internet and designated ARPA funds to expand broadband access, opening up connectivity for residents and businesses.While he acknowledges the increase in remote workers, King says the majority of Dacula’s workforce consists of skilled blue-collar workers employed in supporting industries for the automotive sector, major Fortune 500 companies, and healthcare. “As the community transitions, Dacula is finding home for a lot more professionals,” he admits. “We have more and more people that are able to work from home in fields such as cyber security or in project management. So, that’s kind of developing now, and I think that trend will continue. But our core community has always been a skilled blue-collar community. I think that’s one of our biggest assets.” Mayor King emphasizes the outstanding relationship Dacula has with Gwinnett County, and the importance of this partnership moving forward.“This is one of the last outpost of Gwinnett County where something could be built,” he underscores.“Anything that comes into the city, we want it to be amazing. We want it to be something that we can appreciate not just 5 years from now, but 50 years from now.” RESIDENTIAL GROWTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Looking ahead, Dacula is addressing an increased housing demand with an influx of residential developments. The city currently has five major single-family housing projects underway, totaling nearly 800 new homes, in addition to its first-ever townhome and multifamily housing developments. A 55+ senior living community is also expected to come online within the next five years, bringing 120 units to the community. “We have over 1000 units right now that were recently developed or are actively under construction at various price points, ownership and rental. We’re really tackling this issue and making sure that we have spaces for people to live,” Nix asserts. Along with residential expansion, Dacula is inviting new economic opportunities through logistics and industrial development. “We have an upcoming logistics center with multiple warehouses, which 109 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 DACULA, GA
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