Jason Shelton for City Council Vision for Dacula

Vision for Dacula

Dacula is more than just a growing city — it’s a place rooted in tradition, shaped by families, and held together by a shared sense of community. But growth, if unmanaged, can erode what we’ve built together.

I’ve lived here long enough to remember when our roads were clear, our neighborhoods were quiet, and our city boundaries were respected. Like many of you, I see the signs of pressure all around us: traffic jams where there used to be none, developments rising faster than infrastructure can support, and county-level plans that don’t reflect the voice of Dacula’s citizens.

Standing Firm on the Rowen Project

One of the most significant concerns facing our community is the Rowen project — a massive, long-term development with the potential to change eastern Gwinnett County forever. While innovation and opportunity are important, they must not come at the cost of Dacula’s integrity, infrastructure, or quality of life.

I want to be clear: I will stand firm to protect our city’s interests when it comes to Rowen. That means ensuring Dacula is not steamrolled by regional ambition. I believe we can work with the Rowen project in a way that benefits our citizens — but only if we demand a seat at the table, fight for local control, and insist that our roads, schools, and neighborhoods are not overwhelmed in the process.

Addressing Traffic, Infrastructure, and Growth

One of the loudest complaints I hear from residents is this: “Traffic is out of control.” And you’re right — it is. Dacula’s roads were not built to support the level of development happening around us. And while Gwinnett County continues to approve large-scale projects, they’re not doing enough to alleviate the impact on Dacula residents.

As your City Council representative, I will:

  • Push for direct conversations with Gwinnett County to demand infrastructure improvements before further growth is allowed
  • Advocate for traffic flow analysis and signal improvements throughout key corridors like Harbins Road, Dacula Road, and the 316 access points
  • Support smart zoning that ensures neighborhoods, schools, and commercial areas grow in a sustainable, thoughtful way
  • Listen to residents before approving projects that bring more cars and congestion to our daily lives

Growth Is Coming — But It Must Be Smart

Dacula will grow. We can’t stop that — and we shouldn’t. But we can guide how it grows. That means putting people before developers, and it means choosing policies that protect our property values, our lifestyle, and our identity.

I will push back on projects that prioritize profit over planning. I will insist that schools, parks, utilities, and roadways are equipped to support what’s being built. And I will always advocate for Dacula to be treated as a city with its own voice — not just a zoning district on a county map.

A Voice That Lives Here

I live in Dacula. I sit in traffic just like you. I’ve worked for the city, I raise my family here, and I care about what happens next. This is not just a campaign — this is about protecting our home.

If you elect me to City Council, you won’t get vague promises. You’ll get someone who listens, someone who asks questions, and someone who votes based on what’s right for Dacula — not for politics, not for outside interests.

Let’s build a future that honors our past and protects what makes Dacula special. Let’s lead with purpose — together.