IEDC Award highlights collaborative redevelopment efforts as Partnership Gwinnett prepares to launch its next five-year strategy Nov. 6
(Gwinnett County, GA. October 27, 2026) –– Redevelopment strategy in Gwinnett was recognized on a global stage this week as Partnership Gwinnett received yet another award on behalf of its partners from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The Award of Excellence for the Partnership Gwinnett Redevelopment Framework was presented to the recently accredited organization for its collaboration and focus on redevelopment best practices together with county and municipal partners as well as development agencies like Council for Quality Growth.
The recognition follows Partnership Gwinnett’s recent designation as an Accredited Economic Development Organization and comes ahead of the Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS) on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Presented Monday, Oct. 26, at IEDC’s Annual Conference in New Orleans, the award recognizes a collaborative framework developed through Partnership Gwinnett’s 4.0 strategy. Through its Redevelopment Council, peer tours and MARS, co-hosted with the Council for Quality Growth, Partnership Gwinnett gives public and private sector leaders access to practical tools, industry expertise and successful redevelopment models. These programs create space to discuss challenges, examine financing and infrastructure needs, and build relationships that help move ideas toward implementation.
“Redevelopment takes a shared vision and partners willing to move it forward,” said Jasmine Jackson, Director of Community and Economic Development with the City of Lawrenceville and Partnership Gwinnett’s Redevelopment Goal 3 Chair. “Through this work, we connect local leaders and industry expertise to help communities turn opportunity into investment and support places where businesses can thrive and people want to live, work and play.”
The work connects community development with economic opportunity. Helping partners understand business needs, identify opportunities for reinvestment and learn from other communities supports places that can attract employers, retain talent and serve residents.
“Strong communities create the foundation for a strong economy,” said Kevin Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at Partnership Gwinnett. “Our redevelopment work brings people together to explore what is possible and better understand what it takes to make investment happen. This recognition reflects the commitment of our partners and the value of approaching redevelopment as a shared priority.”
That focus will continue through Cultivate Place, one of four goals in Partnership Gwinnett’s forthcoming 5.0 strategy. Covering 2027–2031, the strategy will guide the organization’s next five years of economic development.
“As we look ahead to 5.0, we are building on the partnerships, legacy leadership, and progress that brought us here,” Carmichael said. “Cultivating place means considering how our communities support business investment, connect people to opportunity and contribute to Gwinnett’s long-term success.”
Business and community leaders are invited to attend the Partnership Gwinnett 5.0 Launch on Friday, Nov. 6, from 8 to 10 a.m. at The Water Tower in Buford. The launch will introduce the strategy and provide an opportunity to learn how investors and partners can help shape its implementation.
To learn more about Partnership Gwinnett’s work in the community, visit PartnershipGwinnett.com.
