| Gateway85 CID December 2023 Newsletter
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Economic Outlook - The Future Looks Bright for Georgia
Gateway85 CID co-sponsored the University of Georgia’s 2024 Georgia Economic Outlook at the Georgia Aquarium on December 11. Emory Morsberger, Gateway85 CID’s executive director, and board chairman Shiv Aggarwal attended with board members Max Hannum and Elliot Williams, several property owners and members of the Gateway85 CID staff.
“Georgia is well positioned to weather an economic slowdown and our economy will outperform the U.S. economy,” Terry College of Business Dean Ben Ayers told attendees. “The build-out of many large projects in the economic development pipeline and favorable demographics are the main reasons why Georgia will fare better than the nation.”
Georgia’s post-COVID economic expansion is expected to slow but continue, with GDP increasing by 1.1% in 2024, according to economic forecasters at the University of Georgia Selig Center for Economic Growth. While smaller than the 3% growth rate Georgia saw in 2023, the state will continue to outpace the national GDP growth rate, which forecasters project to be .8% in 2024.
Read more about the update here.
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Oakbrook Parkway Charrette and Sidewalk Safety Update
Over the past month, the community and CID completed the Oakbrook Parkway Charrette process and have an innovative design concept that will be incorporated into the Gwinnett 2045 Unified Plan. Thanks to all who participated in the process. We are waiting for a final version, but look forward to sharing it with you in future newsletters!
Meanwhile, we are working with Gwinnett County on several pedestrian and sidewalk safety studies to continue to focus on mobility and accessibility improvements throughout the district. We are currently working on identifying problem spots in areas south and east of I-85 around Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Indian Trail and Beaver Ruin Road. This planning effort will feed into the county’s and the CID’s sidewalk development efforts and improved signals, crosswalks, medians and more. This is your chance to weigh in on problems you would like to see solved!
Please complete the Southwest Gwinnett Safe Access Study survey here.
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Special Projects Update
The Department of Energy (DOE)'s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), and State Rep. Marvin Lim have engaged in an extensive analysis of energy efficiency upgrade opportunities, specifically of commercial buildings within Gateway85 CID (e.g., EV, solar, lighting, water, HVAC, roofing, etc.).
If you are interested in a free consultation and guidance for your building, please reach out to marvin.lim@house.ga.gov. See the full NREL piece here.
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From the shores of India to the bustling entrepreneurial landscape of the United States, Manoj Barot's journey embodies the spirit of the American Dream—a dream that transcends borders, cultures and challenges.
“It is an honor to live and work in the most diverse county of the state. I am so impressed with what Gateway85 is doing to shine a light on the international community here in Gwinnett,” said Manoj. “I certainly support their efforts to bring broader recognition to our community.”
Manoj's American Dream began in 1996 when he set foot on U.S. soil to pursue his Ph.D. in Cardiac Surgical Research. Armed with two master's degrees and a passion for health, cardiac research, and nutrition, Barot's academic ambitions faced an unexpected roadblock. A brief stint in the Ph.D. program, marred by FBI surveillance and immigration complexities, led him to transition away from academia.
Undeterred by academic setbacks, Barot pivoted to the corporate world, leveraging his family's business background and a master’s degree in nutrition. His incredible career spans Vice President of Menu Development for Blimpie, founder Campus Café and, most recently, co-founder of Meals for Kids.
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Gateway85 CID congratulates Deven Cason in her new role as Vice President of Economic Development at Partnership Gwinnett. Deven is a highly regarded economic development expert with a proven reputation for success known regionally and statewide. Since joining Partnership Gwinnett in 2015, she has managed more than 120 projects and brought $2.67 billion in capital investment and 14,000 new jobs to Gwinnett County.
Read more about Deven and her promotion here.
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Help the local community stay warm this winter with The City of Norcross’ Toasty Toes & Cozy Coats initiative. Bring gently used coats and new socks and drop the items into the collection bin located at the Public Works Department, 345 Lively Avenue.
The initiative is also accepting school supplies. These will be donated to the Norcross Co-Op for distribution to local families in need.
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The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), created in 1977, is a state agency that helps build strong, vibrant communities by supporting them on their journey towards growth and prosperity by laying the groundwork for economic opportunities and local development efforts across the state through safe and affordable housing, local government assistance, and community and economic development.
DCA distributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually through grants, tax credits, loans and other resources used to support mission-driven initiatives from affordable housing to historic preservation to infrastructure enhancements. DCA develops and maintains partnerships with key players at the local, state and federal level to support meaningful improvements.
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McBath Legislative Priorities Included in Approved Workforce Bill
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce marked up and voted to approve H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act. This bipartisan legislation includes a majority of Rep. Lucy McBath’s TRAIN Act. It also includes portions of the Adult Education WORKS Act, introduced in October. Additional sections of the bill are inspired by the CREATES Act, which was introduced by McBath.
Read more here.
McBath, Colleagues Voice Support for Proposed Rule to Expand Background Checks
Congresswoman Lucy McBath co-led a letter signed by more than 160 Members of Congress to voice support for a proposed rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) titled "Definition of 'Engaged in the Business' as a Dealer in Firearms." This proposal uses provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), passed in 2022 and signed into law by President Biden, to expand background check requirements for gun sellers not previously classified as a Federal firearm licensee (FFL).
The proposed rule will expand the definition of "engaged in the business" of dealing firearms to anyone who sells firearms to earn a profit, requiring them to register as an FFL and perform background checks. By doing so, this rule will close potential loopholes that allow individuals to avoid background checks.
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City of Peachtree Corners and Norcross Updates
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Check Out The City Of Norcross’ Meeting Updates!
The City of Norcross has recently updated its calendar with important meetings, including a Special Called Meeting and Parks, Greenspaces & Trails Meetings.
View the schedule here.
Solis Peachtree Corners Breaks Ground
On December 6, Mayor Mike Mason and Councilwoman Lori Christopher took part in the groundbreaking for the new Solis Peachtree Corners community. Solis Peachtree Corners is a 249-unit community that will be located adjacent to Peachtree Corners Town Center, a mixed-use destination with 15 restaurants, a grocery store, a movie theatre, retail shops, offices and the 2-acre Town Green park.
Read more here.
Town Green Upgrade and Expansion Projects – Access Limited Throughout the Winter
On December 3, the City of Peachtree Corners commenced the expansion of the Town Green and its associated amenities.
Read more about the expansion and timeline here.
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Holiday Bingo
December 19, 10:30 a.m.
OneStop Norcross
Learn more and register here.
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Gwinnett Chamber Annual Dinner 2024
February 2, 2024, 6 p.m.
Gas South Convention Center
Learn more and register here.
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Gwinnett Chamber Annual Dinner 2024
February 2, 2024, 6 p.m.
Gas South Convention Center
Learn more and register here.
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Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic 2024
April 15, 2024, 12 p.m.
TPC Sugarloaf
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