Bynum-Grace Inducted into Municipal Gov Hall of Fame

Perry resident, long-time activist and City Council member Phyllis Bynum-Grace has joined former Mayor James Worrall in the state’s Municipal Government Hall of Fame.

She was inducted Monday at the Georgia Municipal Association’s annual convention in Savannah. But you won’t hear any of this from her.

“I don’t blow my own horn,” Bynum-Grace said Wednesday when asked about the honor. “I didn’t know anything about this until it was announced.”

According to the association, the Hall of Fame honors municipal officials who exemplify the best in public service and who, throughout their careers, have made extraordinary contributions to their communities and Georgia’s cities. Worrall was inducted in 2005.

Bynum-Grace was at the convention in Savannah with city officials Mayor James Faircloth and council members Robert Jones, Randall Walker, Willie King, William Jackson and Riley Hunt. They knew the secret but kept mum about it.

At the awards ceremony Monday, Bynum-Grace said her suspicions were aroused as the presenter began mentioning incidents she was familiar with, such as developing pocket parks, her work to remove discrimination in the police department, and making city forms easier for the public to fill out.

“Most residents couldn’t read them because they were in language they couldn’t understand,” Bynum-Grace said. “Then they mentioned Camp Can Do, and I directed Camp Can Do for 20 years. Then I knew it was me.”

Elaine Griggs of Perry, who’s known Bynum-Grace for most of her life, said Wednesday she is known for being outspoken.

“She’s willing to participate in projects she believes in,” Griggs said. “She’s aggressive and gets things done.”

She is very knowledgeable, Griggs continued, and there aren’t many topics she cannot discuss intelligently. “She shows respect and gets it in return.”

Bynum-Grace has served on the council for 18 years, and during that time she conceived and helped facilitate the installation of four neighborhood passive parks in predominantly minority-populated neighborhoods lacking park space. She also established an effective communications process between the police department and minority neighborhoods, resulting in a decrease in the crime rate.

Bynum-Grace also pioneered reviews of the city’s regulatory services to the general public, making it easier for people to apply for permits, rezoning and city utilities. In addition, she helped transition the former Recreation Department to the Department of Leisure Services, giving it a wider focus and including programs for youth, senior citizens and disabled persons.

Within the community, she volunteers her time to assist disabled persons through Family Connections, Camp Can Do and immunization and screening programs, and collects food, clothes and housewares for residents in need.

She has been a big supporter of the Georgia Municipal Association, encouraging her fellow officials and city staff to attend GMA conferences and training. She has taken more than 275 hours of training and has received the Certificate of Distinction, the highest training level currently available.

Even with all those accomplishments, Bynum-Grace said she isn’t ready to step down.

“I’ve accomplished some of the things I wanted to do, but there are still other things,” she said. “I know I need to do at least one more term.”

“She’s been a strong supporter of GMA over the years,” said GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton. “She’ll be the first to tell you that there’s always more to learn about city government to be an effective leader. If you need proof of her commitment to continuing education, just take a look at how much training she has attended since taking office.”

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 520 member cities.

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