Board of Commissioners adopts 2025 budget

At our first meeting of the year, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved a $2.67 billion budget for 2025 to fund County operations and projects for the year. This year's spending plan consists of a $2.11 billion operating budget and a $555 million capital improvements budget, which includes funds from the County's Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Program.

The adopted budget addresses local needs such as public safety, community health, and high-quality infrastructure while balancing increasing costs of labor, materials, and services facing the County and residents alike. For more information about the adopted budget, visit GwinnettCounty.com.

Attend Gwinnett's annual hiring event

Explore impactful career opportunities and interview to join the Gwinnett County Government team during the annual Career From Here Hiring Event. The event will be held on Friday, January 10 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Gas South Convention Center in Duluth.

Participants can take part in resume reviews, resume editing, meetings with current employers, and interviews with County representatives. Interviews will be held on a first-come, first-served basis. Business casual attire is recommended, and participants are encouraged to bring copies of their resume. Attendees must register for the event. Visit GwinnettCountyJobs.com to view current job openings and apply for positions with onsite interviews.

Recycle your live Christmas tree

Want to make this holiday season sustainable? Drop off your live Christmas tree at a designated fire station between December 26 through January 22. As part of the annual Bring One for the Chipper event, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will chip the trees into mulch for use at County parks on Saturday, January 25 at Bethesda Park in Lawrenceville.

Volunteers are needed to help chip the trees and must be 14 years of age to participate. Before dropping off your live Christmas tree at a County fire station, it must be free of lights, tinsel, decorations, and tree stands. For more information, visit GwinnetCB.org.

Volunteer for MLK Day of Service

Lend a helping hand with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 20. From vital wetland cleanups with Gwinnett Water Resources to preparing food for homebound seniors, District 1 and the County have various opportunities for you to make a positive impact on your community. To learn more and sign up, visit VolunteerGwinnett.net.

Apply for mortgage assistance

Gwinnett homeowners can apply for up to $50,000 in mortgage assistance through the Georgia Mortgage Assistance program. The funds assist homeowners facing financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is responsible for distributing these funds, which were allocated to the state through the American Rescue Plan Act by the U.S. Treasury.

Assistance is offered for three types in the form of a grant. Homeowners must meet eligibility requirements and fill out an application. For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at GeorgiaMortgageAssistance.ga.gov.

New aquatic center fees

Effective January 1, 2025, aquatic center admission fees will increase to support the maintenance of our top-notch swimming facilities in District 1 and around Gwinnett. The adjustment ensures we can continue to provide a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for all guests.

Entry fees, passes, swim lessons, programs, and rentals will be adjusted. Rates for senior aerobics, adaptive programming, and discounts will remain the same. View the updated fees at GwinnettCounty.com/AquaticFees.

The Quest for 'Quatch

Saturday, January 11 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Pit your wits against nature, the elements, and other competing teams by collecting evidence for the existence of the Sasquatch on this scavenger hunt adventure. Participants will learn about orienteering, shelter making, wildlife tracking, native and invasive species identification, survival kit and trail mixing making, Bigfoot lore, and much more. Open to ages 18 and up. Resident Fee: $25. Non-resident Fee: $45. Register here. McDaniel Farm Park, 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth.

Winter Adventure Club: Delightful Deer

Thursday, January 23 from 10:00am to 11:00am

Free! Creatures of field and forest, white-tailed deer are found abundantly in Georgia. Spend some time learning about deer through songs, stories, and hands-on activities. Open to ages 2 to 5 years old. Register here. Shorty Howell Park, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth.

Clay Creations

Tuesday, January 28 from 10:00am to noon

Enjoy a uniquely creative morning learning the basics of clay hand building and create your own work of art! Light refreshments will be served. Open to ages 50 and up. Fee: $12. Register here. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake.