News and Events in District 4 with Commissioner Holtkamp

August 2025

Happy August, District 4!

I hope this message finds you well as we kick off a new month.

I'm still reflecting on last month's City of Auburn Co-Town Hall, and I want to extend a huge thank you to all who attended. It was truly an historic event, especially being the first of its kind with the City of Auburn.

Mayor Rick Roquemore and I had a wonderful time enjoying the Auburn Downtown Farmers Market prior to the town hall. It was a great way to start the evening, connecting with our community and supporting local businesses.

I was especially grateful to be joined by Major John Bailey, Gwinnett County East Precinct Commander, and Chris Hayward, Planning and Development Assistant Director, who shared important updates. Engaging directly with you, our constituents and small business owners, at these types of events is precisely the reason I ran for office. Your insights and participation are invaluable and truly guide my work.

Also, the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners is considering keeping the general fund millage rate the same as last year, at 6.950 mills. Mark your calendars for this month's Millage Rate Adoption Public Hearings:

Tuesday, August 12 at 11:00am and 6:30pm
Tuesday, August 19 at 11:00am

All hearings will be held in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. County staff will be available to answer your questions.

I wish everyone a wonderful end of summer and our Gwinnett scholars an excellent return to school!

Happening Around Gwinnett

Get a grant toward your first home

If you're a first-time homebuyer, you might be eligible for Gwinnett’s Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program. New or existing Gwinnett residents aspiring to own a home can receive down payment assistance of up to $10,000 as a five-year deferred payment loan with 0% interest.

To qualify, the home must be located within Gwinnett County. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/HomestretchDPA for a list of eligibility requirements and to apply.

Renew your tag online

Did you know you can take care of many of your motor vehicle needs without leaving home? The Georgia Department of Revenue's E-Services portal makes it easy and convenient to handle a variety of tasks online.

You can save time and skip the trip to a service center by renewing or canceling your tag, renewing your license or ID, or paying outstanding fees online. Visit Eservices.Drives.GA.GOV to get started and conduct these services from the comfort of your home.

Step into the wonderful world of plants

Join a fascinating virtual presentation on some of nature's most extraordinary plants! From carnivorous flytraps to alien-like succulents and trees with surprising behaviors, you'll explore the mind-bending ways these plants survive and thrive. UGA Extension Gwinnett will help you discover the incredible adaptations that make these plants stand out and celebrate the fascinating diversity of life on Earth.

This free virtual program, "Weirdest Plants on Earth," is happening on Thursday, August 21, at 6:00pm. It also qualifies for master gardener continuing education credit. For more information, please contact UGE1135@uga.edu.

What's New in District 4

Tea and Tram Tuesday

Enjoy a relaxing morning with a peaceful tram ride and a refreshing cup of tea at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center. On Tuesday, September 2, from 9:00am to 11:00am, residents ages 50 and up can take an open-air tram ride through our beautiful trails, then tour Gwinnett’s first LEED-certified building to learn what makes the Center so eco-friendly.

Light refreshments will be provided and this event costs $5 for Gwinnett residents. Learn more at GwinnettParks.com.

Protect your water, perfect your yard

Attend two free workshops this September to learn how to care for your yard while protecting local water resources. First, get tips on erosion control and see hands-on demonstrations at the Backyard Stream Restoration Workshop on Saturday, September 13, from noon to 2:00pm at Ronald Reagan Park.

Then, discover how to maintain your landscape without excessive outdoor water use at the Waterwise Landscaping Workshop on Tuesday, September 16, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the Suwanee Branch Library. To register for either workshop, visit GwinnettH2o.com.

Special Events and Happenings

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

Teen Advisory Council

Thursday, August 14 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm | Free

Join these monthly Teen Advisory Council (TAC) meetings to assist in creating and planning local teen events, earning two hours of volunteer credit for every one-hour meeting.

Ages 12 to 18. Register online. Gwinnett Public Library Buford-Sugar Hill Branch, 2100 Buford Highway, Buford.

Read to Mr. Bunbun

Sunday, August 31 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm | Free

Practice your reading skills and build confidence by sharing a story with Mr. Bunbun, a friendly Havana rabbit who is an excellent listener, at the Collins Hill Library.

Ages 6 to 11. Register online. Gwinnett Public Library Collins Hill Branch, 455 Camp Perrin Road, Lawrenceville.

4-H Farm Friends at Gwinnett County Fair

Thursday, September 11 through Sunday, September 21 | Times and Prices Vary

Step inside the Big Red Barn at the Gwinnett County Fair for a hands-on farm experience, where you can get up close with rabbits, goats, and sheep and even try your hand at milking Daisy, the wooden cow.

All ages. Register online. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville.

Bogan Kids Club: Under the Sea

Friday, September 12 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm | $8

Come enjoy an evening of sea creatures, real and fiction, plus enjoy a delicious dinner! Bring a swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes.

Ages 6 to 12. Register online. Bogan Park, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford.