Mark your calendars for the State of District 2

Join me on Thursday, April 10 from 6:00 - 8:00pm at the Mountain Park Activity Building (1063 Rockdbridge Road, Stone Mountain) for a District 2 - State of the District presentation.

I'll be covering the successes of the previous year as well as highlighting upcoming projects that the County is working on. I'll be joined by county staff that will be able to answer your questions across the different departments.

I hope to see you then!

County Considers Opting Out of Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption

My fellow Commissioners and I are considering opting out of the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption introduced in House Bill 581. We are currently holding public hearings for residents to share feedback.

The County has an existing Value Offset Exemption (VOE) that protects homeowners from county tax increases due to rising property market values. In the most simplistic terms, the County's VOE offers a better tax exemption for homeowners than the one introduced in House Bill 581. By opting out of the statewide exemption, the County will avoid unnecessary administrative costs and homeowners will continue to receive the best exemption.

However, please be aware that the County's decision only affects the County portion of your property taxes. School systems and cities will make their own decisions about whether to opt out.

I encourage you to learn more about the factors that are informing our consideration. The final public hearing will be held on my birthday, Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00am.

Gas stations built in District 2

Residents have noticed new gas stations under construction and have asked why they are being built despite recent zoning changes. As a commissioner, one of my key responsibilities is making zoning decisions for our community.

In January 2024, the Board of Commissioners updated Gwinnett County’s zoning regulations, requiring gas stations in C2 zoning to obtain a special use permit. This means new proposals must go through a public hearing process with opportunities for community input.

However, some gas stations received permits before this change took effect. Because they met previous zoning requirements, they did not require a special use permit. Moving forward, any new gas station in C2 zoning will go through a public review and approval process.

11th Annual Great Gwinnett Wetlands Event

Come out and volunteer on Saturday, March 1 to help clean-up, protect, and collect water quality data for Gwinnett's most important water resource -- our wetlands!

This event will give volunteers an understanding about how we can maintain and support Gwinnett's numerous wetlands. These areas help collect and store excess water to help prevent flooding in local streams, rivers, and lakes.

There are multiple locations around Gwinnett that are participating, but in District 2, you can volunteer for litter pickup at Club Drive Park. Learn more and register for a volunteer slot today.

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 episodes included a District 2 update regarding some of the latest BOC approvals, like the recent budget approval, as well as the January snow storms. I also recorded an interview with the new Parks and Recreation Department Director Chris Minor.

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 Black History Month

Gwinnett County will celebrate Black History Month by recognizing the rich history of African American Labor and Black Family Reunions through the years.

Gwinnett will host an evening of soul food, music, special guests, and a historical exhibit displayed through the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville on Wednesday, February 19 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Residents interested in joining the celebration can register here.

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, February 26 at the One Justice Square first-floor conference center to learn about the revision to the tree ordinance provisions and help shape the future 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. One Justice Square is located at 446 West Crogan Street in Lawrenceville. To learn more, visit GwinnettCounty.com/TreeOrdinance.

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

Adventure Days Out

February 13, 14, and 17

When school's out, you can count on us for top-notch childcare! Ages 5-12. Kids will have a blast trying new games, making friends, and having a great time. Locations are available around the county. In District 2, Adventure Days Out will be held at Lucky Shoals Park. Registration is required and fees are $30/ for residents and $40/day for non-residents.

AARP Driver Safety Course

Thursday, February 20 from 9:00am to 4:00pm

Bethesda Park Senior Center (225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville)

This six-hour course is intended for seasoned drivers, but anyone may take the course, ages 50 and up. The cost for the class is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members paid to the instructor the day of the class. Learn more and register for the course. 

Water Conservation Course: Rain Barrels

Saturday, February 22 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Lilburn City Park Pavilion (76 Main St NW, Lilburn)

Why pay to water your flower beds when rain is free? Learn how to collect and store rainwater in a rain barrel for use in your landscape. While the course is free, there is a $40 fee for the rain barrel you will receive. Register online by visiting Gwinnetth2o.com/Events.

Entrepreneur Center Tour

Wednesday, February 26 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm | Free

405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville

If you are interested in learning more about what the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center offers, consider a staff-guided tour. This one hour tour offers direct insight into the benefits, purpose and mission of the Center as well as an opportunity for questions and answers. Register here.