Inaugural Hispanic business owners event
April 24 — Around 140 people attended the April 23 Hispanic Business Outreach Event at the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center. With a successful inaugural event, more events are now in the works. You can read more about the Hispanic Business Outreach Event further down in today’s newsletter.
Before we get to the news, here are some things to know:
📚 Tomorrow, students are highlighting their talents in computer science, engineering, music, and art from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.during the Norcross Cluster Innovation Showcase at Lillian Webb Park, the Norcross Public Library, and the Cultural Arts & Community Center.
🚧 Heads up! The city is closing Britt Avenue and College Street at the intersection of Jones Street tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the downtown Gwinnett County Public Schools showcase. Sign up for city alerts here.
🎥 Next week’s Movie Monday has two showings of “Steel Magnolias” at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center.
🌳 The Norcross City Council heard an update on the Piedmont Pathway Plan at its April 20 meeting. Eventually, the city will seek federal funding for the 2.1-mile linear park, extending from Mitchell Road to Jimmy Carter Boulevard along Beaver Ruin Creek.
🚂 Check out the “Then & Now” exhibit at the Norcross Welcome Center and the Rectory before it wraps on Friday, May 1.
🎸 The inaugural Norcross Porchfest around Thrasher Park on Saturday, May 2, will have 36 performers across 12 different front porches next weekend. Admission to the full-day festival is free.
💬 What would you like covered in Norcross? Send story suggestions or topics that interest you to hayden@roughdraftatlanta.com.
Now on to this week’s Norcross stories,
Hayden
🎹 Experience a magical night with Grammy Award winner Jon Batiste and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park. An unforgettable night under the stars awaits—secure your tickets now before they’re gone. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Norcross City Council debates electric utility rate hike amid budget concerns
🔌 With the fiscal year 2027 budget deadline just six weeks away, the Norcross City Council took up the question of whether to raise the city’s electric utility rate. But there was some pushback.
At the April 20 policy work session, representatives from the Electric Cities of Georgia and Norcross Power shared the results of a recent rate study. They project the city’s electric utility fund will have a nearly $900,000 deficit next year and suggest a phased, three-year rate increase to strengthen revenue.
Council Member Matt Myers said ECG representatives had also predicted a looming deficit for Norcross Power in 2024, but it never materialized. He said the city has kept rates flat for some time to make the city more competitive.
⚡Read more about Norcross Power and proposed rate hikes here.
Bring The Farmers Market To Your Doorstep
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!
Norcross aims to expand economic development with Hispanic business owners
💼 Around 140 people networked and discovered resources available around Norcross at the inaugural Hispanic Business Outreach Event on April 23 at the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center.
Norcross Economic Development Director David Versel said the city intentionally designed an event to introduce Hispanic business owners to city and community resources. Future gatherings with the local business community and specific industries are planned, he said.
“The city takes pride in its diversity,” Versel said. “There are a lot of people who have been here a long time. There are also a lot of newcomers and a lot of immigrants, and we welcome everybody.”
📈 Read more about resources for Hispanic businesses in Norcross here.
🎹 Experience a magical night with Grammy Award winner Jon Batiste and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park. An unforgettable night under the stars awaits—secure your tickets now before they’re gone. SPONSOR MESSAGE
🏥 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 seeks residents to serve on citizen-led boards
🗓️ Norcross is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on one of its citizen-led boards that help guide the city council’s policy decisions.
Applications for the Architecture Review Board, Discovery Garden Park Board, Planning & Zoning Board, Tree Preservation Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals will be accepted through Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m.
Board members serve in an advisory capacity, offering recommendations to the mayor and council on a variety of topics, including planning, development, environmental stewardship, and historic preservation.
🙋 Read more about the city’s boards, commissions, and authorities here.
Norcross mayor honors United Consulting’s 30 years in city
🚧 Norcross Mayor Craig Newton recognized United Consulting Group’s three decades of business within the city with an official proclamation on April 16 during a special luncheon at the company’s headquarters.
“United Consulting Group represents the very best of what it means to be a corporate partner in our community,” Newton said. “For more than 30 years, they have not only grown a successful business, but have also invested in Norcross through service, leadership, and a genuine commitment to making our city a better place.”
Over the past three decades, the firm has grown into a leading civil engineering company in metro Atlanta with offices in Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas.
🏗️ Read more about United Consulting’s community impact here.
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