FoCo UNPLUGGED

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 nece...

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 i...

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 cri...

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 ver...

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.

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.

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, accessib...

In this edition of On the Move, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz discusses renovations coming to the Big Creek Greenway between mile markers 8.5 (Bethelview Trailhead) and 10.3 (Kelly Mill Road), which is currently closed to the public. The renovations will restore this portion of the Greenway to a safe, durable and accessible condition that will serve residents for many years to come. W...

What renovations are being considered for Polo Fields Park and how can you provide feedback and ask questions?  In the latest FoCo Unplugged podcast, Forsyth County District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz and County Manager David McKee discuss all of this and more.   Additionally, residents can plan to attend a public input meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednes...

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the Barker Overlook project, a future destination at Sawnee Mountain Preserve that will provide visitors with breathtaking views and a unique connection to the history of Sawnee Mountain. In this On the Move episode, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz discusses what visitors can expect at the future site, funding and the history...

The average cost for a new pumper fire truck is over $1.M. In 2020, that cost was roughly $700,000. Also, in 2020, the average time from ordering a truck to having it delivered was roughly 12-14 months. Today the delivery time is upwards of 36-48 months.    So how does @forsythcountyfiredepartment manage the costs and maintenance of ensuring fire safety equipment is ready to answer the call?    Fi...

Department of Water Sewer Director Scott Adams and Deputy Director Steve Ratzlaff discuss what a boil water advisory (BWA) is, why they happen, how you will be notified if one is issued for your residence/business and what you need to do if you are in an advisory.    Also, in a joint effort with Forsyth County Geographic Information Services, the Department of Water & Sewer has released an all...

Crews have set the remaining bridge beams across the SR 369 (Exit 18) overpass at SR 400.     Watch the latest On the Move for more information on what is next and when the overpass is set to open an additional two lanes of traffic across SR 400.      Catch up on the project's facts, timeline, previous video updates and FAQs by visiting www.forsythco.com/exit-18 .    

What's the latest on the County's moratorium on all residential applications? What's next for the County as it aims for smart future growth? And how can County residents get involved in future growth and development decisions for our communities? Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John and Planning & Community Development Director Tom Brown discuss these topics and more. Need some bac...

Clearing work is underway on Phase I of the McGinnis Ferry Road widening, from Hospital Parkway to Douglas Road! Watch this episode of On the Move to learn about the timeline of the project and what to expect on your daily commute, as well as the latest updates on the GDOT-managed SR 400/McGinnis Ferry interchange project.

Have you received your 2025 personal property assessment? Forsyth County property owners had their state-mandated assessments mailed to them this week ... now what? Chief Appraiser Joel Benton and Assistant Deputy Chief Appraiser Steven Lamb discuss what you need to know in the latest FoCo Unplugged, including: What is on the assessment and why this year’s assessments look different from previous...

Get the latest updates on the Exit 18 (Browns Bridge Road) overpass in this episode of On the Move. Capital Projects Director John Jefferson answers your questions, including: • Is the project on track for late 2025/early 2026 completion? • What work has been happening in the background? • When will crews continue construction? • What can drivers expect for their daily commute in the months ahead?...

The Board of Commissioners finalized and approved agreements for what might one day be one of the southeast's largest economic drivers, The Gathering at South Forsyth. What's next for the development and what does tonight's action mean for an NHL franchise calling Forsyth home? Carl Hirsch with the development group, Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John and Forsyth County Chamber President/...

Do I need a permit on my home project? Can the County help me on a home renovation? How are commercial buildings inspected, approved, and why should I care? Building & Licensing Director Jake Hill takes us inside how the County ensures commercial and residential structures are safe and to code in this episode of FoCo Unplugged.  Want to see if a permit is required? Take a look here: https://ww...

During their April 17, 2025, meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a moratorium on all residential applications, in place until the end of the day on May 15, 2025. Listen to learn more about the action, next steps and what “hitting the pause button” on residential growth means for our community. Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John and District 4 Commissioner Mendy M...

In this podcast episode, District 4 Commissioner Mendy Moore discusses her background, experience as an elected official, and her goals and priorities as she serves Forsyth County

In this podcast episode, District 5 Commissioner Laura Semanson discusses her background, experience as an elected official, and her goals and priorities as she serves Forsyth County. 

In this podcast episode, District 1 Commissioner Kerry Hill discusses her background, experience as an elected official, and her goals and priorities as she serves Forsyth County. 

In this podcast episode, Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John discusses his background, experience as an elected official, and his goals and priorities as he serves Forsyth County.