Councilmember Manfred Graeder Receives Recognition for Training Accomplishment

Posted on by Alisa Williams

Congratulations to Councilmember Manfred Graeder, who received the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute Certificate of Achievement during the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah on June 24. 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 a significant milestone,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We congratulate Councilmember Graeder and his dedication to professional development is an inspiration and a testament to the valuable resources and quality of service we strive to provide in local government.” To receive a Certificate of Achievement, a city official must complete 72 hours of training, including at least 36 hours from the required list and the Newly Elected Officials Institute.

“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 provides 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 representing municipal governments in Georgia. For more information, visit www.gacities.com.

Councilmember Manfred Graeder

The Big Rollout

Posted on by Talore Ruedt

The City of Duluth, in partnership with Republic Services, is excited to announce a significant upgrade to its waste management system. Beginning May 1, 2024, Republic Services will implement a transition from designated trash bags to standard rolling carts for trash collection.

As of March 26, over 75% of residents have already received their new trash and recycling collection carts, with all residents expected to have their carts by April 1, 2024. It is important to note that if a resident already has a Republic Services recycling cart, they will only be receiving a new trash cart.

Republic Services’ decision to adopt cart-based trash collection within Duluth city limits was made in response to industry trends and safety considerations. The bag system is being phased out industry-wide and staffing of two-man trucks has been increasingly difficult. Add in increased traffic concerns, making helpers riding on the back of trucks more and more unsafe. The benefits of this transition include increased capacity for larger households, enhanced recycling capabilities, and improved convenience in waste disposal.

In addition to the transition to cart-based trash collection, Republic Services will be implementing a change to its collection schedule. Starting April 29, 2024, trash collection will shift from a 3-day a week schedule to a 5-day a week schedule. To assist residents with the transition, Republic Services will be sending out postcards to every resident the week of April 15, providing details on their designated pickup day. This notification will be sent to all residents, even if their pickup day remains unchanged. The color-coded map below outlines the service days for each area. Click the map to enlarge.

Residents are reminded that cart collection will begin on May 1, 2024. Until then, designated Duluth trash bags must continue to be used.

Still have questions? Mayor Greg Whitlock will be hosting a special edition of Connect Duluth on Monday, April 1 at 6:00pm. Connect Duluth is a virtual meeting hosted on Facebook and Youtube where elected officials answer community questions. A representative from Republic Services will join Mayor Whitlock and they will be discussing all things trash! Learn more at duluthga.net/connectduluth.

For more information on the transition and to review the frequently asked questions, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Duluth website at duluthga.net/trashservice. The website offers translation options, allowing residents to access the information in over 70 languages.

Residents with further inquiries or in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Republic Services by emailing cityofduluth@republicservices.com.

Get to Know Mayor Whitlock

Posted on by Talore Ruedt

Mayor Greg Whitlock took office earlier this year, so let’s get to know him better! In this special edition of 6 Facts in 60 Seconds, Mayor Whitlock shares some fun details – like, did you know he’s a huge Star Wars nerd?

 

But wait, there’s more! Dive into the exclusive Q&A session below to discover Mayor Whitlock’s vision for Duluth. From community outreach to economic development, Mayor Whitlock is ready to lead our city to new heights.

Q: What specific initiatives or aspirations/goals do you have as you begin your term as Mayor?

Mayor Whitlock: I would like to start a regular outreach to the community to hear what the residents and businesses appreciate and what they feel may be missing or is needed in the community. I would also like to focus resources on economic development to bring higher wage jobs to the community and to have the jobs located within walking distance to our downtown as well as to attract businesses to the Rivergreen business corridor. Finally, I would like to evaluate walkability in our community and to make it more bike friendly as well.

 

Q: How do you plan to continue to build positive relationships with the community?

Mayor Whitlock: I plan to start a neighborhood outreach program for Mayor and Council. I would like to incorporate visibility of the elected officials at City events and functions around town. I also plan to reach out to our business community to build the relationship necessary to engage and support our businesses.

 

Q: What would you like to accomplish over the next year?

Mayor Whitlock: My plan is to start 2024 with establishing the vision of the City and to get a consensus of Council. I would like to share this vision with the citizens and businesses for affirmation or correction. Once the vision is unified among the community, start executing. My goal is to unify behind the idea that Duluth’s future is to become the number 1 city where families and businesses thrive.

 

Q: How do you feel your time on council prepared you for your new role as Mayor?

Mayor Whitlock: I couldn’t imagine stepping into the role of Mayor and not already being familiar with how a City operates. Understanding the role of the City and the restrictions that Cities have to operate within. Knowing the City’s departments, operations, funding, projects, and issues allows me to be more effective and responsive sooner. It allows me to already understand the challenges that need to be addressed and I am already aware of what the City has tried to resolve these challenges. Plus, I am lucky enough to have worked with the current Council, which makes our relationship stronger as we had trust among each other on day one.

 

Q: What current or upcoming city project/initiative are you most excited about?

Mayor Whitlock: I am excited to help Duluth enter the next phase of our development. The goal is to be economically sustainable for all people and all businesses. Our downtown was the nucleus to stabilizing our community economically. We now have thriving businesses in our downtown – making it a destination for people and organizations. The activity in our downtown makes homes more desirable with a walkable distance to our City center. The next phase for Duluth is to have this level of success all over, not just in our downtown district. Businesses have been looking to locate in Duluth, but there has been no professional offices available and there are areas of our City that are not walkable/bikeable, but could be. There is just so much that goes into this plan, which is focused on what Duluth will look like in 10 to 30 years from today.

 

Q: And finally, where do you see Duluth in 10 years?

Mayor Whitlock: Simple. I see Duluth being the #1 community to live, work, please, eat, and shop.

2024 Calendar of Events

Posted on by Talore Ruedt

The City of Duluth is excited to announce the 2024 event schedule. As always, this year’s lineup has a little bit of something for everyone, including food trucks, concerts, movies and more!

The event season will kick off in April with the Duluth Farmers & Artisan Market. In addition to shopping with local vendors on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month through November, each market features live music.

Fridays-N-Duluth (FND) kicks off May 3 from 6-9pm in Downtown Duluth and runs through the end of July. FND will feature live music, food trucks and vendors. Themed nights will return on Fridays the 2nd Friday of each month and Flicks on the Bricks will be the 4th Friday of each month. This year’s themes include Dog Days of Summer on May 10, Pride on June 14, and Eureka! Science Night on July 12.

Signature events returning this year include S.T.E.A.M. (March 14), the Duluth Spring Arts Festival (April 27 & 28), Good Word Brewing Presents Little Beer (April 13), Duluth Derby Day (May 4), Duluth Rotary Car Show (June 15), Viva Las Duluth (July 27), and Good Word Brewing Presents Les Bon (Sept 14).

Pop2000, hosted by NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick and featuring O-Town, Ryan Cabrera and LFO will headline the Summer Stage Concert on June 1. Night at the Red Clay will continue in 2024 with free comedy shows, movies, and concerts at the Red Clay Music Foundry.

Duluth’s 2024 Art Month will take place in August again. Art-centered activities will include Creativity Workshops at the Festival Center, the DFAL Art Walk (Aug 9), a Community Art Project, and a two-day Chalk Art Festival (Aug 9&10). Multicultural Night (Aug 24), formerly International Night, has found a new home in Art Month and will include the Lantern Parade. New this year: a Toon Fest Pop-Up (Aug 31) featuring caricature artists.

We are excited to announce that the S’mores ‘N Snores overnight camping event will return to Rogers Bridge Park on September 21. Camper registration will open on September 2. Other fall/winter favorites returning this year are Duluth on Tap (Oct 12), Howl on the Green (Oct 25) , Frosty Fun, Deck the Hall (Dec 7), and Cookies & Cocoa with Santa (Dec 14). Haunted Tours (Oct 19 &26) are new to the fall lineup. In partnership with the Duluth Historical Society, guests can join us for a free haunted tour of Downtown Duluth.

Pop-up events remain a popular addition to the lineup. Currently on the calendar, we have a Storytelling Pop-Up on March 20, a Dueling Piano Pop-Up on March 29, and a Cinco de Mayo Pop-Up on May 5. Be sure to follow our social media and be the first to know when a new pop-up is announced!

Facebook: @CityofDuluth

Instagram: @City_of_Duluth

TikTok: @CityofDuluthGA

X: @CityofDuluthGA

For more information on all upcoming events, visit www.duluthga.net/events.

Businesses, food trucks and farmers interested in vending at events this season are invited to apply for open events by visiting duluthga.net/eventvendor.

 

Download the 2024 Calendar Here