The City of Lawrenceville has garnered the PlanFirst community designation from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, signaling a robust effort in citywide planning and growth management. This recognition comes on the heels of an application process that began on May 15, 2025, with the official nod arriving four months later on September 15, according to a city announcement.
During a City Council Meeting on Wednesday, Daniel Gaddis, a representative from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, presented the accolade to Mayor David Still and the Council members. The Mayor captured the sentiment of the city when he said, “Being named a PlanFirst community is an honor for our city.” He acknowledged the collective effort stating, “It reflects years of coordinated work across departments and our commitment to planning that supports long-term growth and quality of life for the people of Lawrenceville,” as noted by the city's official website.
Lawrenceville's new designation kicks off with a three-year term, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, underpinned by a Memorandum of Agreement with the DCA. The PlanFirst status facilitates several advantages, embracing additional resources and opportunities for the city, such as prime access to DCA planning tools, potential community block grants, loan interest reductions and more.
With this designation, Lawrenceville not only gains recognition but also joins a select group of communities. “The City of Lawrenceville is one of only 14 communities in the state to achieve the PlanFirst designation for the 2026-2028 timeframe,” Gaddis highlighted, "The public, staff, and leadership of this community have shown outstanding commitment to a successful comprehensive plan implementation and Lawrenceville is now recognized as a model PlanFirst community in the state of Georgia," as reported by the city's official website. In line with the state's expectations, Lawrenceville will persist in pushing forward with comprehensive planning strategies, engaging in program activities, and upholding its Qualified Local Government status.
