Month: January 2023

Since 2001, Gwinnett County Transit has been an essential service for residents in Gwinnett’s thriving community.
Nearly 22 years later, the County unveiled a new name and a new brand for its transit system — Ride Gwinnett.
Embodying the County’s vibrant brand, Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson said Ride Gwinnett represents how the County will connect people to where they need to go.
“Ride Gwinnett was established with the goal of making our public transit system an attractive and everyday choice for residents and visitors,” said Hendrickson. “This is an exciting day and the excitement will continue in the coming months with the expansion of new routes included in the recently approved 2023 budget.”
During the unveiling, Gwinnett Department of Transportation Director Lewis Cooksey and the crowd counted down and chanted, “Move that bus!” to reveal Ride Gwinnett’s new branding.
“It has been over twenty years since Gwinnett’s transit system began, so a new brand and name that reflects how our focus on mobility has evolved is fitting,” Cooksey said. “To go along with our new look, we will also have new changes to service soon, so it is an exciting time for transit in Gwinnett.”
The rebranding includes the County’s transit website, buses, bus stop shelters, and signs.
Ride Gwinnett has seven local routes, five commuter routes, complimentary paratransit for local routes, three Park and Ride locations, and one transit center.
To explore current bus routes and schedule, fare prices, and more, visit RideGwinnett.com.

The Board of Commissioners has had a busy start to the new year. As the new year kicked off, so did new changes. Here’s what you need to know in this week’s roundup:
Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson appointed to tourism board
Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson will continue to help shape the experience of people who want to visit or live in Gwinnett. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The position is non-paying and oversees Explore Gwinnett Tourism and Film as well as the Gas South District — the 118-acre campus is the hub for entertainment, arts, conventions, and other celebrations in Gwinnett.
Commissioner Kirkland Carden hosts town halls
In a town hall held earlier this week, District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden introduced recently elected Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp to some of his former constituents. When the new commission district lines went into effect January 1, a part of District 1 became District 4.
Meanwhile, Carden will meet with Duluth’s oldest Black community in another town hall tonight from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The Hill’s Community will receive American Rescue Plan Act funds to begin the process of changing its septic system into a sewer system. That meeting will be held at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Duluth.
Commissioner Ben Ku appointed vice chair for 2023
Newly re-elected District 2 Commissioner Ben Ku also has a new title — vice chair. Members of the board unanimously voted to name Ku commission vice chair for 2023. In this one-year role, he will preside over meetings when Chairwoman Hendrickson.    
Commissioner Jasper Watkins joins View Point Health board
He spearheaded the movement to create a streamlined process for veterans in Gwinnett and across Metro Atlanta. As a retired Lt. Col. in the army, Commissioner Jasper Watkins said it was a dream come true when the Veterans and Family Services office opened in Gwinnett late last year. Now, he wants to continue helping those in need.
Watkins is the newest member of the View Point Health Board of Directors. View Point Health is a community behavioral health center. Gwinnett Police partnered with View Point for its co-responder unit. The Police Mental Health Collaboration program pairs a trained officer with a clinical psychologist to answer calls when a person may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp begins term
Residents will notice a new face on the board. Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp began his four-year term representing District 4 on January 1. District 4 includes Buford, Sugar Hill, Braselton, Rest Haven, Auburn, and parts of Suwanee and Lawrenceville.

Gwinnett County Corrections will host a career fair on Saturday, January 21 from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Correctional officer and senior correctional officer positions are available.
Interested applicants will take part in a facility tour, background check, behavioral assessment, and interview. To fully participate in the career fair, attendees must apply online before Wednesday, January 18. Additional instructions will be emailed to candidates following completion of the application.
The career fair will take place at the Comprehensive Correctional Complex, located at 750 Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville. The Comprehensive Correctional Complex is a secure facility and personal items — including cell phones — are not allowed inside. As a COVID-19 precaution, attendees are required to wear a mask in the facility.
Gwinnett offers benefits, paid training, educational incentives, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement.
For more information about the career fair, contact Lt. S. Williams at Shawntez.Williams@GwinnettCounty.com or 678.407.6010.