Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson on Tuesday presented her proposed $2.6 billion budget to guide County government spending for the 2026 fiscal year. The proposed budget represents a $66 million decrease from 2025’s approved $2.67 billion budget.
The proposed 2026 budget is made up of a $2.19 billion operating budget and a $409 million capital improvements budget, which includes funds from the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program.
Chairwoman Hendrickson explained that the proposed budget prioritizes the County’s ability to deliver superior service while remaining fiscally responsible. She said: “Just like our residents and businesses, the County has been grappling with the impact of inflation and other economic uncertainties. Our departments worked hard to identify areas where we can reduce spending to make up for the rising cost of goods and services, and our strong financial foundation positions us well to continue to deliver critical services at the high standard our community deserves.”
The proposed budget includes public safety initiatives such as upgrading the County’s 911 phone system to enable faster call processing and enhance emergency response.
In the proposed budget, the County will continue to invest in community resource centers, which serve as hubs to bring services closer to residents in their own neighborhoods. This includes the completion of the Community Resource Center at Grayson Highway, a first-of-its-kind facility for Gwinnett that will serve as the central hub for the County’s human services.
The proposed 2026 budget resolution is available online at GwinnettCounty.com. Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Dec. 2. Residents can also offer input on the County’s website through Dec. 31. Commissioners will consider the 2026 budget at their first meeting of the new year on January 6, 2026.
GGC explores opportunities for film students
The future of storytelling looks bright, thanks to the enthusiasm of 65 high school students, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) professors and student volunteers, and the Georgia Film Academy (GFA). On November 14, students from area high schools arrived on GGC’s campus to explore opportunities in film, television, digital entertainment, E-sports and game development.
Dr. Marc Gilley, interim dean of GGC’s School of Liberal Arts, says: “Collaborating with the GFA builds that bridge between the liberal arts education and foundational knowledge students receive along with additional hands-on experiences. GFA builds upon that with instruction from industry professionals. Together, this helps students be ready to enter their field.”
Scott Votaw, assistant vice chancellor of GFA, said events like this open doors students may not have known existed. “Most high school students don’t know where the jobs are or even where to begin looking. By collaborating with GGC, we build on the success they have and get them ready to move into the industry.” Votaw, who spent 25 years in Los Angeles working in the film industry, said the partnership creates a clear pathway. “It’s like connective tissue, we build on the knowledge and experience students have and help them adapt to the ever-changing film industry,” he said.
Bryan Krass, an instructor at GFA and former GGC instructor, said: “We wanted to show students that the film industry is accessible and fun. Students get to see that this is a viable and fulfilling career option.”
