Our Political Agenda

Overview for Rome & Floyd County Commission

It's important to note that neither the Rome City or Floyd County Commission has the power to legalize gambling. That’s a matter for the Georgia General Assembly and possibly a statewide referendum. But what they do have is something just as important: the ability to shape how our community benefits from this opportunity.

For this project to work, we’ll need permission to build a dock downtown, access utilities like water, sewer, and fuel, and create infrastructure that ties the boat to the local economy. Those are entirely under their jurisdiction.

We’re not asking for a green light on gaming—that’s not their call. We are asking to see our vision and support it. If Rome embraces this early and helps shape the project, we can ensure the jobs, tourism, and revenue flow directly into our city—not just downriver to someone else who gets there first.

What Can our Local Commissioners Do?

First, our initial work has to make clear we have strong public support and approval. Once we've done that and gathered all the necessary data and information, our plan is to approach both the city and county commission and ask for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as follows:

1. Resolution of Support (Non-Binding)

A symbolic vote stating that the City of Rome and/or Floyd County:

Support the concept of bringing a riverboat entertainment venue to the Coosa River
Recognize the economic development potential
Encourage state lawmakers to pursue enabling legislation

2. Dock & Access Agreement (Binding)

City: Approve a long-term lease or easement of public land to build a dock facility downtown
City: Allow access to water, sewer, and utilities
County: Approve a long-term lease or easement of public land at the Lock and Dam to build a mooring dock.
County: Begin a process to evaluate what needs to happen to rebuild and reinstitute the Lock and Dam to a working facility.
Possibly create a Public-Private Partnership (P3) structure for dock development or riverfront enhancements

4. Infrastructure Support Resolution

Include our project in the city/county’s long-range development plan or downtown master plan.
Allow coordination with the city for infrastructure planning, such as:
- Public safety access
- Parking coordination
- Zoning variances, if needed

5. Economic Impact Study Support

Ask the commission to co-sponsor or endorse a feasibility or economic impact study, which can:

Show jobs and tax revenue potential
Provide neutral data to help the public understand the project
Reduce political risk for commissioners

What We Need

Let's keep this simple. Again, we’re not asking either the City or County Commission to take a stance on gambling. We’re asking them to take a stance on economic development, tourism, and job creation. They don’t need to pass a gambling law—they just need to support the things they do control: docks, utilities, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships. Let the voters and state lawmakers handle the rest.

To the City of Rome and Floyd County Commission

Purpose of the Proposal

We are proposing a riverboat-based entertainment venue on the Coosa River to stimulate local economic development, increase tourism, and revitalize downtown riverfront use. While the venue may include regulated gaming in the future, this resolution does not approve gambling—it simply expresses local support for future development and encourages the state legislature to consider enabling legislation.

What This Resolution Does

✅ Supports exploring a riverfront entertainment development
✅ Encourages the state to consider legislation that could allow regulated gaming
✅ Affirms local control over infrastructure, zoning, and public safety
✅ Opens the door to potential public-private partnerships
✅ Promotes job creation and economic growth in Rome and Floyd County

What This Resolution Does NOT Do

❌ Does not legalize gambling
❌ Does not obligate the city or county to fund the project
❌ Does not remove local control or bypass community input

Why This Matters

Economic Impact: A development of this kind could generate hundreds of jobs, boost tax revenue, and bring significant tourism dollars to downtown Rome.
Downtown Revitalization: A riverboat dock and entertainment complex would activate our riverfront, attract visitors, and benefit local restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Local Control: By engaging now, our commissions can shape how the project fits into our infrastructure and values. If we remain silent, we risk being left behind while other cities seize the opportunity.

To Our Commissioners...

We ask your vote for this initiative in adherence to:

Supporting Rome’s economic future
Ensuring local control over riverfront infrastructure
Sending a message to the state that Rome wants a seat at the table

Closing

This project is about vision, freedom, and community benefit. Let’s explore how we can make the Coosa River a vibrant part of Rome’s future — with smart, responsible development that respects our values and strengthens our economy.

Draft Resolution of Support

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE EXPLORATION OF A RIVERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT DEVELOPMENT ON THE COOSA RIVER AND ENCOURAGING STATE LEGISLATION TO ENABLE ITS ESTABLISHMENT

WHEREAS, the City of Rome and Floyd County seek to foster economic growth, tourism, and job creation while responsibly managing the resources and infrastructure of the region; and

WHEREAS, the Coosa River is a significant and underutilized asset in the heart of downtown Rome, with the potential to attract new investment, stimulate local businesses, and enhance the vibrancy of the community; and

WHEREAS, a proposed private investment in a riverboat-based entertainment venue would include infrastructure such as docking facilities, access to public utilities, and potential enhancements to the surrounding riverfront; and

WHEREAS, such a project would generate new employment opportunities, increase hospitality and tourism revenue, and position Rome as a regional destination while maintaining local control over zoning, public safety, and land use matters within the city and county; and

WHEREAS, the authority to approve gaming-related activity rests with the Georgia General Assembly and, if necessary, the voters of Georgia, and not with local government; and

WHEREAS, the City of Rome and Floyd County recognize the importance of voicing local support for state-level legislative efforts that could empower Georgia communities to consider new forms of economic development;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the [City Commission of Rome / Floyd County Board of Commissioners] that:

The Commission supports the exploration and advancement of a riverfront entertainment project on the Coosa River, including but not limited to a dock, associated utilities, and infrastructure enhancements.
The Commission encourages the Georgia General Assembly to consider enabling legislation that would permit regulated gaming activity aboard riverboats under state oversight, subject to local input and appropriate regulatory frameworks.
The Commission affirms its commitment to ensuring that any such project aligns with the values, infrastructure, and long-term development goals of the City of Rome and Floyd County.
The Commission directs the appropriate departments to cooperate with private parties in evaluating the feasibility and public benefit of such development, including the potential for public-private partnerships.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this ___ day of ____________, 2025.