Gwinnett County Commissioners recently met with state lawmakers at the annual Legislative Delegation Breakfast to discuss recent progress and upcoming priorities for the county. The event focused on updates in election operations, public safety initiatives, and service needs resulting from continued population growth.
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson emphasized the importance of collaboration between local and state officials. “Gwinnett is strongest when local and state leaders work together, and these conversations show how important that partnership truly is,” Hendrickson said. “Whether we’re discussing elections or public safety, our focus remains the same: serving our residents with integrity, stability and a deep commitment to this community.”
Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold provided an update on the ongoing renovation and consolidation project for elections operations, which is 60% complete. The effort aims to streamline processes across three locations to better serve Gwinnett’s increasing number of voters. He reported that conducting 19 days of advance voting plus Election Day for a countywide Special Election cost about $2 million, while the July Public Service Commission Runoff required approximately $700,000—costs absorbed without extra funding.
Manifold also described challenges in securing polling places due to insurance restrictions causing churches and private organizations to withdraw as hosts. This has led to a reduction in polling sites from 156 to 144, requiring combined precincts to maintain voter access. Gwinnett County Public Schools continue to support elections by providing more than 70 voting locations. During the 2022-23 school year, enrollment at Gwinnett County schools increased by less than 0.1% compared to the previous year, totaling 190,044 students according to data from the Georgia Department of Education (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students represented 18% of the student body during this period (https://www.gadoe.org/).
Manifold advised lawmakers against making major changes to election procedures at this time. He noted that Georgia’s system is working well and counties are stabilizing after years of adjustments. Election officials are waiting for further guidance on funding related to the elimination of QR code tabulation set by law for next July.
On public safety matters, Police Chief J.D. McClure highlighted that Gwinnett Police Department supports over 853,000 residents in unincorporated areas and maintains CALEA accreditation—a distinction held by fewer than 800 agencies nationwide—and TRI-ARC status as the first agency in Georgia with this recognition.
McClure detailed advancements through the Situational Awareness and Crime Response Center which improves tactical readiness and real-time response capabilities. Looking forward, he mentioned new technologies such as Drones as First Responders that would allow drones launched from precincts to provide on-scene visuals before officers arrive.
Staffing was another topic addressed by McClure who explained there was steady department growth until a sharp drop in 2021 due to national trends; rebuilding efforts have since resumed with projections showing significant hiring increases expected in 2025. The department aims for a target of 931 sworn officers supported by recruitment initiatives, Behavioral Health response teams, and Community Service Aides handling non-emergency calls.
Fire Chief Fred Cephas spoke about workforce stabilization within Fire and Emergency Services achieved through focused recruitment and training programs leading to reduced vacancies. This increase in staffing enhances emergency response capabilities while maintaining high standards of service delivery. Cephas added that more than 100 recruits are currently advancing through their training academy.
The Legislative Delegation Breakfast takes place annually at Gas South District.
