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Greetings!
Happy July, District 3!
I hope you all had a safe and happy Independence Day with family and friends. If you're looking to keep the 250th anniversary celebrations going, be sure check out the details about Gwinnett's events below — including a photo challenge you won't want to miss.
This newsletter also has information on an upcoming update to the county's Solid Waste Management Plan. I encourage you to read up and stay tuned for more details as they become available.
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In honor of Veterans Day, I would like to celebrate Gwinnett's centenarian veterans — those 100 years old or older — by displaying commemorative pole flags outside the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. Each flag will feature the veteran's photo, name, rank, branch of service, and conflict. If you know a qualifying veteran, please share their contact information (or that of their caregiver/representative), including mailing address, phone number, and email. If you know someone who might like to be recognized, please email the requested information to Neshanta.Banks@GwinnettCounty.com no later than Tuesday, September 1. In the near future, there will also be a form posted on the Gwinnett County website that may be completed and submitted.
As always, there is a lot happening in District 3 and Gwinnett, so let's dive in.
| | Happening Around Gwinnett | | |
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with Gwinnett
This July, Gwinnett joins the nation in celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Home to more than 1 million residents, Gwinnett embraces our country’s vision: to be a nation where everyone can thrive regardless of their backgrounds or beginnings.
From July 4 to August 2, residents can take part in the County’s celebration, “Realizing America's Vision: Celebrating 250 Years,” by participating in a community photo challenge, attending local events, and more. Together, we can honor the history and vision that shape our local heritage, culture, and future. These stories remind us that Gwinnett's story is part of America's story — and that our future is strongest when everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/250 to learn more and get involved.
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Back-to-School Supply Drive
Set students up for success in the next school year! The Gwinnett County Police Department is holding a Back-to-School Supply Drive to help ensure every child starts the 2026-2027 school year prepared and confident.
Residents can drop off new backpacks and school supplies at Police Headquarters or any Police Precinct, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm through July 17. Help kids get a fresh start with donations of calculators, notebooks, rulers, and more. Find the full list and more information at GwinnettPolice.com.
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Apply to be part of the 50th Citizens Police Academy
Want to learn more about your police department, its operations, or even experience a police ride-along? The Police Department is proud to celebrate the 50th Citizens Police Academy, marking a milestone class that continues the commitment to connecting the community with its police department.
Applications are being accepted through Friday, July 24 for the next session, which will run from August 31 to October 1. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/CitizensPoliceAcademy to apply and learn more.
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Applications are now open for the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program
Gwinnett County homeowners can apply for up to $20,000 in assistance for essential home repairs, including roof, HVAC, and plumbing repairs. Assistance is provided as a five-year deferred payment loan at 0% interest with no monthly payments. Apply now through Friday, July 31 at GwinnettCounty.com/HomeownerRehab. For questions, contact Gwinnett Housing and Community Development at 678.518.6008.
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Vote in advance for the July 28 Special Election for U.S. Congressional District 13
Advance in-person voting for the July 28 Special Election for United States Congressional District 13 continues every day until Friday, July 24.
- Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 7:00pm
- Saturdays: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Sundays: noon – 5:00pm
Registered voters can vote advance in-person at any of the three Gwinnett County advance voting locations. Only voters in United States Congressional District 13 are eligible to vote in this election.
On Election Day, Tuesday, July 28, the polls will be open from 7:00am until 7:00pm. Registered voters must vote at their assigned polling location on Election Day. Visit MVP.SOS.GA.gov to check your voter registration, confirm your U.S. Congressional District, find your Election Day polling location, and view a sample ballot.
Vote por adelantado en la Elección Especial del 28 de julio para el Distrito 13 del Congreso de los Estados Unidos
La votación adelantada en persona para la Elección Especial del 28 de julio para el Distrito 13 del Congreso de los Estados Unidos continúa todos los días hasta el viernes 24 de julio.
- Lunes – viernes: 7:00am – 7:00pm
- Sábados: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Domingos: mediodía – 5:00pm
Los votantes inscritos pueden votar en persona en cualquiera de los tres lugares de votación adelantada del Condado de Gwinnett. Solo los votantes del Distrito 13 del Congreso de los Estados Unidos pueden votar en esta elección.
El Día de las Elecciones, el martes 28 de julio, los lugares de votación estarán abiertos desde las 7:00am hasta las 7:00pm. Los votantes inscritos deben votar en su lugar de votación asignado el Día de las Elecciones. Visite MVP.SOS.GA.gov para confirmar su inscripción de votante, confirmar su distrito electoral del Congreso de los Estados Unidos, encontrar su lugar de votación para el Día de las Elecciones, y ver una boleta de muestra.
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County to update solid waste management plan
Gwinnett County is updating its Solid Waste Management Plan and inviting residents to participate in the planning process. District 3 cities Dacula, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Loganville, and Snellville will partner with the County's plan, which aims to ensure Gwinnett has adequate capacity to manage solid waste for at least 10 years.
Additional public hearings will be held soon, which will give residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to review the plan, ask questions, and provide comments. More information will be coming soon.
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Learn more about the Harbins-Alcovy Small Area Plan
How do you envision the Harbins-Alcovy area? We want to hear from you! Join us at an upcoming open house at Dacula High School on Wednesday, July 22 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm or Saturday, August 29 from 9:00am to noon.
If you live, work, or visit the area, your input is vital to thoughtfully balancing future development with the preservation of the community's rural character and agricultural heritage. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/HarbinsAlcovy for more information.
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Join the Gwinnett County Public Library for free summer reading program
This summer, kids can learn how the same water dinosaurs drank millions of years ago is the same water we use today! Children ages 5 and up can join the Gwinnett County Public Library and Gwinnett Water Resources for Jurassic Drop: Adventures in Water Conservation, a free summer education program.
With help from a Lanier-o-Saurus, they’ll learn how water on Earth has been recycled for millions of years and discover ways to conserve water at home and school. Programs will take place on Fridays at 11:00am throughout the summer. For a full list of dates and locations, visit GwinnettLibrary.com.
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Grab a summer meal on the go
Gwinnett's Summer Meals program is back, providing free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch to children 18 and younger and those 19 and older with disabilities. Nutritious meals are available through Friday, July 31 and can be picked up Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm, while supplies last.
Locations available in District 3 are Dacula Park, Rhodes Jordan Park, Vines Park, and the Lenora Park Gym. For the complete list of locations, bus routes, and more at GwinnettSummerMeals.com.
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Celebrate 40 years of Gwinnett Parks and Recreation
This year marks a major milestone — Gwinnett Parks is celebrating 40 years of excellence! Since 1986, our parks have grown into vibrant spaces filled with trails, playgrounds, sports courts and fields, community gardens, and countless memories. Throughout the year, we’ll be honoring our legacy with special events, programs, and stories that highlight the people and experiences that helped shape four decades of Gwinnett Parks. Join us as we celebrate our history and look ahead to the next 40 years of adventure and community. Learn more at GwinnettParks.com.
| | Special Events and Happenings | | |
Firefly Frenzy
Friday, July 17 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm
Georgia has 50+ different species of fireflies, more than any other state in the country. Join us as we witness this summer phenomenon, and help record valuable data on these incredible insects! Open to all ages. Register online. Vines Park, 3500 Oak Grove Road, Loganville. Event cost: Free!
80s Summer Bash
Saturday, July 18 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Join us at the Dacula Park Pool for food, games, swimming, water safety information, and an 80s summer costume contest! Don't miss this opportunity to make lasting memories while learning how to stay safe at the pool! Open to all ages. Register online. Dacula Park, 205 Dacula Road, Dacula. Event cost: $12.00/Gwinnett residents
Ice Cream Pool Party
Sunday, July 19 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at the pool! Enjoy splashing around in the water and enjoying some cool ice cream treats. Open to all ages. Register online. Lenora Park, 4315 Lenora Church Road, Snellville. Event cost: $11.00/Gwinnett Residents
| | Commissioner Watkins in the Community | | |
Thank you to everyone who came out for the joint town hall between myself, District 4 Commissioner Holtkamp, and Dacula Mayor Trey King. I was proud to see such excellent attendance, and I sincerely appreciate your questions!
I'm also grateful to all the Gwinnett County leadership and staff who helped make the meeting such a success. There wasn't a single question we could not answer or resolve. Keep showing up for our community!
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I was honored to present a proclamation to the Sisterhood Circle of Service with District 1 Commissioner Carden. This amazing group of women have turned friendship into a force for good here in Gwinnett.
They provide scholarships to deserving students, uplift seniors, support local families, champion health and wellness and much more. They believe in a Gwinnett where every resident feels valued and supported, and we're grateful for their service.
| | Updates from the District 3 Boards | | |
Congratulations to the newest District 3 Board Appointee, Nikki Withrow, who is filling the unexpired term of Katrina Fellows on the Planning Commission. We appreciate your time and service to Gwinnett County Government and your fellow residents.
If you have any questions about District 3 Zoning, please contact the District 3 Planning Commissioners.
District 3 Planning Commissioners
Ben Archer, Ben.Archer@GwinnettCounty.com and Nikki Withrow, Nikki.Withrow@GwinnettCounty.com
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