Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson announced a historic step in addressing affordable housing during her fifth State of the County address.

Expanding affordable housing and homelessness solutions

“Opportunity is most powerful when it’s open to everyone,” 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 highlighted the County’s first-ever acquisition of an extended stay hotel for conversion into affordable rental housing. In partnership with the Gwinnett Housing Corporation, the County secured the property in Peachtree Corners with a $7.7 million investment, using funds from the Affordable Housing Development Fund and federal HOME-ARPA dollars.

“Housing availability and affordability are more challenging than ever but feeling at home here in Gwinnett is something we strive for every person to feel each day,” added Hendrickson. “Last year, the Board of Commissioners approved a historic $21 million through multiple grant programs to address housing affordability.”

Here are more takeaways:

‘Equity is not optional – it is essential.’

Last year, Gwinnett was named the most diverse county in the entire country. After expanding the county’s nondiscrimination ordinance and hosting various cultural events to celebrate our residents, Hendrickson added, “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.”

While crime remains low, community service aids support police

Through a combination of innovative policing and integrated technology, crime in Gwinnett remains low across all categories. In fact, compared to the national average for crime rates in counties, Gwinnett County is in the 88th percentile for safety – which means Gwinnett is safer than 88% of counties across America.

New this year, the County is introducing community service aides to enhance support Gwinnett Police. “This new position will handle functions like road closures, abandoned vehicles and missing person searches that don’t require a sworn officer,” said Hendrickson. “By taking on these responsibilities, they will free up our officers to respond more quickly to urgent calls and critical incidents. This role can serve as a valuable pathway for those interested in a law enforcement career.

Transit and infrastructure for a growing county

The expansion of microtransit in Norcross and the Gateway 85 Community Improvement District ensures more residents have access to transportation. Infrastructure planning will focus on smart growth strategies, incorporating green space preservation, mixed-use developments, and affordable housing into redevelopment projects like Gwinnett Place Mall and the former Stone Mountain Tennis Center.

“We’re setting a new standard for smart development that encompasses community input so that we can develop within the character of our existing neighborhoods,” said Hendrickson. “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.”

Read a transcript of the full speech and view photos from the event.