What is an intergovernmental agreement (IGA)?

An IGA is a written instrument between governmental entities that allocates responsibilities, funding, or authority for shared services or projects.

Where can I find the text of a city ordinance or executed IGA?

Ordinances are published in the Atlanta Code of Ordinances; executed IGAs may be obtained via the City Clerk or public records request.

Who enforces compliance with regional plans?

Regional plans are coordinated by the Atlanta Regional Commission; enforcement depends on how local jurisdictions adopt plan elements into local ordinances or contracts.

Atlanta City Law: Intergovernmental & Shared Services

General Governance and Administration Georgia 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

In Atlanta, Georgia, intergovernmental agreements (IGAs), shared-service arrangements, and regional planning shape how municipalities and regional agencies deliver services and manage infrastructure. This guide explains the legal basis, typical instruments, enforcement pathways, and practical steps for officials, contractors, and residents who interact with or challenge city-level IGAs and cooperative service models.

Overview

IGAs and shared services can be formal contracts, memoranda of understanding, or ordinances that allocate responsibilities for services like public safety, public works, and permitting. Regional plans coordinate growth, transportation, and environmental priorities across jurisdictions.

City ordinances and municipal code provisions governing agreements and contracts are published in the Atlanta Code of Ordinances. Atlanta Code of Ordinances^[1]
The Atlanta Regional Commission publishes regional plans, technical studies, and guidance for coordinated planning across metro Atlanta. Atlanta Regional Commission^[2]
The City of Atlanta Department of City Planning administers local planning policy, review, and coordination with regional partners. City of Atlanta Department of City Planning^[3]

Intergovernmental agreements often require council approval and public record filings.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of obligations arising from IGAs, shared-service contracts, or violations of ordinances depends on the controlling instrument (the ordinance, contract, or agreement) and the enforcing department named in that instrument. Remedies and sanctions are typically contractual (damages, injunctions) or administrative under local code; criminal penalties would require explicit ordinance language.

Monetary fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited code page; consult the controlling ordinance or contract for amounts and fee schedules. See local code and ordinance texts^[1]
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing-offence structures depend on the ordinance or contractual clause and are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: may include stop-work orders, injunctive relief, termination of agreements, or administrative orders as set by contract or ordinance; specific remedies are set in the relevant instrument.
Enforcer and complaint pathway: enforcement is typically handled by the named city department (for code matters) or the City Attorney/contract administrator for contractual disputes. For planning and coordination issues, contact the Department of City Planning. Department of City Planning contact^[3]
Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are set by the ordinance or contract; if not stated in the governing instrument, refer to the municipal code or council rules—specific appeal periods are not specified on the cited pages.

When a contract and an ordinance conflict, the specific language of each instrument controls remedies and enforcement.

Applications & Forms

Many IGAs and shared-service agreements are prepared by city attorneys and approved by City Council; there is not a single standard public "form" for intergovernmental agreements published on the cited code page. For planning-related agreements or regional plan participation, departments may require proposals or memoranda of understanding; check the Department of City Planning for current submission instructions. Specific form names or numbers are not specified on the cited pages.

Requests for copies of executed IGAs are public records and may be obtained through the City Clerk or public records request process.

Practical Steps and Compliance

Review: obtain the executed agreement and any related ordinance; confirm approval dates and effective terms.
Document: assemble performance records, invoices, and communications supporting compliance or breach claims.
Notify: send formal notices required by the agreement (cure periods, termination notices) to the contract administrator and City Attorney as specified in the instrument.
Escalate: if administrative remedies fail, consider council engagement, mediation, or litigation per the dispute resolution clause.

FAQ

What is an intergovernmental agreement (IGA)?: An IGA is a written instrument between governmental entities that allocates responsibilities, funding, or authority for shared services or projects.
Where can I find the text of a city ordinance or executed IGA?: Ordinances are published in the Atlanta Code of Ordinances; executed IGAs may be obtained via the City Clerk or public records request. Atlanta Code of Ordinances^[1]
Who enforces compliance with regional plans?: Regional plans are coordinated by the Atlanta Regional Commission; enforcement depends on how local jurisdictions adopt plan elements into local ordinances or contracts. Atlanta Regional Commission^[2]

How-To

Identify the governing instrument: obtain the ordinance, contract, or executed IGA and read dispute and enforcement clauses.
Gather evidence: collect performance records, invoices, and correspondence demonstrating compliance or breach.
Follow notice requirements: serve any required cure or termination notices exactly as the instrument prescribes.
Contact city officials: notify the contract administrator, Department of City Planning, or City Attorney to seek mediation or administrative remedies.
File appeals or legal action: if administrative remedies fail, follow the appeal procedures in the instrument or seek judicial relief.

Key Takeaways

IGAs and shared services rely on the exact language of the ordinance or contract for remedies and enforcement.
Obtain executed agreements and council approvals early to verify authorities and deadlines.
Use departmental contacts and the City Attorney for formal notices, compliance questions, and dispute resolution.