Our new Norcross weekly newsletter
March 6 — Hey, it’s Hayden Sumlin from Rough Draft, and I’m excited to welcome you to our first weekly newsletter for and about Norcross.
I joined the reporting team in early January, and as Rough Draft has expanded its coverage to Norcross, I will be reporting on the city. When I’m not bothering Norcross officials, I also report on the City of Sandy Springs and Fulton County.
I’m a 26-year-old Atlanta native and graduate of the University of Georgia. I’ve covered Cobb, DeKalb, and Fulton counties for a few years, and now I’m headed northeast. This is my first time covering local government in Gwinnett, one of the most diverse and rapidly growing counties in the country. I’m excited to explore my new beat.
🎨 Norcross is a unique city. It’s an arts and culture hub in the county celebrating its 156th anniversary in October. I’ve become a fan of the downtown historic district’s small-town feel and the family-owned businesses on Buford Highway.
This newsletter is for the more than 18,000 people who call Norcross home. Share this sign-up link, and send any tips, story ideas, or just your thoughts to me via email.
Now, let’s get into this week’s news:
➵ We are taking a look at amendments to Norcross’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan for growth, Attorney General Chris Carr’s visit to downtown Norcross to pitch himself as a gubernatorial candidate, and crime stats. There’s also more on a public safety building set to open in September.
🌳 The Arbor Day Foundation designated Norcross as a Tree City USA for the 22nd consecutive year for its commitment to maintaining its canopy.
🗳️ Qualifying week for party primaries concludes today, covering statewide offices, one U.S. Senate seat, U.S. House seats, state legislative races, and many local and county offices. Here’s a Gwinnett County-based schedule.
🌱 Food Well Alliance selected the Norcross Discovery Garden Park as a Community Garden Improvement Grant recipient, sending $1,500 to help keep the community garden thriving.
🍔 Explore Gwinnett, the county’s official tourism organization, just released this year’s Burger Week lineup, offering $12 specialty burgers March 16-22 at 21 local restaurants.
☘️ See y’all at Irish Fest, kicking off in downtown Norcross tomorrow at noon.
Have a great weekend,
Hayden
🏥 Join Move For Grady on April 25! Three intown biking distances and two run/walk options means there’s something for everyone. Come to move, stay for the party – plenty of food and drinks to celebrate at GSU’s Center Parc Stadium. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Amendments to Norcross’s 2045 plan aim to guide city’s growth
✍️ The Norcross City Council approved an amendment to the 2045 Comprehensive Plan on March 2 by a 3-2 vote. City officials discussed final changes in February, wrapping up a process that began last spring.
During a Feb. 16 policy work session, elected officials discussed the amendments amid opposition from a group of senior residents. The theme continued at the March 2 city council meeting with criticism lobbed at elected officials.
Assistant City Manager Tracy Rye, the city’s former planning director, said amendments are intended to fine-tune the plan.
🌆 Read more about Norcross’s plan for future development here.
Don’t miss THE event of the spring – Move For Grady!
SPONSORED BY GRADY HEALTH FOUNDATION
🏃 It’s time to register for Move For Grady on April 25, Atlanta’s best ride/run/walk event supporting Grady! Choose one of three fully supported cycling routes or 5K or 10K run/walk courses that will show you Atlanta from a new point of view. Then stay to celebrate with great food, drinks and music at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium.
❤️ Move For Grady raises funds to support Grady’s mission to build a healthier Atlanta. Register today, start training and join the party on April 25!
Attorney General Chris Carr stumps for governor in downtown Norcross
🚗 With gubernatorial primaries just a couple of months away, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr stopped by Norcross on March 4 to pitch himself as the Republican Party’s candidate for governor.
During qualification week, Carr detailed his experience in state government and shared his thoughts on issues facing Georgians at the weekly People Drinking Coffee community meeting at 45 South Cafe in Norcross.
The primary election in Georgia takes place on May 19.
🗳️ Read more about Carr’s visit to Norcross here.
Norcross police chief discusses 25% crime drop, immigration policy
🚨 The Norcross Police Department reported a more than 25 percent reduction in overall crime in 2025, with nearly all major categories now well below 10- and 15-year averages.
Last year, Norcross activated its real-time camera integration platform, Axon Fusus, which provides a network of license-plate readers and centralizes data for command staff.
Beyond crime reduction, officials reported that traffic safety also improved substantially. The department handled 931 vehicle accidents, the lowest number of traffic accidents within city limits in 15 years.
👮 Read more about the 2025 crime stats and plans for 2026 here.
🏥 Join Move For Grady on April 25! Three intown biking distances and two run/walk options means there’s something for everyone. Come to move, stay for the party – plenty of food and drinks to celebrate at GSU’s Center Parc Stadium. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Norcross allocates $5 million for public safety building, set to open in September
🏗️ The Norcross City Council approved the transfer of $5 million at its March 2 meeting for the construction of the new public safety building, setting up the relocation of the police department and municipal court later this year.
Construction on the $20 million facility at Buford Highway and Stephens Road began last July. In February, the city reported framing was nearly complete, exterior brickwork was underway, and windows were scheduled for installation.
The building is on the site of the former Norcross Library along State Route 13. Norcross officials announced exterior work will be complete sometime in mid-March.
👷 Read more about the public safety building here.
