Projects and Initiatives

G.R.E.A.T. Little Minds

Reading is fundamental. The City of Norcross takes a strong interest in childhood literacy in our community, and is participating in a book exchange program with the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services. The program, G.R.E.A.T. Little Minds, provides book exchanges
and access to free books for the local school children. The coalition assumes all maintenance,
liability and upkeep of the books stored in these locations. Since the beginning of 2020, the program has distributed over 20,000+ books into our community. There has been an influx of donations from the community, and we could not be more grateful for your support.

Have a book exchange site suggestion or want to become a steward? Click here
Want to find out more about G.R.E.A.T. Little Minds Program? Click here

Purple Heart City

On October 1, 2018, a proclamation was read by Mayor Craig Newton instating Norcross as a Purple Heart City.

The Purple Heart is a prestigious medal awarded to any member of the armed forces who have been wounded or lost under combat conditions. The Military Order of the Purple Heart, which was chartered by Congress as a veterans’ organization whose members have received the medal, presides over the Purple Heart City designation. Matt Bridges, National Purple Heart Legacy and Trail Coordinator, accepted Norcross’ proclamation on behalf of the organization.

“To be a Purple Heart City is to raise awareness and to honor those who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal,” states Mayor Newton. “Norcross would like to recognize these men and women who selflessly served for our freedoms.”

As a Purple Heart City, Norcross will annually celebrate the National Purple Heart Day on August 7^th. Signs identifying Norcross as a Purple Heart City are currently being made by the Georgia Department of Transportation, and will be placed at the entrance of the city limits in the near future.

AARP Livable Community

On September 24, 2018, the City of Norcross committed to becoming more age-friendly according to criteria established by AARP and the World Health Organization. The city has been accepted as a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, which encourages states, counties, cities, towns and rural areas to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. Population. The network encourages communities to take action and pay increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. The goal is to create a community that supports residents from the cradle through retirement.

This new initiative emphasizes both the built and the social environment, and helps refine what it means for Norcross to be a livable community in the eyes of its residents (of all ages).

Tree City USA

On February 7, 2019 the City of Norcross received the Tree City USA designation for the fifteenth year in a row. The City of Norcross was one of only 20 cities in the state of Georgia to receive this designation this year. Norcross has worked diligently to follow the framework set forth by Tree City USA, this includes the establishment of a tree board, a community tree ordinance, and specific spending levels for urban forestry and planned Arbor Day celebrations. This is quite the accomplishment for the City of Norcross as there are only 155 Tree Cities USA in the state of Georgia.

The City of Norcross is proud to be known as a community who cares about their citizen's quality of life. By maintaining a commitment to trees and forested land, the City of Norcross is sure to continue to flourish with economic growth which in turn creates a great city in which to live, work, and play.

Green Community - Certified Platinum

Holding top honors for sustainability efforts is the of the City of Norcross. The City of Norcross boasts a platinum level recognition by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) for implementing policies and practices contributing to efficient and sustainable use of resources in metro Atlanta. In order to obtain platinum status, the City of Norcross has implemented numerous sustainability efforts such as building the Norcross Community Garden at Discovery Garden Park, encouraging sustainability through a Community Market, contracting 41 goats to clear vegetation at Pinnacle Park and earning the designation as a Tree City USA to name a few. Norcross understands that a sustainable community is a healthy and happy community, not just for the residents but also for the environment.

The Mayor's Angel Giving Tree

The Mayor's Angel Giving Tree was started in order to help local Norcross families who are struggling to provide the basics and to assist them with Christmas gifts for their children. The giving tree is located inside the Norcross City Hall and holds tags which contain three gift ideas for either a boy or a girl ages 12 and under. Toys are brought in unwrapped and dropped off several weeks prior to Christmas. Lending a hand to the community and spreading the true meaning of Christmas is the Mayor's goal for this initiative which he hopes to see grow each year.