GPCID SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWSLETTER

The Gwinnett Place CID Board covered a wide range of initiatives at its August meeting, including approving investments designed to strengthen the district, support the community and prepare for future growth.

The Board approved Transportation Assistance Coordination Procedures developed in partnership with Gwinnett County Health and Human Services’ One Stop for Help team. The initiative establishes transportation assistance as part of broader efforts to address homelessness within the district. Additional action included funding proactive maintenance for more than 100 streetscape trees along Pleasant Hill Road, including pruning, root treatments and inspections.

Looking toward the future, Board members also began reviewing GPCID’s 2027–2028 marketing plan and five refreshed logo concepts featuring the new tagline, “A Place for All.” The Board is expected to continue that discussion at its October meeting and make a final selection as well as finalize new marketing initiatives to promote redevelopment and continued revitalization.

The meeting also included an early look at findings from the 2026 Economic Impact Study and an overview of the Venture Drive Daily Community Overlay District. Among the biggest updates, the Board approved two agreements with Create Gwinnett that will help bring creative placemaking opportunities to the district.

The next GPCID Board meeting is scheduled for October 15 at 8 a.m.

Madison Chucci, Senior Community Development Manager with Explore Gwinnett, Trey Ragsdale, GPCID Board Chair, Joe Allen, GPCID Executive Director, Lisa Anders, Explore Gwinnett Executive Director and Chris Cannon, Executive Director of Create Gwinnett

What if a mural, creative seating area or public art installation could help enhance the way people experience Gwinnett Place? Gwinnett Place CID is partnering with Create Gwinnett and The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning on a new district-wide Placemaking Activation Plan designed to explore how art, design and creative spaces can strengthen the identity of the Gwinnett Place District. This week, the CID was awarded a $12,000 Gwinnett Creativity Fund Placemaking Grant for this project! 

An artist team will assess opportunities throughout the district, engage stakeholders and develop concepts for potential projects ranging from murals and sculptures to lighting elements, interactive installations, gathering spaces and landscape-integrated artwork.

There is now an open RFQ for the Gwinnett Place Public Art & Placemaking Design Development project. The team is seeking three artists with complementary creative practices to participate in research, planning, community and stakeholder engagement, concept development and creation of implementation-ready designs. This project will NOT include production and installation. Questions may be submitted through September 16, and applications are due September 21, 2026, at noon.

Gwinnett Place CID recently participated in a regional stakeholder meeting hosted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) focused on homelessness. Led by Ronnie Kurtz, Assistant Secretary for HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD), and Dr. Robert Marbut, Senior Advisor for CPD/HUD, the discussion covered federal priorities, funding strategies and local implementation opportunities. The meeting gave GPCID an opportunity to share what our district is experiencing firsthand.

In our latest Board Member Spotlight video, we introduce you to Ben Vo, founder and CEO of City Farmers Market Group, Hong Kong Market, Inc. and Millennium Partners Investment and Development Group. A Gwinnett-based business owner since 1996, Vo has played an important role in shaping Metro Atlanta’s international grocery and retail landscape.

As a GPCID board member, he brings decades of entrepreneurial experience and a passion for economic development and strengthening connections across Gwinnett’s communities. Vo’s leadership has also earned recognition throughout the community, including the Community Achievement Award from the Asian Pacific American Council of Georgia (APCA-GA) in May 2026.

Watch the new Board Member Spotlight video to learn more about Ben Vo, his journey and the perspective he brings to GPCID.

One of the things that makes the Gwinnett Place district so special is the incredible diversity of the people, businesses and cultures that call it home. Sponsored by GPCID, the Korean Festival on September 19 – 20 is a perfect opportunity to experience that diversity firsthand. From authentic food and live entertainment to cultural performances, traditions and activities, the festival offers a fun and welcoming ways to learn more about Korean culture while celebrating the vibrant community right here in Gwinnett.

Bring your family, bring your appetite and come experience one of the many cultures that helps make Gwinnett Place such a dynamic place to live, work and visit. 

A major new food hall development is on the way to Mall Corners, featuring a new and innovative cultural dining concept to the area. Opening in 2027, the project will include retail stores, restaurants, a green space, seating and even a decorative lazy river with custom-made Vietnamese wood boats. The new Gwinnett Place food hall is meant to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and national retailers while adding another destination to the district’s growing culinary scene.

Stay tuned for more details as the project moves forward.

Gwinnett Place CID has a brand-new website! The redesigned site at GwinnettPlaceCID.com offers a fresh, modern look and makes it easier to explore the latest news, projects, resources and updates from around the Gwinnett Place district.

We invite you to visit and explore the new website. Then, tell us what you think! We’d love to hear your favorite features, what information you find most helpful and where you think we can make the site even better.

You don’t have to travel far to explore flavors from around the world. Right here in the Gwinnett Place District, City Farmers Market at 1630 Pleasant Hill Road offers an international grocery-shopping experience packed with fresh produce, meats and seafood, specialty ingredients, pantry staples and foods representing cultures from across the globe.

The Duluth location is one of six City Farmers Market stores across Metro Atlanta, and the company prides itself on fresh deliveries every morning, competitive prices and new weekly specials each Friday. Stop in, explore the aisles and see what ends up in your cart.