Share your input on the future of Gwinnett's tree canopy

Gwinnett County is updating its tree ordinance, and we want to hear from you! Join us Wednesday, April 30 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at OneStop Centerville, located at 3025 Bethany Church Road in Snellville, to learn about the revision to the tree ordinance provisions and help shape how we balance growth with the care of the county’s tree canopy.

The revised Tree Ordinance aims to balance progress and preservation, create healthier neighborhoods, foster sustainability, and enhance public spaces. The Tree Ordinance revision process will take about a year, with completion set for August 2025. To learn more, visit GwinnettCounty.com/TreeOrdinance.

Beware of false water testing claims

Gwinnett Water Resources has received reports of companies leaving door hangers throughout the county alleging that Gwinnett's water is unsafe and offering to test the water in residents' homes. These claims are false.

Gwinnett Water Resources does not visit homes to test water unless a resident has specifically requested the service. If you believe a company is providing false claims about water safety, you can report them to the Georgia Consumer Protection Division at Consumer.GA.gov.

Spring has arrived and so has kitten season!

Finding a litter of kittens outdoors during kitten season, which usually lasts from spring to early fall, is a common occurrence. While you may feel inclined to rescue them, it's important to understand what steps to take:

• Consider how and where you found them and assess whether the mother is nearby.
• Check for signs of the mother.
• Young kittens are more likely to survive when they stay with their mother. Mother cats may leave their kittens temporarily to hunt or hide, but if the kittens are clean and warm, the mom is likely caring for them.
• Watch the kittens from a safe distance for a couple of days to see if the mother returns.

While it’s a heartwarming and busy time of the year, the Gwinnett Animal Shelter works tirelessly to provide the love and support to these tiny arrivals. Looking to help? Consider adopting, fostering, or donating. Every little bit makes a difference in giving these kittens the chance to grow and thrive. Learn more at GwinnettAnimalWelfare.com.

Help shape the future of I-85

The Georgia Department of Transportation and Gwinnett County are in the final stages of a comprehensive study of the I-85 corridor between I-285 and I-985. Now, we need your input!

Join us for a public meeting on Monday, May 5 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Lucky Shoals Park, located at 4651 Britt Road in Tucker. At this event, you can learn more about the draft recommendations designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance traffic operations along this vital corridor.

Learn more about the meeting and mark your calendars!

Get involved: Apply for a county board or commission

Want to make a difference in your community? Gwinnett County is now accepting applications for appointments to the Sustainability Commission and the Animal Control Hearing Board.

The Gwinnett County Sustainability Commission, established in 2021, supports Gwinnett’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Members help guide efforts to protect natural resources and promote sustainable living for current and future generations.

The Gwinnett Animal Control Hearing Board reviews appeals related to dangerous or vicious dog classifications. Members hear cases, consider evidence, and determine outcomes in accordance with County ordinances.

Interested in serving? Submit an application by April 30 for the Sustainability Commission and by June 8 for the Animal Control Hearing Board.

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.

In the latest episode, I chat with Animal Welfare Division Director Katrina Helman about fostering pets and the expansion of the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center.

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.

Celebrate Earth Day around Gwinnett

Join Gwinnett Water Resources and Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful on Saturday, April 19 for a community cleanup. Residents can pick their spot around the community to make this a fun Earth Day workday. Don't forget to snap photos and share them using #CleanGwinnett. Sign up at VolunteerGwinnett.net to help keep our community clean.

Also, bring your hard-to-recycle items to Gwinnett's annual Earth Day recycling event on Saturday, April 26 at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. From 9:00am to noon, residents can drop off items that are typically difficult to recycle such as electronics, latex and oil-based paints, tires, paper, and clothing. For a list of acceptable items and more details, visit GCSolidWaste.com.

Save the date for annual Supplier Networking Event

Gwinnett Purchasing will host its annual Supplier Networking Event on Thursday, April 24 from 8:30am to 11:30am at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth.

This event allows suppliers to meet with buyers and contracting officers from the Gwinnett County Purchasing Division, user departments, and other metro agencies. Suppliers can take advantage of networking opportunities designed to establish new contacts. Plus, get a sneak peek at the new vendor management system coming this summer. For more information and to register, visit GwinnettCounty.com/NetworkingEvent.

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

Ever wondered how county government really works? Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy offers a 9-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!

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

Healthy Budget Cooking

Thursday, April 17 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm | Free

OneStop Centerville, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville

Come out to learn about how to shop for healthy and budget friendly meals. This interactive presentation will also include a cooking demonstration with free tastings! Ages 16 and up. Register online.

Mighty Explorers: Earth Day

Tuesday, April 22 from 10:30am to 11:30am | $3 for Gwinnett Resident

Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain

Children ages 2-5 can explore the park around Mountain Park Activity building and learn how to care for our planet. Then receive a free admission pass for the pool. Register online.

Small Business Networking Breakfast

Wednesday, April 30 from 7:30am to 9:00am | Free

Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center Training Room, 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

Are you ready to expand your network, uncover new leads, and forge powerful connections? The Small Business Collective invites you to a Complimentary Continental Networking Breakfast. Whether you're a seasoned business veteran or just starting out, this event is the perfect platform to propel your business forward. Register online.

Garden Tea Party

Wednesday, May 7 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm | $6 for Gwinnett resident ($11 for nonresident)

Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville

Flip the script on Aging as we celebrate Older Americans Month. Join us for a whimsical indoor garden tea party social open to all ages 50 and up. Register online.