FoCo UNPLUGGED

Senior Services is Breaking the Mold of What You Might Expect

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. Click here to view the audio transcript.

The Ins and Outs of Election Season in Forsyth County

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. Click here to view the audio transcript.

How the County Treats Water During Algae Blooms in Lake Lanier

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. Click here to view the audio transcript.

How Forsyth County and the Small Business Administration are Fostering Small Business

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. Click here to view the full audio transcript.

Work Session Recap - Sept. 22, 2026

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.

How Forsyth County is Supporting Local Farmers Through Agritourism

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. Click here to view the audio transcript.

How New Software Expedites Warrants for Law Enforcement

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. Click here to view the audio transcript.

Data Centers FAQs

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.

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FoCo Unplugged SPLOST IX - Aug. 2026 Update

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 www.forsythco.com/splost.

FoCo Unplugged Work Session Recap for August 11, 2026

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

Budget Planning

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.

Work Session Recap - July 28, 2026

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

Big Creek Greenway Improvement Project | April 2026 | On the Move

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.

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Inside Forsyth County’s Capital Improvement Plan for Public Safety & Schools | State of the County 2026

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

Schools, Public Safety and County Leaders United for Forsyth County's Future | State of the County 2026

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

Big Changes Coming to Sharon Springs Park!

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.

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How Forsyth County’s Innovative Partnership with Georgia Tech is Shaping Tomorrow’s Engineers

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.

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Park Renovations, Residential Rezoning Moratorium Updates | Dec. 9, 2025, BOC Work Session Recap

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.

All Lanes Open on SR 369/400 Overpass (Exit 18)

Following the replacement of a damaged support cap in the SR 369 overpass at SR 400 (Exit 18) and subsequent partial bridge beam replacement, four lanes of traffic (two westbound and two eastbound) are now open to traffic across the SR 400 overpass, weeks ahead of schedule.

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Forsyth County Parks & Recreation Seeks Public Input on 10-Year Master Plan Update

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation is updating its 10-year Master Plan and needs YOUR input! The 10-year Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan serves as a roadmap for the County’s park system, identifying community needs, setting priorities and outlining strategies for future investments. It will help ensure Forsyth County Parks & Recreation continues to provide diverse, accessible and high-quality recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities. Take the survey to directly influence decisions about the future development of our parks, facilities and programs: www.forsythco.com/yourparks