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March 2025

Happy March, everyone!


As a former farmer, I understand the importance of supporting agriculture and the 177 small farms here in Gwinnett County.


Last month, the USDA and Urban Farmers gave the Board of Commissioners a presentation about ways to strengthen our farmers and food systems throughout the county. As it warms up, please be sure to make space in your weekend schedule to visit a farmers market and support local farmers!


There's also news for the neighborhood chicken lovers. Gwinnett’s Unified Development Ordinance (Section 210-140.2) regulates livestock and chicken keeping.

In agricultural zones, livestock is permitted with a 100-foot setback. In other zones, livestock is allowed on parcels of 3+ acres, also with a 100-foot setback. For chickens in residential areas, a minimum 10,500 square foot lot is required.

Chicken numbers are capped based on lot size, roosters are prohibited, and coops must meet setback and space requirements. Chickens must be for personal use only, not for slaughter or sale, and must be kept in sanitary conditions.


So, before you count your chickens, be sure you know how many the ordinance allows, and where they're allowed to roost! For more information, visit Gwinnett's Planning & Development website, or contact the department at 678.518.6000.


Also, a reminder to join me and State Representative Matt Reeves for an informal meet and greet on Saturday, March 22 from 8:30am to 10:30am at the Brown Bag Deli at Suwanee Town Center.


Come by to share a cup of coffee with us as we give updates from the State Capitol and the County. Representative Matt Reeves represents Suwanee, Sugar Hill, and Duluth in Georgia State House District 99.


Email me at Matthew.Holtkamp@GwinnettCounty.com with any questions.


See you soon!

Happening Around Gwinnett

Gwinnett County accepting nominations for Police Rising Star Youth Award

The Gwinnett Police Community Affairs team is accepting nominations for the 2025 Gwinnett Police Rising Star Award. This award recognizes Gwinnett youth for their roles as active volunteers in the community.


Middle or high school students are awarded for outstanding volunteer service activities completed during 2024. Recipients will receive a Rising Star Award, a Chief of Police coin, a VIP Tour of the Gwinnett County Police Training facility, and other prizes. The department is accepting nominations through Monday, March 31 at GwinnettCounty.com/RisingStar

Save the date for annual Supplier Networking Event

The 17th annual Gwinnett County Supplier Networking Event will take place on Thursday, April 24 at the Gas South Convention Center from 8:30am to 11:30am.

 

This event gives suppliers the opportunity to meet 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 the Gwinnett Youth Commission

Learn how to affect change in your community by joining the Gwinnett Youth Commission! This summer intensive program is designed to educate youth about local government and engage them in civic affairs.


High school students will experience behind-the-scenes tours of Gwinnett County Government, interact with government leaders, and receive community leadership training designed to foster the next generation of leaders for Gwinnett County. Gwinnett Youth Commissioners are representative voices of the County’s youth and serve as representatives to its elected officials. The application deadline is Tuesday, April 15. Learn more about the program and apply at GwinnettCounty.com/GYC.   

Recycle your glass

Did you know that Gwinnett operates 13 glass recycling locations? Join Gwinnett Solid Waste and Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful at glass recycling pop up events throughout the county in March and and April. Residents are encouraged to bring their glass to recycle and receive free bags and other items at each event.


The next pop up is Monday, March 24 at Bethesda Park in Lawrenceville from noon to 4:00pm. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/Recycling for future pop up events. Contact Solid Waste at GCSolidWaste@GwinnettCounty.com or call 770.822.7141 with any questions.

2025 State of the County

Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson announced a historic step in addressing affordable housing during her fifth State of the County address.


Additional takeaways included expanding the County’s nondiscrimination ordinance, introducing community service aides to enhance support for Gwinnett Police, and transit and infrastructure planning for a growing county. Learn more about the 2025 State of the County address.

What's New in District 4

Learn how to fix a water leak

Get ready to save water and money at this DIY Fix-A-Leak Water Conservation workshop on Tuesday, March 18 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the Water Tower in Buford. You’ll learn simple leak repairs like replacing a toilet flapper or fixing a faucet from certified plumbers. By attending a Water Quality Workshop, you may qualify for a 5% credit on your Stormwater Utility Fee. Attendees of Water Conservation Workshops also receive a water conservation kit for either indoor or outdoor fixtures. Register online by visiting GwinnettH2o.com/Events.

Homework help for students

Does your child need help with school work? Get homework help from Gwinnett County Public Library volunteers. They can support your child with subjects including Language Arts, Math, and Science! Drop-in sessions are welcome and there is no registration is required. Volunteers can assist students ages 6 to 18.


The next session is Wednesday, March 19 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Buford-Sugar Hill Branch. Additional Homework Help sessions will also be offered at Hamilton Mill and Collins Hill branches. Visit the Gwinnett Public Library website for a complete list of dates and times.

Seniors may qualify for a tax exemption

Residents who are 65 or older as of January 1 with Georgia taxable income below $121,432 might qualify for the Senior School Tax Homestead Exemption.


Qualifying residents must own and occupy their home as of January 1 and must apply by April 1 to receive the exemption on this year's tax bill. If not required to file taxes, seniors can provide other proof of income to qualify. Learn more and apply at GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/Seniors.

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Special Events and Happenings

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


Time Travel Trivia

Thursday, March 20 from 11:00am to 1:00pm | $5

Dress up in your favorite time era attire and enjoy an afternoon of historical trivia. Bring your favorite retro snack to share. Prizes to the winner. Dessert and drinks provided. Ages 50 and up. Register online. Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford.


Bogan Kids Club: Seuss is on the Loose

Friday, March 21 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm | $8

Kids can spend a fun night at the pool celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday! It will be an evening of swimming, games, crafts, dinner, and fun! Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes. Ages 6 to 12. Register online. Bogan Park Community Aquatic Center, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford.


Birds of a Feather

Saturday, April 5 from 9:00am to 11:30am | Free

Take wing this spring! Join guides for a bird themed take-home craft at the pavilion for the youngsters and young at heart before heading out to the trails to look for birds in the wetland and woods. No birding expertise required. Binoculars provided or bring your own. Call 678.277.0902 for additional information. Open to all ages. Register online. George Pierce Park, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee.


Pretty Patios Palooza Bingo

Friday, April 11 from 10:00am to noon | $7

Get planting with great gardening tips and tricks! Win some garden prizes at Patio Palooza Bingo. Light refreshments will be served. Ages 50 and up. Register online. George Pierce Park Recreational Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee.