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January 2026

Happy New Year, District 4!


I hope your 2026 is already off to a great start. Each new year brings plenty of promise and opportunity, and I hope you take full advantage of them. 


Here in District 4, we want to recognize important milestones and celebrate community events with our residents. This could be someone celebrating their 100th birthday in 2026, a notable achievement of a school group or business, or perhaps you know someone who has made a significant contribution to your community. Please reach out to my office and let us know! You can contact me at Matthew.Holtkamp@GwinnettCounty.com or 770.822.7052.


It's an honor when I can represent the BOC as we present proclamations to Gwinnett residents and groups. Below are a few we recognized in 2025. 

July 15: Recognizing Gwinnett Technical College students, Khalia Clemons and Sydney Wade, who were named recipients of the prestigious Georgia Foundation for Agriculture scholarship.

September 25: Recognizing the Mall of Georgia, the Mill Creek Landowners Association, Simon Property Group, and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding contributions to the community.

October 7: Recognizing Oct. 5-11, 2025, as 4-H Week in Gwinnett County, a wonderful group which equips youth with skills for the future.

Last but not least, mark your calendars for my first town hall of the year on Monday, March 23 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Water Tower in Buford. Your input is extremely valuable to me as District 4 Commissioner, so I encourage you to stop by as we discuss the state of our district and find ways to make our community the best it can be. 


Matthew Holtkamp

District 4 Commissioner

Happening Around Gwinnett

Board of Commissioners adopts 2026 budget

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved a $2.58 billion budget to fund County operations and projects for 2026, a reduction of $84.6 million from the previous year. The approved budget consists of a $2.15 billion operating budget and a $431 million capital budget, which includes funds from the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program.


The adopted budget allows Gwinnett County Government to continue its focus on providing high-quality service and programs in areas including public safety and infrastructure. Commissioners listened to public comments on the budget at a public hearing on Dec. 2 and accepted comments submitted online through Dec. 31 before making their final decision.


The adopted 2026 budget resolution and supporting documents are available online at GwinnettCounty.com.

Bring One for the Chipper!

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful is once again hosting their Christmas tree mulching event, Bring One for the Chipper. Rather than placing your live tree by the curb after the holidays, the eco-friendly organization encourages residents to take part in one of the largest "treecycling" events in Georgia!


Drop off live trees at designated Fire Stations around the county until January 21. Trees must be free of lights, tinsel, decorations, and tree stands before they are dropped off.

Attend Gwinnett's annual hiring event

Join us for our Career From Here job fair at Gas South Convention Center on Tuesday, February 3 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Explore exciting career opportunities with Gwinnett County Government, offering competitive pay and benefits.


Several County departments will be conducting interviews onsite and may extend conditional job offers on the spot. For more details and to register, visit GwinnettCounty.com/2026CareerFromHere.

What's New in District 4

Pedestrian safety improvements coming near Dyer Elementary

Gwinnett County is enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians near Dyer Elementary School. New sidewalks will be installed on the north side of Hurricane Shoals Road from the school to Retreat Drive and on the west side of Rabbit Hill Circle from Hurricane Shoals Road to Hood Road.


The $1.3 million project will be funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program as part of the County’s ongoing commitment to building a more walkable, sustainable community. Learn more about how your pennies work in Gwinnett at GwinnettSPLOST.com.

Apply for Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy

Ever wondered how county government really works? Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy is a 12-week program that aims to develop and nurture informed and engaged residents, students, and business owners in our county. Participants will interact with County government leaders, visit County facilities to get a glimpse of how we operate, and build a network with others who live, work, and learn in Gwinnett.


This free program is an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the services and decision-making processes that impact our community. Applications are open now through January 23. Learn more and apply at Gwinnett101.com today!

Explore ways to conserve water

Learn how to use water more efficiently at home and help protect our water resources! Attend the High Efficiency, Low Water Bill Workshop on Thursday, February 12 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center in Suwanee. Interested in collecting rainwater for your landscaping? Join us on Saturday, February 28 at 10:00am for a rain barrel workshop at the Grayson Senior Center in Grayson.


Visit Gwinnetth2o.com, call 678.376.7193, or email DWRworkshops@GwinnettCounty.com with your name, address, and phone number to register for either workshop.

Special Events and Happenings

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


Expert Workshop: Unlock the Door to Government Contracting Success

Thursday, January 22 from 10:00am to 11:30am | 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.

Ages 19 and up. Register online. Virtual or in-person available at Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center, 405 N. Perry Street, Lawrenceville.


Teen Advisory Council

Thursday, January 22 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm | Free

The Teen Advisory Council is a library volunteer club for teens that meets once a month. Members assist with creating and planning library programs for teens. Volunteers earn 2 hours of volunteer credit for every one-hour meeting.

Ages 12-18. Buford-Sugar Hill Branch Library, 2100 Buford Highway, Buford.


Ready, Set, Apply!

Tuesday, January 27 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm | Free

Kick off your college planning with confidence as we walk through the college admissions process. You'll learn how to research schools that match your goals, what colleges look for, and how to start building your application now. Whether you're just beginning your college journey or looking to refocus, this workshop offers the tools and strategies you need to succeed every step of the way!

Ages 16 and up. Collins Hill Branch Library, 455 Camp Perrin Road, Lawrenceville.


Hike & Hotcakes

Saturday, January 31 from 10:00am to noon | $8/person

Join us for a refreshing winter adventure where the crisp air meets warm, fluffy pancakes! Lace up your boots and hit the trails for a scenic winter hike through Bogan Park. After working up an appetite, gather around for a delicious pancake breakfast—complete with syrup, butter, and all your favorite toppings.

All ages. Register online. Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 N Bogan Road, Buford.