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Hello L. David,
Happy August!
It's hard to believe that the school year is here! It's always an exciting time with classes beginning around Gwinnett.
I'm excited to announce that I'll be hosting a youth forum titled Mental Health and Me on Saturday, August 16 from 10:00am to 11:30am in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium in Lawrenceville. This interactive forum will give young people a platform to speak openly about the pressure they face, the support they need, and how we can break stigma together.
I will also be hosting a Millage Rate Town Hall on Monday, August 25 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration auditorium in Lawrenceville. I invite all residents to attend and learn more about the County's millage rate, with representatives from the Tax Assessors' Office and Finance Department ready to answer questions.
Keep reading below for news and events in August.
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Happening Around Gwinnett
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Board of Commissioners propose holding general fund millage rate steady
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is considering keeping the general fund millage rate the same as last year at 6.950 mills. When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires that a rollback millage rate be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred. For 2025, Gwinnett County's rollback millage rate is calculated at 6.607 mills.
Millage rates will be considered during the Board of Commissioners' regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 19 at 2:00pm. Prior to the vote, three public hearings will be held in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Residents can also provide feedback online. The dates of the public hearings are:
- Tuesday, August 12 at 11:00am
- Tuesday, August 12 at 6:30pm
- Tuesday, August 19 at 11:00am
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Fall Citizens Fire Academy
The Citizens Fire Academy is officially open for enrollment. Residents will get a hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience with an opportunity to ride in a fire engine, spray a hose, learn about how Gwinnett Fire protects the community, and how you can help promote fire and life safety in Gwinnett.
Applications are currently being accepted through August 11.
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County brings free vision screenings to local children
Gwinnett has partnered with Vision To Learn to provide vision screenings, eye exams, and prescription glasses to children in underserved areas at no cost to the children or their families. Vision To Learn brings mobile clinics directly to schools, making eye care accessible to those in need. Through this partnership, the County aims to extend the organization's reach, helping to remove vision-related barriers to learning for school-aged children across the county.
The program aims to serve more than 590 students by the end of the year. The County is investing $100,000 in this initiative to help eliminate obstacles to accessing vision care due to financial constraints or lack of resources. For more information or to get involved, visit GwinnettCounty.com.
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Enroll you kids in an afterschool program
Looking for a way to keep your children engaged, learning, and having fun after the school day ends? Enrolling in the Building Brains Afterschool program is an opportunity for kids to explore new interests, build friendships, and develop valuable skills all in a safe and fun environment at their own school.
District 3 offers this program at Britt Elementary School in Snellville and Jenkins Elementary School and Lawrenceville Elementary School in Lawrenceville. Building Brains Afterschool is Child and Parent Services eligible, so qualified families may be able to attend at little to no cost. For additional information about your child's school and the CAPS program, visit B2Anywhere.com, call 770.904.3500, or email B2Anywhere@GwinnettCounty.com.
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Enhanced glass recycling locations
Gwinnett Solid Waste and Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful have taken steps to make glass recycling more accessible for residents at each of the 13 locations around the county, including Rabbitt Hill Park (football entrance) and Harbins Park (baseball entrance) in Dacula and Lenora Park (football entrance) in Snellville in District 3.
Each glass recycling location now features an island of carts with a hole on top, allowing residents to recycle glass items. In addition, the larger main container at each location now features a platform, allowing residents an easier way to deposit glass in the main recycling container. Please contact Gwinnett Solid Waste at 770.822.7141 or visit GwinnettCounty.com/GlassRecycling for more information.
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Make Your Mark: Submit a Project for Volunteers!
Does your organization need a helping hand? Gwinnett Great Days of Service 2025 is your chance to mobilize thousands of dedicated volunteers to tackle your crucial project and areas of need this fall.
Submit your project application by August 17 and let Gwinnett's largest volunteer initiative help you make a lasting impact. Learn more and apply at VolunteerGwinnett.net today!
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Special Events and Happenings
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Nature Scavenger Hunt
Friday, August 8 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Come and find nature objects hidden in plain sight as you enjoy the sights of the natural habitat. Enjoy some crafts, STEM stations, and light refreshments. Open to ages six to 13; an adult must attend. Register here. Lenora Park, 4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville. Event cost: $5.
Food Truck Frenzy
Friday, August 8 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Celebrate the first week of school and enjoy a flavorful Friday featuring multiple food trucks and the great outdoors. Bring some chairs, blankets, or enjoy one of the many pavilions. Open to all ages. Register here. Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. Event cost: Free for Gwinnett residents; $8 for non-residents.
Starting a Nonprofit Roundtable
Tuesday, August 19 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Are you passionate about making a difference and considering starting a nonprofit organization? Join an interactive roundtable session to gain valuable insights, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn from seasoned nonprofit leaders. Open to ages 18 and up. Register here. Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center, 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville. Event cost: Free!
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Commissioner Watkins in the Community
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I had the honor of attending the Empower Gwinnett Internship Program ceremony honoring the County's interns for their hard work and dedication.
The program is Gwinnett County Government’s summer internship program for youth ages 15 to 21. The four-week paid internship program offers Gwinnett’s young people an opportunity to gain valuable, real-world experience. Interns are provided the opportunity to explore their passions, get hands-on experience, and develop leadership skills through workshops and on-the-job training.
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Updates from a District 3 Board Appointee
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Understanding land use in District 3
Land use shapes how our community grows - whether land becomes housing, a park, a business, or remains open space. It refers to how land is planned and regulated for specific purposes such as residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, or conservation. In Gwinnett, land use decisions are guided by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and informed by the 2045 Unified Plan. The UDO sets zoning and development rules, while the 2045 Unified Plan outlines a long-term vision to guide future growth. This coordination supports planning across transportation, housing, economic development, public health, and the environment. For example, encouraging housing near job centers can support economic development, reduce commute times (transportation), and lower emissions that impact public health and the environment.
Together the UDO and 2045 Unified Plan help ensure land use decisions contribute to a healthier, more sustainable Gwinnett. Since Georgia's Planning Act in 1989, cities and counties must create and update comprehensive plans with community input. Residents of District 3 can play a meaningful role in this process by attending public meetings and responding to surveys. Please email Katrina.Fellows@GwinnettCounty.com with any questions.
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