Gwinnett County Commissioners met with state lawmakers at the recent Legislative Delegation Breakfast to review developments in elections, public safety, and emergency services. The event focused on how local and state officials are working together to address the needs of a rapidly growing county.
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said, “Gwinnett is strongest when local and state leaders work together, and these conversations show how important that partnership truly is. 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.”
During the meeting, Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold provided an update on a renovation and consolidation project for election operations that is now 60% complete. This effort aims to streamline processes across three locations to better serve Gwinnett’s expanding voter base. Manifold noted that conducting 19 days of advance voting plus Election Day for a countywide Special Election cost about $2 million. He also reported that the July Public Service Commission Runoff cost around $700,000 but did not require extra funding.
Manifold discussed difficulties in securing polling sites due to insurance restrictions, which have caused some churches and private organizations to withdraw from hosting polling places. As a result, the number of polling sites has decreased from 156 to 144, leading to combined precincts to maintain voter access. He acknowledged Gwinnett County Public Schools for providing over 70 voting locations. For context, enrollment at Gwinnett County schools increased by less than 0.1% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/), with total enrollment reaching 190,044 students during that period (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students made up 18% of the student body in those schools (https://www.gadoe.org/).
Manifold asked lawmakers not to introduce major changes to election procedures at this time. “Georgia’s system is functioning well and counties are only now stabilizing after years of adjustments.” He also mentioned that officials are waiting for guidance on funding and compliance regarding the elimination of QR code tabulation by next July.
Police Chief J.D. McClure described how his department supports more than 853,000 residents in unincorporated Gwinnett County as a full-service agency. He highlighted their CALEA accreditation—a distinction shared by fewer than 800 law enforcement agencies nationwide—and noted that his department achieved TRI-ARC status as Georgia’s first agency to do so.
McClure spoke about advancements such as the Situational Awareness and Crime Response Center, which has improved tactical readiness and real-time response capabilities. Looking forward, he outlined plans for Drones as First Responders—drones launched from precincts could provide visuals before officers arrive on scene.
Regarding staffing trends, McClure explained there was steady growth until 2020 followed by a sharp decline in 2021 due to national events and workforce pressures; rebuilding efforts have been underway since then. The department expects increased hiring in 2025 but is still working toward its goal of employing 931 sworn officers through recruitment initiatives and new support roles.
Fire Chief Fred Cephas reported progress in reducing vacancies within Fire and Emergency Services through targeted recruitment and training programs. These measures have helped stabilize staffing levels and improve emergency response times. More than 100 recruits are currently advancing through the department’s training academy.
The annual breakfast took place at Gas South District.
