Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with Gwinnett

This July, Gwinnett joins the nation in celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Home to more than 1 million residents, Gwinnett embraces our country’s vision: to be a nation where everyone can thrive regardless of their backgrounds or beginnings.  

From July 4 to August 2, residents can take part in the County’s celebration, “Realizing America's Vision: Celebrating 250 Years,” by participating in a community photo challenge, attending local events, and more. Together, we can honor the history and vision that shape our local heritage, culture, and future. These stories remind us that Gwinnett's story is part of America's story — and that our future is strongest when everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/250 to learn more and get involved. 

County extends chronic care services through 2026

The Board of Commissioners approved funding for contracts with four health care providers to continue delivering chronic care services in Gwinnett through 2026, awarding a total of $550,000 to Good Samaritan Health Center of Gwinnett, Hope Clinic Inc., Four Corners Primary Care Centers Inc., and Behavioral Health of Georgia to treat patients with chronic illnesses and help them avoid emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Collectively, their efforts are projected to impact more than 9,000 individuals in the community. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/CoordinatedCare to find coordinated care resources.

Apply to serve in District 1

The Board of Commissioners approved the creation of a Homelessness Task Force that will bring community members together to develop a coordinated, streamlined, and actionable response to homelessness in Gwinnett. The task force will hold monthly meetings and serve as community representatives to identify service gaps, gather public input, review data, and evaluate best practices and strategies.

There is currently an opening for District 1 to serve on this task force. For more information about terms, meetings, and qualifications, visit GwinnettCounty.com. Applications are due Wednesday, July 15.

Instructions to Apply:

1.   Visit GwinnettCounty.com/ApplyToServe.
2.   Select District 1 from the "Send Application to" dropdown.
3.   Select the committee you wish to join from the "Select a Board/Authority/Committee" dropdown.
4.   Scroll down and click "Start Application."
5.   Create a username or log in to your account.
6.   Complete the application.

Apply to be part of the 50th Citizens Police Academy

Want to learn more about your police department, its operations, or even experience a police ride-along? The Police Department is proud to celebrate the 50th Citizens Police Academy, marking a milestone class that continues the commitment to connecting the community with its police department. 

Applications are being accepted through Friday, July 24 for the next session, which will run from August 31 to October 1. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/CitizensPoliceAcademy to apply and learn more.

What's New in District 1

Share your language skills

Do you speak Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, or Vietnamese? Multilingual volunteers are needed to help ensure all residents have access to important election information.

Volunteers will assist with translating election materials, participating in community outreach events, educating voters, and helping recruit multilingual poll officials.This is a meaningful opportunity to use your language skills to strengthen civic engagement and connect more residents with the voting process. Visit VolunteerGwinnett.net to learn more.

Stopping Leaks & Saving Water

Join us on Thursday, August 6 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm for a Consumer Education workshop at the Gwinnett County Public Library Duluth Branch. In this workshop, you will learn what steps you can take to help save water and how these small changes add up to significant savings each year.

Representatives from the Department of Water Resources will share information on how to use your water meter to perform a leak test, find the leak, and fix it to save water and money. Registration is recommended. This workshop is for ages 19 and up and is free to attend.

40 years of growing greener spaces

For 40 years, Gwinnett Parks have strengthened community well-being, protected natural spaces, and created safe places for wildlife and people to thrive. This anniversary year, we're highlighting the environmental impact of our parks — from tree plantings and community gardens to clean-up initiatives. Explore how Gwinnett Parks have grown more sustainable over the decades and help us shape the next 40 years of environmental stewardship. To learn more, visit GwinnettParks.com.

The Great Bug House Project

Saturday, July 18 from 10:00am to Noon

Get ready to dig, discover, and design during this hands-on program for kids! They’ll learn about insects and other tiny creatures in the natural world around them and why they are important to healthy ecosystems. After a short lesson, kids will build their own bug habitats using natural and recycled materials Light refreshments will be provided. Open to ages 7-12. Register online. Jones Bridge Park, 4901 E Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: $5.00/Gwinnett residents

Colombia Celebration

Sunday, July 19 from Noon to 7:00pm

Have a splash at this community celebration honoring Colombia’s Independence Day. Enjoy music, food, games, and swimming. Open to ages 7-12. Register online. Best Friend Park Pool, 6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross. Event cost: $10.00/Gwinnett residents

Summer Sunset Painting

Saturday, July 29 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Paint your very own sunset with beautiful views of the lake and finishing with a stroll as the sun goes down. Reference images provided or bring your favorite sunset image or photo. All acrylic paint and other art supplies provided; no painting experience required. Open to all ages. Register online. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. Cost: $7.00/Gwinnett residents

Author Talk: Grace Helena Walz

Thursday, July 16 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Author Grace Helena Walz discusses her novel, Pretty As A Peach, a story about enduring friendship that paints a vivid portrait of choosing bravery in the midst of uncertainty and reminds us that the sweetest things in life are worth fighting for. Open to ages 19 and up. Registration is requested. Gwinnett County Public Library Duluth Branch, 3180 Main Street, Duluth. Event cost: Free!

It's a Puppet Show!

Tuesday, July 21 from 10:30am to 11:00am

Enjoy a few great short stories acted out by puppets about dinosaurs, more dinosaurs, and even MORE dinosaurs! Puppets are a great way to explore books that you can check out from the library... don't miss out on the fun! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Gwinnett County Public Library Norcross Branch, 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross. Event cost: Free!

Resume Makeover: Tips and Tricks in the Age of AI

Thursday, July 23 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Join us for a practical workshop on optimizing your resume for today's job market. Bring your resume and we'll show you how to create a strong, AI-friendly application using AI tools. Open to all skill levels. Open to ages 19 and up. Register online. Gwinnett County Public Library Peachtree Corners Branch, 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: Free!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at this year's Pride celebration with the Visibility Club at Thrasher Park! Events like this are a powerful reminder of the importance of community and connection.

In Gwinnett County, we believe in dignity, respect, and the freedom to live authentically. While we celebrate our progress, let's also stay vigilant and continue work for inclusivity. To our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends: we see you, we celebrate you, and we are proud to stand alongside you. 

My colleagues and I honored Juneteenth, thanks to the United Ebony Society for their amazing efforts! Juneteenth began as a grassroots celebration among newly freed Black Texans, filled with prayer, music, food, and family reunions.

It reminds us of the spirit alive in our communities today. Ordinary people refusing to let their history be forgotten. Let’s build a better future together, one act of service at a time.

I recently also hosted a productive town hall with State Representative Akbar Ali. It was encouraging to see so many engaged residents taking time to learn about important issues affecting Gwinnett County and the legislative discussions under the Gold Dome.

During the meeting, we addressed proposals that could shift local government revenue from property taxes to higher sales taxes. I was thankful to have Akbar present to answer questions about state government affairs.