Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, Georgia legislators discuss year recap, 2026 priorities

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County Commissioners recently hosted Gwinnett’s state lawmakers during the Legislative Delegation Breakfast, offering updates on elections operations, public safety advancements and critical service needs tied to the County’s rapid growth.

“Gwinnett is strongest when local and state leaders work together, and these conversations show how important that partnership truly is,” said Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “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.

Key takeaways: 

Elections: Modernization, stability and practical challenges

Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold updated lawmakers on the County’s renovation and consolidation project, now 60% complete, which will streamline operations across three locations and better support Gwinnett’s growing voter base. He explained that operating 19 days of advance voting, combined with Election Day costs for a countywide Special Election, totaling about $2 million, and noted the July Public Service Commission Runoff cost roughly $700,000, which the division absorbed without needing supplemental funding. Manifold also discussed the growing challenge of securing polling places, as insurance restrictions have led churches and private organizations to withdraw. As a result, Gwinnett’s polling sites have decreased from 156 to 144, with combined precincts now used to maintain access. He praised Gwinnett County Public Schools, which provides more than 70 voting locations.

Manifold urged lawmakers to refrain from major changes to election procedures, saying Georgia’s system is functioning well and counties are only now stabilizing after years of adjustments. Election officials statewide are also awaiting guidance on funding and compliance for the elimination of QR code tabulation, scheduled to be established by law next July. 

Public safety: Innovation, accreditation and workforce development

Police Chief J.D. McClure offered an overview of the Police Department’s role as a full-service agency supporting more than 853,000 residents in unincorporated Gwinnett. He highlighted Gwinnett’s CALEA accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 800 law enforcement agencies nationwide, and his department’s elite TRI-ARC status, the first agency in Georgia to do so. 

McClure also noted progress on the County’s Situational Awareness and Crime Response Center which has elevated both tactical readiness and real-time response capabilities.

Looking ahead, McClure discussed emerging technologies, including Drones as First Responders, which would allow drones to launch from precincts and deliver on-scene visuals before officers arrive. He also spoke about staffing trends, noting that the department saw steady growth through 2020, a sharp drop in 2021 due to national events and workforce pressures and gradual rebuilding since. While projections show a significant increase in hiring in 2025, the department is still working towards its goal of 931 sworn officers, supported by stronger recruitment efforts, Behavioral Health response teams and Community Service Aides who help manage non-emergency calls. 

Fire services: Closing gaps and strengthening capacity

Fire and Emergency Services Chief Fred Cephas reported significant progress in workforce stabilization within Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services. Through targeted recruitment and training efforts, the department has reduced vacancies. This staffing surge improves the department’s ability to respond to emergencies quickly and maintain high service standards.

Cephas also highlighted the department’s pipeline of new talent, with more than 100 recruits currently progressing through the training academy. 

The Gwinnett Delegation breakfast is held annually at Gas South District.