University and Emory Healthcare’s activities at our Oxford, Johns Creek and Warner Robins facilities, as well as a broad range of community engagement initiatives across the institution. |
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