FoCo UNPLUGGED

Over the next year, Forsyth County leaders, policy makers and planning officials will be working with our community to create a shared vision for our future.

“Foster Forsyth”, an update to the County’s comprehensive plan, will establish land use patterns which will guide future infrastructure, services, community character, and quality of life. Your ideas, experiences, and priorities will play an important role in shaping the updated plan.

Hear from Director of Planning & Community Development Tom Brown in this edition of FoCo Unplugged to learn about the process, how you can make your voice heard and how the County is planning for the future.

For more information on Foster Forsyth and upcoming ways to get involved: Comprehensive Plan Update | Forsyth Forsyth 2022 | Georgia

Click here to view the audio transcript.

Forsyth County’s On the Move series returns with an update on improvements to the Big Creek Greenway at the Fowler Park Trailhead. Crews began replacing the existing boardwalk with a precast concrete boardwalk system known as PermaTrak on Oct. 26.

For more information and updates, visit the Big Creek Greenway webpage.

Forsyth County Senior Services is routinely winning state, regional and national awards for their offerings ranging from active adult recreation programs to senior support services all while breaking down barriers in the community!

Senior Services Deputy Director Andrew Greeson joins FoCo Unplugged to talk about how they provide something for everyone 60 years and older in the community.

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Director of Forsyth County Voter Registration & Elections Mandi Smith joins FoCo Unplugged to detail what goes into making the upcoming Nov. 3 Elections a reality for our community.

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Director of the Department of Water & Sewer Scott Adams joins FoCo Unplugged to discuss how the County is treating raw water to mitigate algae bloom compounds, to clarify the safety of our drinking water and future plans for additional treatment in the future.

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District 2 Commissioner and Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John and the Southeastern Regional Administrator for the Small Business Administration Tyler Teresa discuss the strength of small businesses in our community and how the County and Small Business Administration are supporting small business growth today.

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Miss the Sept. 22 Board of Commissioners Work Session? County Manager David McKee provides background on some of the meeting's agenda items including an update on the residential zoning moratorium.

Other agenda items discussed from the work session include:

• an update underway to the County's short term rental code
• approval of a new intersection on SR 9 at Hopewell Road
• plans to repave over 50 miles of County roads

Click here to view the audio transcript.

District 4 Commissioner Mendy Moore and John Bishop of Warbington Farms discuss the growth of agritourism in Forsyth County, what it means for the community and how the County is finding unique ways to support farms in Forsyth County.

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Chief Magistrate Keisha Chambless joins the FoCo Unplugged podcast to discuss an investment in CloudGavel to create a better process for executing warrants in the field for law enforcement authorities. The conversation also highlights the growing focus on cyber financial crime and data related issues.

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Did you know Forsyth County has a data center ordinance? What does the ordinance entail, why a previously approved data center conditional use permit was revoked this summer, and how might the future of data centers impact Forsyth County?

District 4 Commissioner Mendy Moore and Planning & Community Development Director Tom Brown join FoCo Unplugged to discuss.

To view the audio transcript, click here.

The ninth County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program was approved by voters in late 2024 and the vision for how those funds will be utilized is coming to life!

County Manager David McKee joins FoCo Unplugged to discuss the projects SPLOST IX will fund including 12 sidewalks, 18 intersections, Big Creek Greenway repairs, Polo Fields Master Plan, Sharon Springs Park Campus, the Fire Department Training Center, and much more.

Want to learn more about the County’s SPLOST program and see plans for future projects? Visit http://www.forsythco.com/splost.

Miss the Aug. 11 Board of Commissioners Work Session? County Manager David McKee and Communications Director Russell Brown discuss the meeting's more impactful agenda items including a new e-warrant software to enhance processes for law enforcement and judicial officials.

Agenda items discussed from the work session include:

• A new intersection signal on SR 369 for an incoming Home Depot
• How the new Bannister Road at Elmo Road project will be funded
• Plans for Senior Services to provide chronic illness resources for residents
• New tennis and pickleball courts at various County parks

How does the County budget annually for our public safety needs, road improvements, new parks, trails, library programs, water infrastructure and the services needed to make Forsyth County our home? Chief Financial Officer Brian Clark joins the FoCo Unplugged podcast to discuss 2027's proposed budget and what goes into creating a fiscally responsible government.

Miss the July 28 Board of Commissioners Work Session? County Manager David McKee and Communications Director Russell Brown discuss the meeting's more impactful agenda items including an update from Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz on the Big Creek Greenway rehabilitation project.

Agenda items discussed from the work session include:

• The County's annual budget for 2027
• Plans for a Comprehensive Plan update later this year
• Construction begins on a Lake Lanier Water Intake at Tidwell Park
• Playground renovations at Central and Chattahoochee Pointe Parks
• Rehabilitation of the Big Creek Greenway

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation continues to make progress on the Big Creek Greenway renovation, a long-term project focused on enhancing safety, durability and the overall experience for Greenway users.

In this latest edition of On the Move, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz and Capital Projects Director John Jefferson share where the project stands today, why improvements are necessary and what residents can expect moving forward.

Forsyth County leaders share how innovative technology, modern facilities and strong partnerships keep our community safe and prepared for growth. Hear from County Manager David McKee, Schools Superintendent Dr. Mitch Young, Fire Chief Barry Head and Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joe Perkins as they discuss:

• New fire rescue boat and training center
• School construction and facility upgrades
• Crime investigation technology and real-time crime center
• Funding for major capital improvement projects

Forsyth County leaders share how close collaboration between their organizations is driving smart, responsible growth in Forsyth County. Hear from Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John, Sheriff Ron Freeman and Board of Education Chairman Mike Valdes as they discuss:

• The decrease in residential zonings in the county following the moratorium on residential applications
• Forsyth County's low crime rates
• How growth affects public safety and education resources
• Sharing facilities strategically

Exciting improvements are coming to one of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation’s well-loved parks!

In this edition of On the Move, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz and Capital Projects Director John Jefferson discuss progress on the Sharon Springs Park renovation and preview the future amenities planned for the park.

What happens when a real County infrastructure project becomes a classroom challenge? You get creativity, collaboration and a whole lot of innovation!

Last September, Forsyth County brought a real-world water infrastructure challenge straight into a Georgia Institute of Technology classroom, giving engineering students the chance to strategize, problem-solve and create a design for a simulated version of Forsyth County’s Return Flow Project.

The Board of Commissioners addressed a number of impactful topics in the Dec. 9, 2025 work session.

Listen to this episode of the FoCo Unplugged podcast to hear District 1 Commissioner Kerry Hill and District 5 Commissioner Mendy Moore recap the meeting.