(Lawrenceville, Ga., May 19, 2021)– In her remarks at the inaugural Gwinnett Chamber Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson today introduced the Gwinnett Place Mall Redevelopment Equity Plan and announced the opportunity for qualified consultants to submit proposals for the development of an Equity Action Plan on behalf of Gwinnett County. Both plans demonstrate the County’s determination to embed an equitable, inclusive and welcoming foundation in all services, programs, policies, decisions and developments made by the County – soon to be the largest county in Georgia.

“Diversity defines Gwinnett. The County is committed to putting policies and practices in place that not only embrace our diversity, but also harness its energy, creativity and innovative spirit through equity and inclusion. Today, I call on all Gwinnett business leaders to think about diversity in their own organizations, and I challenge them to use an equity lens as they move their businesses forward,” said Hendrickson. “Gwinnett County Government will rise up to meet this challenge, and I hope that our community and business partners will do the same, because if no one is left behind, then we can truly say that Gwinnett is the preferred community where everyone thrives.”

Gwinnett Place Mall Redevelopment Equity Plan

The December 2020 purchase of the Gwinnett Place Mall site was part of a strategic effort by Gwinnett’s government to create new opportunities for catalytic development in the area. To be created in partnership with HR&A Advisors, the Gwinnett Place Mall Equity Plan will be the next step toward equitable redevelopment. The plan will serve as the foundation for the redevelopment process, ensuring the effort does not exclude or displace Gwinnett County’s marginalized communities, but instead offers them an opportunity to thrive.

Andrea Batista Schlesinger, who leads the HR&A Inclusive Cities practice, will bring her expertise to Gwinnett as she works with her team and Gwinnett leadership to develop the Gwinnett Place Mall Redevelopment Equity Plan. Andrea will be joined by Director Lamont B. Cobb, an experienced urban planner and alumni of Morehouse College. HR&A’s Inclusive Cities team has completed highly collaborative projects across the country that tap the firm's deep real estate development and retail experience with a critical lens on engagement and equitable development.

On the Gwinnett Place Mall Redevelopment Equity Plan, Batista Schlesinger said, “Our Inclusive Cities practice is always looking to partner with communities willing to tackle the tough questions around equitable development. We applaud Gwinnett County on their plan to ensure equity and inclusion are at the core of their work by offering diverse communities power and voice not just in planning, but also in the development process. The County’s proactive leadership and meaningful community engagement around redevelopment and economic opportunity is more than just the usual lip service; it will truly allow a more open, inclusive process and set Gwinnett up to be a leader in metro Atlanta’s post-COVID economic recovery.”

The HR&A Advisors and Gwinnett County teams will work together to engage stakeholders, the Gwinnett Place CID and the surrounding community to understand how to bring to life a destination that is truly reflective of the needs of the diverse community. This process will be rooted in engagement, as HR&A will convene a Community Partner Advisory Board to guide the planning process and enlist grassroots organizations to reach all of the diverse communities surrounding the mall.

“We look forward to collaborating with the County and HR&A Advisors on this effort,” says Joe Allen, Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District executive director. “An opportunity as unique and impactful as this requires an equally unique and impactful plan. We’re ready to engage our area’s rich diversity of community organizations and Gwinnett residents to understand their needs and ensure that everyone thrives through this transformational redevelopment of the Gwinnett Place Mall site.”

Gwinnett County Equity Action Plan

The announcement of the County’s intent to develop an Equity Action Plan further underscores the commitment of Gwinnett leaders to embrace equity and inclusion. The County has issued a Request for Proposal seeking a consultant to evaluate the Gwinnett County government, including the people, policies and procedures that comprise it. The RFP can be accessed at GCGA.us/EquityRFP and is open now through June 8, 2021. The work will examine how the County addresses inclusion in all facets of its government system to identify where disparities impact the lived experience for Gwinnettians, with a goal of creating an Equity Action Plan that will:

• Serve as a living document that provides action steps the County should take to create a more welcoming and inclusive community.
• Provide an analysis of current systems, processes, policies, programs, and initiatives relative to County operations to ensure that they do not have disparate impact on residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
• Identify an organizational structure that will support the Equity Action Plan.
• Create an accessible and usable training plan to which the County can commit for continuous learning with a focus on building a common language and shared knowledge about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Position Gwinnett as a model of equitable and inclusive governance.

“These plans will align with two of our core values, equity and inclusivity,” said District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden. “The Gwinnett Place Mall area has long been considered the heart of Gwinnett County, and it is imperative that we listen to every voice to ensure that the redevelopment of the mall – this most valuable asset – involves the entire community and gives everyone an opportunity to thrive.”

“Our county is known for innovation, and I believe that’s only possible because of the diversity of life experiences our residents bring to the table,” said District 2 Commissioner Ben Ku. “Giving all residents, no matter their background, an equitable opportunity to succeed in this county has the potential to lead to more world-class achievements — and it’s also just the right thing to do.”

“Every day, we work to uphold the Gwinnett Standard of excellence in our policies and practices,” said District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins. “The Gwinnett Standard means going above and beyond what’s expected, setting the bar high and always pushing to raise it higher. Our county is already exemplary in terms of diversity; now is the time to set the Gwinnett Standard for equity and inclusion.”

“The County has taken strides to address inequities in our community with programs like Project RESET 2.0, the mass vaccination center at Gwinnett Place Mall and the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center, but we also know that there is still much work to be done,” said District 4 Commissioner Marlene Fosque. “The equity action plan will provide recommendations that will assist us in identifying quantifiable steps we can take that will cultivate inclusion, equity, diversity and fairness for everyone who lives, works or plays here.”