Join me for my State of District 2 town hall

Thursday, April 10 from 6:00 to 8:00pm

Mountain Park Activity Building

1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain

I'm excited to hold my annual State of District 2 address, covering the successes of the previous year and highlighting upcoming projects that the County is working on. Following my remarks, county leaders will also be available to answer your questions across the different departments.

I look forward to seeing you then!

Help shape the future of Park Place!

Residents are invited to share their vision for a thriving Park Place area! Join us on Monday, March 17 for the Draft Recommendations Work­shop at Shiloh High School from 6:00pm to 7:30pm and share your feedback on the Park Place Master Plan draft recommendations.

The Park Place area generally surrounds the intersections of Park Place Boulevard and Stone Mountain Highway. As an important southern gateway to Gwinnett, this corner of the county is commonly known as Moun­tain Park, Snellville, or Stone Mountain. To learn more, visit GwinnettCounty.com/ParkPlacePlan.

Tune in to Conversations with Ku

Check out Conversations with Ku, my monthly podcast, where I dive into County initiatives, Board decisions, upcoming events, and a variety of other topics. You can find the podcast on GwinnettCounty.com and on your favorite streaming platform.

The latest episode covers the Board of Commissioners' decision to opt out of the Statewide Homestead Exemption as well as information about gas stations.

I'd love to hear from you or answer questions about District 2 or Gwinnett County Government. Feel free to email me at Ben.Ku@GwinnettCounty.com and your question may be read on the podcast. Also, if there is someone you’d like me to interview, or a topic you’d like me to cover, please let me know.

Apply for Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy's 20^th Cohort

Ever wondered how county government really works? Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy offers a 12-week program providing a behind-the-scenes look at Gwinnett County Government. Participants will interact with county leaders, tour facilities, and learn how local government functions with the goals of increasing understanding, civic involvement, and connections with officials. Applications are open April 1 to July 1.

Learn more and apply today at GwinnettCounty.com/Gwinnett101!

Become a lifeguard in Gwinnett

Looking for a rewarding job opportunity this summer? Become an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard for Gwinnett County’s award-winning park system. Not only will you learn lifesaving skills and boost your fitness level, but you can also enjoy flexible hours in a fun team environment with ample growth opportunities.

Pay starts at $17.32 per hour, plus the training is free. Part-time and seasonal positions are available at our five year-round aquatic centers and four seasonal pools. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/Lifeguard to learn more.

County opts out of Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption

As a follow up to last month's newsletter, Gwinnett County Commissioners voted to opt out of the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption introduced in House Bill 581. The County's existing Value Offset Exemption — in place since 2001 — offers better protection against rising property values and keeps County government taxes lower for homeowners.

With Gwinnett County's existing VOE, the homeowner's County government taxes are based on the frozen base year valuation, even as property values continue to rise. Most property tax increases seen by Gwinnett homeowners in recent years have been due to increases in school and city taxes, which have risen as property market values have increased.

County Commissioners weighed feedback during three public hearings held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in January and February before making the decision. Cities and schools hosted their own hearings regarding their decisions.

Visit GwinnettCountyEvents.com or follow the County’s social media channels to learn more about upcoming events.

St. Patty's Trivia and Social

Monday, March 17 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Bethesda Park Senior Center, 255 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville

Residents ages 50 and up can test their luck with Irish trivia and enjoy light refreshments. Register online. Fee: $4/resident or $5/non-resident.

Kids Night Swim: Parents Night Out

Friday, March 21 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville

Drop the kids off at the pool to enjoy a night out! We will have dinner and have the classroom set up for a movie and crafts. And of course, swimming in the pool! Bring a swimsuit, towel and a change of dry clothes! Pre-register by March 19. Ages 6 to 12. Fee: $15.

No Limits TRYathlon

Saturday, March 29 from 8:00am to noon

Mountain Park Aquatic Center, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain

Get ready for a swim, bike, and run event for individuals 4 to 21 years old with cognitive and physical challenges, who are interested in a day of fun, friendly competition. This event gives participants an opportunity to get out and get moving. They’ll also experience the joys of competition as crowds filled with friends and family cheer them on. Register online. Fees apply.

Tea and Tram Tuesday

Tuesday, April 1 from 9:00am to noon

Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford

Love tea, history, and scenic views? Active adults ages 50 and older are invited to our Tea and Tram Tuesday event. Sip delicious tea and enjoy light refreshments while relaxing on an open-air tram ride through the trails and a special screening of the award-winning Blue Planet film. Seats are limited — save your spot today by registering online! Fee: $5/resident or $7/non-resident.