Georgia Moves to Power Its $5 Billion Music Economy with Statewide Music Office

Georgia’s music industry already generates an estimated $5 billion in annual economic impact and supports more than 70,000 jobs, but for years, industry leaders have said the state lacked a formal structure to fully support and scale that growth. Now, after years of advocacy and collaboration, a major step forward is within reach.

The Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act (HB 14), a bill that has been in the works for years, has officially cleared the Georgia General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support and now awaits the signature of Brian Kemp. The measure passed decisively, signaling a shared recognition among lawmakers that music is not just part of Georgia’s culture - it is a major economic driver.

Championed by Sonya Halpern and Casey Carpenter, and strongly supported by Georgia Music Partners, a nonprofit coalition of music industry leaders, businesses, and institutions working to grow and advocate for Georgia’s music economy, the legislation represents a coordinated push to strengthen and expand the state’s already thriving music ecosystem.

At its core, HB 14 would establish a dedicated statewide music office within the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This office would serve as a central hub to promote industry growth, attract new talent and business, and better connect the many moving parts of Georgia’s music scene - from artists and studios to touring and production.

But the actual bill language reveals a much more detailed and operational blueprint for how that vision would come to life.

Under the legislation, the Georgia Music Office would be led by a director selected by the state’s economic development commissioner, with a specific requirement: candidates must have deep industry knowledge and at least five years of experience across areas like touring, recording, and distribution.

The office would also be staffed within the department, ensuring it is embedded directly into the state’s economic development strategy, not operating on the sidelines.

The bill outlines a wide-ranging set of responsibilities that go beyond simple promotion. In addition to marketing Georgia as a music hub, the office would act as a business development engine - helping music companies and professionals relocate to the state, connecting them with local resources, and serving as a centralized “information clearinghouse” for the industry.

It would also take on a hands-on role in growing the ecosystem by:
-Connecting artists and companies with production contacts across Georgia
-Recommending performance, publishing, and recording locations
-Acting as a liaison between the music industry and state agencies, including workforce development, education, and tourism
-Publicizing major industry developments and promoting festivals and events statewide

Another key detail not always emphasized: the office is explicitly empowered to engage in marketing, branding, and even intellectual property efforts, including the creation and licensing of trademarks and other promotional assets tied to Georgia’s music identity.

The “Music Ready Communities” concept, highlighted in the original announcement, also carries more structure in the bill itself.

Formally called the Music Friendly Georgia Certified Communities Program, it requires any participating city or county to take concrete steps before earning certification. Communities must host a workshop to educate local leaders on how to work with the state’s music office. Once certified, they are required to establish a local advisory board made up of music industry stakeholders and appoint a designated liaison to coordinate directly with the state office.

In other words, this isn’t just a label - it’s a framework designed to ensure local accountability and long-term engagement.

There’s also a practical caveat written into the legislation: the entire initiative is subject to state appropriations or other available funding. That means while the structure can be established in law, the scale and speed of implementation will depend on budget decisions moving forward.

Supporters say the legislation reflects years of work and collaboration across the industry.

“Georgia has long been a music powerhouse. By establishing a statewide Music Office and advancing Music Ready Communities, we are putting structure around an industry that already drives billions in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs,” said Sen. Halpern. “This legislation positions Georgia to compete, and lead, in the next generation of the creative economy.”

Leaders at Georgia Music Partners, who have been instrumental in pushing the bill forward, see this as a turning point.

“This has been years in the making, and it reflects the strength of Georgia’s music community coming together with a shared vision,” said Mala Sharma, President and Co-Founder of Georgia Music Partners. “By establishing a statewide music office and creating pathways for local communities to engage, Georgia is recognizing music not just as culture, but as a key part of our economic infrastructure and future growth of the entertainment industry in our state.”

The effort has drawn support from a wide coalition, including the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Recording Academy, and Recording Industry Association of America, further underscoring the industry, wide belief in Georgia’s potential to lead on a national and global stage.

If signed into law, HB 14 would not just formalize support for music in Georgia, it would operationalize it, laying out a clear structure, responsibilities, and expectations at both the state and local levels. For many across the state, this moment represents more than a policy win. It’s a signal that Georgia is ready to fully invest in one of its most powerful creative and economic assets - and build the infrastructure to sustain it for years to come.

Shani Sammons, a Coffee County native and board member of Georgia Music Partners for nearly nine years, and a core team member behind the Georgia Music Investment Act, said: “This moment marks a powerful step forward for Georgia’s music ecosystem. HB14 has been a long time in the making and reflects years of passion, advocacy, and belief in what our industry can become. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of Mala Sharma, the Georgia Music Partners board, and the thousands of voices in the music community across our state.

“I’m honored to support this effort by leading the marketing and social media strategy and to serve as a board member alongside such committed leaders. Now is the time for Georgia’s artists, businesses, and music professionals to come together. Reach out to Governor Brian Kemp and urge him to sign HB14 so we can build a stronger, more unified future for music across Georgia.”

As HB 14 heads to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk, supporters are encouraged to make their voices heard. Call the Governor’s office at (404) 656-1776 or send a message through his office to express your support for the bill and the future of Georgia’s music industry — or click the link in the comments to access a prefilled form you can submit directly.