OFFICE OF FULTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRIDGET THORNE DISTRICT 1 | | Welcome to District 1 Digest | | |
In this digest, our office will share important updates, community highlights, county actions, and events happening across North Fulton and Fulton County. From Assembly Hall decisions to neighborhood meetings, infrastructure projects, and community celebrations, this newsletter is designed to keep residents informed, engaged, and connected to the work being done on their behalf.
We are excited to launch this monthly recap as a new way to highlight progress, partnerships, and the people who make North Fulton such a strong community. Thank you for following along and staying involved — we look forward to continuing the conversation each month.
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Fulton County continues to invest in the well-being of residents through the 2026 Community Services Program (CSP), approving more than $5.3 million in funding for 153 nonprofit organizations delivering essential services across the county. Since 2016, Fulton County has invested nearly $58 million into the CSP model, supporting programs focused on children and youth services, disabilities, economic stability, health and wellness, homelessness, senior services, and veterans housing programs. These partnerships help provide critical resources and support to residents and families throughout Fulton County, strengthening communities and improving quality of life for those most in need.
We are so thrilled to announce our 2026 Community Service Partners Grant Recipients:
District 1:
Champions Community Foundation
Children's Development Academy
Family Promise of North Fulton and Dekalb
Housing Initiative of North Fulton--HomeStretch
National Incarceration Association, Inc
Perfect Harmony Health
PRISM of Georgia
Raksha Inc.
Reach Out and Read Inc.
Senior Services North Fulton
Skye Precious Kids
STAR House Foundation
The Drake House, Inc.
The Summit Counseling Center, Inc
District 2:
Communities In Schools of Atlanta
Giving Health Inc.
Los Ninos Primero Inc
Mary Hall Freedom Village, Inc
North Fulton Community Charities, Inc
Toolbox, INC.
Vision Warriors
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We are thrilled to welcome our NEW District Appointees who will be serving District 1!
FULTON COUNTY HIV/AIDS PREVENTION, CARE AND POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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Hayley Belles
"I'm honored and thrilled to join the Fulton County HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Policy Advisory Committee. Atlanta is home to me, and as an infectious disease epidemiologist, I've spent my career working at the intersection of surveillance, outbreak response, and health systems — so Fulton County's HIV burden is something I take both personally and professionally seriously. I look forward to bringing an epidemiological perspective to the strategies and policies that will move the needle on HIV elimination for the people most impacted in our community."
Learn More about the Fulton County HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Policy Advisory Committee
| | | | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ALLOCATION PROCESS CITIZEN REVIEW PANEL | |
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Baudouin Akoh
"Having navigated the halls of international diplomacy, I now find my truest calling sitting with neighbors in Fulton County. I have learned that the most enduring diplomacy is profoundly local. It thrives where decisions about safe housing, economic opportunity, and human dignity shape real lives. When communities are empowered to lead their own development, we build a lasting peace that no treaty alone can secure."
Learn More about the CDBG Board
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Board Reappointments
Jeffrey Johansen - Region III Emergency Medical Services Council
Tais Keyser - Commission on Disability Affairs
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Senator Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to expand services for Georgia seniors, including upgrades to senior service facilities.
Senator Ossoff will be delivering funding of $2,015,000 to Fulton county to provide upgrades to 4 senior service facilities in Northwest Atlanta, Northeast Atlanta, East Point, and Sandy Springs.
Read the full Press Release here
| | Senior Services North Fulton remains one of our valued nonprofit partners serving residents throughout North Fulton. We were grateful for the opportunity to work alongside their team last summer, when our interns helped develop an app to support their Meals on Wheels program for seniors. We are pleased to continue our partnership through their quarterly partners meetings and look forward to ongoing collaboration to better serve our senior community. | | Each quarter, we join fellow North Fulton mayors, business leaders, and regional partners at the North Fulton Mayors Association meeting to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for collaboration. These meetings provide a valuable forum for local governments and community stakeholders to work together on issues impacting the region, including transportation, economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. By fostering strong partnerships and open communication, North Fulton leaders continue working together to make our communities stronger and better positioned for future growth. | | Advocating for North Fulton with our federal delegation alongside business leaders and municipal partners at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce 2026 Washington, D.C. Fly-in. It is great to attend with local leaders to engage with our federal leadership (Ossoff, Warnock, McCormick, and McBath) on current issues and advocate for policies that are beneficial to our region. | | |
Trail Connection of Big Creek Greenway
May 26th
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We are proud to welcome True North 400, formerly known as the North Fulton Community Improvement District, along with Kimley-Horn, engineering and design consultants, for a site walkthrough as we begin planning for a new outdoor trail connecting Big Creek Greenway directly to our facility. Creating a direct connection to the Big Creek Greenway will provide residents with a convenient way to access the facility as well as seniors and adults with disabilities who use our facillity a chance to explore nature.
By partnering with organizations like True North 400 and Kimley-Horn, we are working together to build a more connected North Fulton – one that prioritizes accessibility, public health, and long-term growth.
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Our District 1 Offices are located on the 2nd Floor at HHS North! Stop by and see us! 4700 North Point Parkway Alpharetta, GA
When our District Office relocated to the new Fulton County Health and Human Services North facility, we faced the challenge of furnishing a brand-new space. Thanks to a generous furniture donation from PPL, that challenge quickly became an opportunity to strengthen services across Fulton County.
This month, PPL donated furniture not only to our new Health and Human Services North facility, but also to several Fulton County senior service locations, helping create comfortable, functional spaces for both residents and staff.
PPL's commitment to supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities closely aligns with Fulton County's mission to serve our most vulnerable residents. This partnership is a great example of how community collaboration can enhance public services and make a meaningful impact throughout our county. We are grateful for PPL's generosity and their continued dedication to improving the quality of life for Fulton County residents.
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National Day of Prayer
May 7th
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The National Day of Prayer gathering at Alpharetta City Hall brought together community members, faith leaders, and local officials from across North Fulton for a time of reflection, prayer, and unity. The event highlighted the importance of coming together across the community to recognize shared values and the role of faith and civic engagement in strengthening our region.
| | Memorial Day observances were held across North Fulton to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Community members, veterans, and local leaders gathered in Alpharetta and Milton for ceremonies of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. These events served as a meaningful reminder of the importance of honoring those who have served and preserving the freedoms they defended. | | Proclamations Recognized This Month | | | |
Falun Dafa Day
It was an honor to recognize Falun Dafa Day to the Falun Dafa Association of Atlanta during their May 10 celebration.
Learn More about the Falun Dafa Day Association of Atlanta
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Taiwanese American Heritage Week
On May 8th, we attended a special celebration at Innovation Academy recognizing Taiwanese American Heritage Week
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Troop 2000 Eagle Scout Ceremony
On May 16th, we honored 4 outstanding members of Troop 2000 with a proclamationwho achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations to Emanuel Guzman, Puneeth Sreerama, Rohan Dalal, and Tarania Ramesh.
| | UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS | |
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Stella Love Nonprofit Fun Run Fundraiser
Saturday, June 27th
Join us for a special 5K run/walk hosted by the Milton High School Cross Country Team and Alpha Crush Running Club in support of the Pedal Forward Foundation and Stella Love Nonprofit. Participants will have the unique opportunity to run on the Milton High School Cross Country course, home of the 2024 5A State Champion team. Proceeds from the event will directly support these organizations and their efforts to assist local children and families in need.
Register Here!
| | | | NORTH FULTON 4TH OF JULY EVENTS | |
City of Alpharetta July 4th Fireworks at Wills Park
Date: Saturday, July 4th
Location: Wills Park
11925 Wills Road
Alpharetta, GA
Time: Fireworks will begin at 9:15pm
Read More about this event here
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City of Johns Creek America 250- Independence Day Celebration July 4th Fireworks at Wills Park
Date: Friday, July 3rd 2026
Location: The Boardwalk at Town Center
11362 Lakefield Drive
Johns Creek, GA 30097
Time: 6pm-10pm (Fireworks after 9pm)
Read More about this event here
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City of Roswell Annual 4th of July Celebration
Date: Friday, July 4th 2026
Location: Roswell Area Park
10495 Woodstock Road
Roswell, GA
Time: 6pm-10pm
Read More about this event here
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City of Sandy Springs Stars & Stripes July 4th Fireworks Celebration
Date: Friday, July 4th 2026
Location: City Springs District
1 Galambos Way
Sandy Springs, GA
Time: 4pm-10pm
Fireworks start at 9:30pm
Read More about this event here
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City of Milton Red, White and YOU Independence Day Parade
Date: Thursday, July 3rd 2026
Location: Broadwell Pavillion
12615 Broadwell Road
Milton, GA
Time: 9am-12pm
Read More about this event here
| | Our office is here to support you—feel free to contact us with questions and concerns anytime. | | |
Edward Leidelmeijer
Chief of Staff
edward.leidelmeijer@fultoncountyga.gov
Gracie Hogg
Director of District & Community Affairs
gracie.hogg@fultoncountyga.gov
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Cara Cramer
Director of Communications
cara.cramer@fultoncountyga.gov
Daniel White
Special Assistant
daniel.white@fultoncountyga.gov
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