Council Member Manfred Graeder received the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute Certificate of Recognition during the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah on June 26. 

The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, a cooperative effort of GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, provides a nationally recognized series of training opportunities for city officials.

“This is an outstanding achievement,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We commend Council member Graeder for this accomplishment and for the dedication shown in using this valuable resource to become a more effective city official.”

To receive a Certificate of Recognition, a city official must complete a minimum of 42 units of credit, including at least 18 hours from a list of required classes. The training program consists of more than 70 courses.

“We are proud of our partnership with GMA to provide high-quality, relevant training to Georgia’s more than 3,500 municipal officials,” said UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government Director Rob Gordon. ”The institute remains committed to being the trusted resource that city officials across Georgia turn to for leadership and professional development training that makes a difference in the lives of the citizens they represent.”  

About the Georgia Municipal Association: Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to all of Georgia’s 537 cities. GMA anticipates and influences the forces shaping Georgia’s cities and to provide leadership, tools and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective and responsive. Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. For more information, visit www.gacities.com. 

The Duluth Rotary Car Show rolled through this past weekend. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Duluth for organizing this great event!

Photography provided by Dustin Grau Photography.

We had a doggone good time last week at Fridays-N-Duluth‘s Dog Days of Summer!

Photography provided by DV Photo Video.

Scenes from last week’s Fridays-N-Duluth featuring the DFAL Art Walk.

Photography provided by Dustin Grau Photography.

Many of you are aware that street racing and other dangerous activities such as laying drags and street “take-overs” have become a major issue in the Gwinnett County area in recent months. To combat this issue, the City of Duluth has enacted a City Ordinance against Street Racing, which allows Duluth Police Officers to take swift action and bring these cases before a City of Duluth Municipal Court Judge for prosecution.

Under the ordinance, Duluth Police Officers can charge organizers, participants, spectators, and passengers with the Street Racing offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or any combination of the two. Vehicles involved in each case may be impounded and held for a period of no less than 30 days or until the completion of the case at the expense of the registered owner.

In the past week, Duluth Police Officers have taken strong action against street racers and have stopped and arrested numerous drivers for laying drags in the public roadway and in commercial parking lots. As a result, 27 citations were issued, two individuals were arrested, and five vehicles were towed.

“The Duluth Police Department will not tolerate illegal street racing or any other activity which endangers our public. We will continue to use strategies to combat this type of activity to include enforcing our Street Racing City Ordinance. Our officers will take immediate enforcement action against anyone who chooses to engage in such reckless behavior in our City.” – Chief Carruth

Duluth has #Pride! Thank you to everyone who joined us last week at Fridays-N-Duluth: Pride!

For more information on this and other upcoming events, visit duluthga.net/events.

Photography provided by DV Photo Video.

Relive the excitement of Eureka! Science Night at Fridays-N-Duluth. From fascinating experiment stations to mind-blowing demonstrations, it was a night filled with discovery and awe. Thank you to everyone that joined us!

Photography provided by DV Photo Video.

The Love the Butterfly Pop-Up event in Duluth took flight over the weekend, where families and nature enthusiasts of all ages gathered to observe, hold and feed the painted lady butterflies. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Photography courtesy of Dustin Grau Photography.

Today, the 5th grade students of B.B. Harris Elementary School embarked on a memorable field trip to Duluth City Hall, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to learn about local government and engage with key city officials.

The day commenced with a gathering of 130 enthusiastic students in the council chambers, where they were greeted by City officials including Mayor Nancy Harris, City Manager James Riker, and representatives from Parks & Recreation and Public Works. The speakers shared insights into their respective roles and the significance of their departments in shaping the city’s progress.

Divided into groups, the students embarked on a comprehensive tour of City Hall, venturing into various departments and encountering firsthand the inner workings of municipal governance. Each department welcomed the eager learners, offering informative overviews and generously dedicating time for students to pose thought-provoking questions. The departments visited included Finance, Storm Water, Community Development, Economic Development & Marketing, the Business Office, and the Clerk’s Office.

Highlighting the itinerary was a captivating presentation by the Police Department on the Festival Center stage. The students were enthralled as they witnessed the demonstration of cutting-edge drone technology employed by the department, showcasing its invaluable contributions to public safety and law enforcement efforts. Additionally, one of Duluth’s beloved K9 Officers, Clodo, charmed the young audience, providing insight into the vital role played by police dogs in the community.

“It is vital for young individuals to understand the functioning of local government and the impact it has on their daily lives. The B.B. Harris field trip to City Hall allowed us to engage with these students, answering their questions, and inspiring them to consider careers in public service. We are committed to fostering a sense of civic duty among our youth, and today’s field trip was an important step in that direction,” said Talore Ruedt, Senior Marketing & Outreach Coordinator for the City of Duluth.

The BB Harris Elementary School’s field trip to Duluth City Hall not only fostered a deeper understanding of municipal governance among the 5th graders but also inspired them to become active participants in shaping their community’s future. By providing a platform for interaction with city officials and exposure to various departments, this excursion has undoubtedly planted the seeds for future leaders and responsible citizens.