In a move that could have a far-reaching impact on the city’s future, the Mayor and City Council of Lawrenceville are discussing extending the city’s boundaries. On February 12, a special City Council meeting will deliberate on the resolution to annex new areas and add new residents. The plan is the result of a year-long collaboration of city officials with Gwinnett County and state officials.
City officials are seeking approval from the Gwinnett Legislative Delegation to place the annexation plan on the ballot. If approved, the matter will appear on the ballot in May 2026, and depending on whether the voters support the resolution, the expansion will go into effect in January 2027.
Highlights
- The Lawrenceville City Council will call a special meeting on February 12, 2025, to discuss a resolution that may extend the city’s boundaries.
- The City’s plan will help to establish clear boundaries, improve service delivery, and reinforce the city’s identity.
- The city will annex 5,700 parcels of land and add 19,000 new residents to its population if the plan comes to pass.
Lawrenceville’s Plan to Expand its Boundaries
Lawrenceville’s plan to extend its boundaries aims to unite the city and improve service delivery. The plan is to add 5,700 parcels of land and welcome 19,000 new residents to be part of the city. About 70% of the area that is part of the annexation plan already uses a Lawrenceville zip code.
If the plan takes effect, it will contribute to ensuring the city’s financial stability. By adding new areas, Lawrenceville would significantly decrease the share of tax-exempt properties, dropping from 40% to 21%. This reduction would result in a larger taxable base, increasing the city’s revenue potential.
The new plan could also strengthen the city’s schools. If it takes effect, the city limits will include Lawrenceville Methodist Campground, JM Tull YMCA, and the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. The plans will consolidate the local high school clusters and strengthen partnerships with leading institutions such as the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
Improvement in connectivity is another effect expected as the city limits are redefined along major roads. This will also reduce confusion among the residents.
The proposal will go for the State legislative approval and governor’s signature in Spring 2025. Public meetings and informational sessions will be held to address questions regarding the annexation plan in Fall/Winter 2025. The proposal guarantees that impacted residents in the proposed annexation areas can vote on the proposal in Spring 2026. If passed by the voters, the implementation of the plan will be in January 2027.
It is expected that the plan will pave the way for a brighter and more secure future for the city. The execution of the plan is in its preliminary stages and will go through all the stages before it is finalized and implemented.
