Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson on Thursday addressed hundreds of business owners, residents and other stakeholders during her fourth State of the County address.

“As Gwinnett continues to grow, one thing remains constant: We are a county where people and businesses can live authentically and grow purposely,” Hendrickson said. “We are a community where opportunity thrives.”

Hendrickson reflected on her journey with the County and recognized the efforts of many to make Gwinnett a benchmark community. With investments in public safety, human services, infrastructure and quality of life that make Gwinnett a desirable destination for families and businesses, she said the County has ensured the strength of its fundamentals and never wavered in its commitment to outstanding service delivery.

During her remarks, Hendrickson acknowledged the promise she declared to every resident three years ago.

“Under my leadership, we would be a Gwinnett for all – a vision rooted in the belief that real and lasting prosperity must be built by all and shared by all,” said Hendrickson. “All around our county, you can see the extraordinary progress, smart growth and economic opportunity we have built together.”

Here are more takeaways:

Mobility is key to Gwinnett’s success

Gwinnett is making generational investments in roads, bridges and sidewalks – connecting people and communities and creating economic mobility.

Ridership on the County’s new microtransit service was tenfold expectations during launch week, with nearly 8,000 Ride Gwinnett app downloads since that time. In addition, the expansion of local routes has made Ride Gwinnett accessible to more than 50 percent of residents.

“Over the next 25 years, our county’s population will grow by more than half a million people. The time for planning and preparing for transit expansion is now,” said Hendrickson. “The Board anticipates calling for a referendum that would give Gwinnett residents the opportunity to vote on the issue of the future of mobility this November.”

Housing is a basic human right

“If we want to be intentional about creating a thriving business climate, then we must continue to address housing affordability,” said Hendrickson. “For many job seekers, their interest in a company often rests solely on their ability to afford to live in the community where they work.”

She pointed to recent amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance with updated policies and tools that not only allow redevelopment and infill development but encourage and incentivize it.

“Today, we have a modern zoning code that permits a diversity of housing types, including missing middle housing such as duplexes, triplexes, cottage courts, live-work units…and the like,” said Hendrickson.

Through Gwinnett’s Affordable Housing Development Fund, $18 million in federal funds are supporting 12 projects that will create more than 750 units of affordable housing. In addition, first-time homebuyers who meet FHA requirements will be eligible for $10,000 in down payment assistance, up from $7,500, to make it easier for families to call Gwinnett home.

Investing in youth is a priority

“Every day, I think about the county we are building for my son, for your children, and for the next generation,” said Hendrickson.

She asserted that investing in youth cannot be just an act of generosity and that it will take deliberate action to ensure opportunity grows here.

“Every high school graduate should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Whatever their desire, it is incumbent upon us to help them discover alternative pathways to succeed in today’s competitive world,” she said. “We will build a brave and bold new future together today.”

In closing her speech, Chairwoman Hendrickson issued an aspirational call to action reminding everyone in attendance that Gwinnett’s doorway to opportunity is open – and that it’s up to residents and stakeholders to take the first step.

• 2024 State of the County Speech (PDF)