Friendly City Named a City of Civility

Tifton named a City of Civility

TIFTON, GA – The City of Tifton has been designated as a City of Civility by the Georgia Municipal Association.

CBS 44 reporter Mary Alex Anders spoke with Mayor Julie Smith about this pledge and what it means for the city.

A 2019 poll by Weber Shandwick revealed that over 90% percent of Americans believe that incivility is a problem, with nearly 68% percent identifying it as a major problem.

However, this is not the case in Tifton, for the city has been designated as a City of Civility by the Georgia Municipal Association.

“The Georgia Municipal association helps cities all across the state put together a civility resolution where tis a resolution that city county makes to embrace civility, to treat people with respect, to be kind and courteous to each other, even when we disagree,” said Mayor Smith.

Smith says civility is being polite, but more importantly, maintaining politeness when faced with disagreements or conflict.

“We have so many things that bring us together in similarity, but we also have differences that deserve to be celebrated. So whether it’s equity diversion and inclusion. whether it’s opposing positions on an issue, we’re going to be civil about it and we’re going to honor that commitment,” said Mayor Smith.

The Mayor says the city not only took this pledge on behalf of the council, but on behalf of everyone within the Friendly City.

“Whether you live here or you have a business here, or visiting here… we encourage all of our citizens o treat people with kindness…You need to know when you come into the city of Tifton and do business with the city of Tifton, civility is going to be our pledge and commitment to you,” said Mayor Smith.

To become a City of Civility, city councils are required to adopt a Civility Resolution and pledge to engage in civil behavior with each other as well as with residents and meeting attendees. Cities also have a civility pledge that can be published or recited at meetings. you can Learn more about the Embrace Civility program at gacities.com

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