The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has named Gwinnett County a PlanFirst Community. The program recognizes and rewards communities that demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing their local comprehensive plans. Gwinnett’s Planning and Development, Transportation, and Community Services departments received the three-year designation at the Dec. 15 Board of Commissioners meeting.

The PlanFirst program is one of several available through the state’s DCA to help communities with economic development, implement planning and provide affordable housing. In addition to statewide PlanFirst recognition, Gwinnett becomes eligible for reduced-rate loans from the Georgia Environmental Financing Authority, annual eligibility for community development block grants and bonus points on applications for various DCA programs.

Information: www.dca.state.ga.us.