Board of Commissioners adopts budget for 2025

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners 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 Gwinnett County Government 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. 

Police Badges and Youth Education Program 

Gwinnett Police is offering a monthly program giving youth in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to connect with police officers at the training center and at police precincts across Gwinnett County.

The department is hosting interactive sessions focused on a variety of safety and security topics relevant to youth at home, school, the bus stop, places of worship, and more. Participants will learn about different scenarios and learn how to navigate them safely.

Classes are for youth only. Each class will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Registration is required, and seating is limited. Register for each session by visiting the Badges and Youth webpage.

For more information about the Badges and Youth Education Program, please email 

PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com. 

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 are to 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.

Purchase plants during the 2025 UGA Plant Sale

Enhance your landscape this spring and choose from a variety of flowering and fruit plants to support 4-H and Master Gardner projects.

Preorders are currently being accepted and will end on Friday, February 28.

To place a preorder, complete the 2025 UGA Plant Sale order form and submit it with your payment by mail or in person at UGA Extension Gwinnett, located at 750 South Perry Street in Lawrenceville. Orders and payments are not accepted by phone.

The Pickup and Bonus Sale is from 9:00am to 5:45pm on Thursday, March 13 at the Davis Road entrance of the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Checks and credit cards will be accepted. Refunds or late pickups are not permitted. To learn more about UGA Extension Gwinnett, visit GwinnettExtension.com.

Provide feedback to help Gwinnett's tree canopy 

As Gwinnett continues to grow, we want to ensure that we are not just adding buildings but also growing and preserving our green spaces.

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.

You can help by sharing your input in the Tree Ordinance Survey through Friday, January 31. Your feedback will help shape how we balance growth with the care of our tree canopy. Through research, community input, and thoughtful planning, we can ensure Gwinnett County remains a vibrant, green place to live, work, and play. 

Sign up for CPR training classes

Hands-only CPR is designed to equip Gwinnett County residents with the knowledge and understanding needed during a cardiac emergency. Sign up for the class to the lifesaving skills you need to provide faster, effective assistance for such a situation. Classes are held twice a month, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters, located at 408 Hurricane Shoals Road in Lawrenceville. To register, visit GwinnettCounty.com/CPRSignUp. 

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 offered in the form of a grant:

• 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.

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

Ask The Expert: Unlock the Door to Government Contracting Success

Thursday, January 23 from 10:00am to noon | Free

Join us for an in-depth workshop designed to guide you through the complexities of government contracting. Whether you're new to the business or looking to refine your approach, this workshop will provide you with the insights and tools needed to thrive in the competitive world of government contracts. Sign up online. Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center, 405 North Perry Street, Lawrenceville.

Lunar New Year Celebration

Wednesday, January 29 from 4:30pm to 5:30pm | Free

Join us as we celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday, also known as Spring Festival! This free, family-friendly Lunar New Year event celebrates the arrival of the Year of the Snake. We will learn about the history and customs of this important holiday and do a fun craft activity! All ages. Gwinnett County Public Library, Suwanee Branch, 361 Main Street, Suwanee.

Winter Adventure Club: Rascally Raccoons

Tuesday, February 4 from 10:00am to 11:00am | Free

They're called the "Bandits of the Forest," and they are found abundantly in Georgia. Who are these masked forest friends, and what are they doing in the cover of night? Join us as we learn all about raccoons with a story, songs, and hands-on activities. For more information, call 770.904.3500. Ages 2 to 5. Register online. Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford.

Stand By Me Dance

Thursday, February 13 from 10:00am to noon

Dance your heart out this Valentine's Day with your child or grandchild! Enjoy family activities, crafts, and light refreshments. All ages. Register online. The fee is $10 for Gwinnett residents and $20 for non-Gwinnett residents. OneStop Buford, 2755 Sawnee Avenue, Buford.