In her fifth State of the County address, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson outlined plans to expand affordable housing opportunities. According to a report by Gwinnett County, Hendrickson said, "In Gwinnett, our strength comes from ensuring every person has the chance to contribute, succeed and belong, but there’s something even more essential to building one community — celebrating and connecting through our vibrant differences. Separately, they’re beautiful. Together, they're life changing."
Hendrickson announced the County’s acquisition of an extended-stay hotel in Peachtree Corners, which will be converted into affordable rental housing. The $7.7 million investment was funded through the Affordable Housing Development Fund and federal HOME-ARPA dollars. Last year, the Board of Commissioners approved $21 million for housing affordability through various grant programs.
Gwinnett County, recognized as the most diverse county in the country, continues its commitment to diversity and inclusion. "We are not slowing down, scaling back, or compromising on our commitment to fairness and inclusion. We are pushing forward and ensuring that every decision we make, reflects our values," Hendrickson said. The county also expanded its nondiscrimination ordinance and celebrated cultural diversity through various events.
The county also remains a leader in public safety with crime rates below the national average. To improve policing, Gwinnett County is introducing community service aides. "This new position will handle functions like road closures, abandoned vehicles and missing person searches that don't require a sworn officer," Hendrickson explained.
Regarding transit and infrastructure, Hendrickson discussed efforts to manage growth, including expanding microtransit solutions and infrastructure planning focused on smart growth. Redevelopment projects, such as at Gwinnett Place Mall and the former Stone Mountain Tennis Center, will incorporate community input while including affordable housing and mixed-use developments. Concluding her address, Hendrickson shared a vision of unity, stating, "We can be one even when we’re many. Four districts, each unique yet bound together as one community, with one purpose and toward one future. We are One Gwinnett," in the Gwinnett County release.
