Gwinnett County Adopts Six Small Area Plans as Part of 2045 Unified Plan to Guide Future Growth - Explore Gwinnett's Best in Business, AI & Tech News 2025

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GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – In a decisive step toward shaping Gwinnett’s future, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to adopt six new small area plans as official amendments to the County’s 2045 Unified Plan. The updated plans—focused on Bethesda, Centerville, Killian Hill, Northbrook Parkway, Oakbrook Parkway, and Venture Drive—will serve as roadmaps for guiding land use, housing, economic development, mobility, and open space across key communities in the county.

Each plan was developed in close partnership with residents, business owners, and local stakeholders over the course of the past year, ensuring that the voices of those who live and work in these areas played a central role in the process.

“These plans reflect what we heard directly from the people who live, work, and do business in these communities,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “They help us take a proactive approach to growth while honoring the character and needs of each area.”

The six small area plans are designed to align with Gwinnett’s broader 2045 Unified Plan, which outlines the county’s long-term strategy for managing growth, improving infrastructure, and preserving the quality of life for its rapidly expanding population. With Gwinnett poised to remain one of the fastest-growing counties in Georgia, the localized strategies in these area plans are intended to ensure that development happens in a smart, sustainable, and community-driven way.

According to Planning and Development Director Matt Dickison, each small area plan presents a clear, actionable vision for future improvements.

“With input from hundreds of residents and stakeholders, each plan outlines a clear vision and path forward,” said Dickison. “This helps us target resources where they’ll have the most impact.”

The plans recommend targeted improvements for:

Land Use – Encouraging mixed-use developments and preserving community identity
Housing – Expanding affordable and diverse housing options
Economic Development – Attracting business investments and supporting local job creation
Mobility – Enhancing walkability, public transit, and road infrastructure
Open Space – Increasing access to parks, trails, and green spaces

Each small area plan represents a tailored strategy to meet the unique challenges and opportunities facing its respective community. For example, the Venture Drive plan includes guidance for transforming the area into a mixed-use employment and innovation hub, while the Centerville plan emphasizes preserving the neighborhood’s suburban character and expanding green space.

These newly adopted plans are the latest pieces of a larger vision captured in the Gwinnett 2045 Unified Plan, which was officially adopted on February 20, 2024. That plan—developed over 11 months with widespread community participation—serves as a 20-year blueprint for intentional development across the county.

The 2045 Unified Plan addresses six core themes:

Land Use & Housing
Transportation & Mobility
Economic Development
Community Facilities & Infrastructure
Natural & Cultural Resources
Implementation & Governance

Together with the new small area plans, the Unified Plan ensures that Gwinnett’s continued growth supports a balanced, equitable, and resilient future for all residents.

To view the full adopted amendments and learn more about each small area plan, visit:
👉 GwinnettCounty.com/2045UnifiedPlan

About the 2045 Unified Plan:
The plan serves as Gwinnett County’s comprehensive long-range strategy for managing population growth, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality. It is a living document that guides decision-making by elected officials, county staff, and community leaders to ensure Gwinnett remains a thriving place to live, work, and play.

As Chairwoman Hendrickson summarized:

“The 2045 Unified Plan and these small area plans are tools to help us move forward together—with thoughtful, inclusive development that benefits all corners of Gwinnett County.”

For ongoing updates and engagement opportunities, residents are encouraged to subscribe to newsletters and participate in upcoming community forums hosted by the Department of Planning and Development.