The World Asian Law Enforcement Council serves as a bridge between the Asian community and law enforcement agencies. WALEC advocates for the profession of Law Enforcement, and I'm honored to receive this recognition.

Remember, feel free to reach out to me at Ben.Ku@GwinnettCounty.com to schedule a call or virtual meeting if you'd like to chat. I value your feedback on how I've been representing you or if there's anything more I could do.

Board of Commissioners adopts budget for 2025

My fellow Commissioners and I unanimously approved a $2.67 billion budget to fund County operations and projects for the year. The approved budget 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 allows us to address 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. The budget also includes the approval of organizational changes, including the creation of the Parks and Recreation Department, which was previously part of the Department of Community Services. The adopted 2025 budget resolution and supporting documents are available online at GwinnettCounty.com/Budget.

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 was a "Best of 2024" special edition episode with highlights and moments that made this year unforgettable! 

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.

Attend a virtual writing workshop 

If you enjoy writing and are you looking for inspiration, join this virtual writing class on Thursday, January 23 from 11:00am to 11:15am. Have fun writing prompts, find book lists for aspiring writers, and share your stories! Each month, a new writing subject will be suggested, but any type of submission is welcome.

To join, you will need to have a Gmail or Google account. To learn more and to register, visit GwinnettPL.org.

Apply for mortgage assistance

Gwinnett homeowners can receive 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.

Three types of assistance are available:

• Mortgage reinstatement is a one-time payment to the lender to catch up or reduce delinquent payments or payments currently in forbearance.
• Principal curtailment is a one-time payment to the lender to reduce the total mortgage loan balance.
• Housing-related expenses, which are a one-time payment to the vendor to bring or help bring the housing expense current.

Homeowners must meet eligibility requirements and fill out an application. For more information and to see if you qualify, visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at GeorgiaMortgageAssistance.ga.gov.

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of service

Join the United Ebony Society for an amazing day of reflection at the 2025 MLK Day Parade and Celebration on Monday, January 20. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson will provide remarks at the opening ceremony at 11:00am at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center before the parade begins.

The parade will end at Central Gwinnett High School where a celebration honoring Dr. King will be held between 3:00pm and 5:00pm. To volunteer for the event, sign up with Volunteer Gwinnett.

Recycle your live Christmas tree

Recycle your live Christmas tree at Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful’s annual Bring One for the Chipper tree recycling event! Live Christmas trees can be dropped off until January 22 at designated fire stations throughout the county.

Before dropping off your Christmas tree, remove all lights, tinsel, decoration, and tree stands. Trees will be chipped into mulch for use at County parks on Saturday, January 25 at Bethesda Park near the soccer fields in Lawrenceville. Volunteers ages 14 and older are also needed from 7:45am to 11:00am and must register in advance. For more details, read the full story on our website.

Attend the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Join us on Saturday, February 8 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds from 9:00am to noon to dispose of your household hazardous waste! Gwinnett residents are allowed to bring up to five containers of eligible items for free.

Attendees should enter the main entrance of the Fairgrounds, which is located off Sugarloaf Parkway at the traffic light. Volunteers are welcome to sign up through Volunteer Gwinnett.

For the full list of accepted items and for more information, visit GwinnettCB.org.

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

Kids Night: Cool Escape

Friday, January 17 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

No parents allowed! Kids will enjoy dinner night and fun activities while their parents enjoy a night out. Register online. Ages 7 through 12. The fee is $12 for Gwinnett residents and $24 for non-Gwinnett residents. OneStop Norcross, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross.

MLK Sunday Supper

Sunday, January 19 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Presented by EAGLE 7 Consulting, this will be a thought-provoking afternoon meal and fellowship filled with community speakers and special presentations by local students. Register online. All ages. The fee is $25 for Gwinnett residents and $45 for non-Gwinnett residents. OneStop Centerville, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. 

Crafternoon

Monday, February 10 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Wind down and get creative! Bring a friend or make new friends as we explore the creative process using a variety of art media. Supplies included. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. No previous art experience is required. Register online. Ages 50 and up. The fee is $5 for Gwinnett residents and $15 for non-Gwinnett residents. OneStop Norcross, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross, GA.

Winter Adventure Club: Sparkling Snow Days

Wednesday, February 12 from 10:00am to 11:00am | Free

What makes a snow day so special? Learn all about winter weather and animals with songs, stories, and more in this exciting winter-themed program. For more information call 770.904.3500. Register online. Ages 2 to 5. Lilburn Activity Building, 788 Hillcrest Road NW, Lilburn.