Suwanee

Top Issues

“Even though it costs a lot of money, me and my husband have to work twice as hard and all the sacrifices we have to do to be able for our kids to not be in the streets.”

– Female, Middle-Age Resident of Suwanee
In our conversations with Suwanee residents, we identified three predominant concerns: crime, cost of living, and transportation.

Public Safety and Crime

Concerns about public safety and rising crime rates are a dominant theme for residents of Suwanee. Participants mentioned issues such as street racing, youth-related crimes, and kidnapping attempts that are not adequately covered by local news sources. Panelists emphasized a significant rise in youth-related crimes and the lack of outlets for youth to stay engaged in their communities. Overall, safety is seen as a major concern.

Economic Concerns and Cost of Living

Suwanee is significantly impacted by the high cost of living, including rising property taxes, groceries, and rent. This economic pressure is fueled by out-of-state companies buying local properties, which drive up housing costs and rent prices. Many residents discussed the necessity of holding multiple jobs to make ends meet and highlighted the burden of additional expenses for their children’s extracurricular activities. These activities are seen as crucial to keeping kids away from crime and ensuring their safety and development.

Transportation and Accessibility

Overall, residents emphasized the need for a public transit system that is more comprehensive and dependable, with frequent routes and timely schedules. They expressed that an improved system should allow people to travel safely and efficiently across the city, particularly for those without other reliable means of transportation.

Media Consumption

“I really try to go see if multiple sources are talking about it and to actually read about what is going on.”

–White, Male, Middle-Age Resident of Suwanee
Suwanee panelists expressed frustration with the lack of truth in the media. They have become keenly aware of the inherent biases in media coverage and feel overwhelmed by the constant flood of information. Some panelists shared that when encountering a story on social media, they often have to watch multiple versions of it to discern the core facts, free from individual media spin. Consequently, Suwanee residents tend to rely more on trusted information from their immediate community members on Facebook and their personal networks.

Social Media (Facebook, Nextdoor)

Social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor are primary sources of information for these Gwinnettians. Panelists believe these platforms provide the best access to local news, community updates, and discussions on key topics within the community. Some even mentioned being involved in local HOA groups via Facebook as a way to stay connected to local news and events. However, some residents acknowledged that the reliability of these sources is in decline due to misinformation on social media platforms.

Local News Outlets (Various Platforms)

Local news outlets are still used but often accessed through social media or streaming services. Traditional cable news is less common, with many turning to popular streaming and digital sources to access their local news outlets. Paywalls on news sources become a major deterrent, forcing residents to look for free sources of information to avoid signing up for a paid subscription.

Community Networks

People in Suwanee rely on information from community networks, including churches, pastors, and personal contacts who are “in the know.” These networks are considered trusted sources for both larger national news and hyper-local information. Residents are also split on their church involvement regarding local elections and news. Church-goers of smaller congregations mentioned trusting their pastors’ endorsements and appreciated pastors bringing in candidates, whereas some larger churches try to maintain neutrality and avoid directly persuading congregants.

“They need to get their offices together in terms of assistance because people really do need assistance.”
–Black, Female, Middle-Age Resident of Suwanee
"I have a personal friend who's really in the know. I'll text them and ask about things happening."
–Female Young-Adult Resident of Suwanee
As much as I want public transportation to be built up, It's like, even if we had the structures, would I feel safe using them? I don't know.”
–Female Young-Adult Resident of Suwanee
“I really try to go see if multiple sources are talking about it and to actually read about what is going on.”
–White, Male, Middle-Age Resident of Suwanee
“I have to drive all the way to Atlanta to get a reasonable amount of money so that I can take care of my child.”
–Black, Female, Middle-Age Resident of Suwanee
“Parents having to get two or three jobs to be able to afford their families.”
–Female, Middle-Age Resident of Suwanee
“Trafficking videos I've seen all over social media right here, and I'll send that video to my sister-in-law to be like, ‘Look what's happening in our own city.’ We don't even know about it because we don't get coverage.”
–Female, Young-Adult Resident of Suwanee
“I used to go to the brand media websites like AJC and the Gwinnett Daily Post, and now you have to- you have to pay for it. That's horrible.”
–White, Female, Middle-Age Resident of Suwanee
"It's a beautiful county. There's a lot of green space. The parks are absolutely beautiful. Opportunities are actually great as far as events, there's always some kind of public events, a lot of pretty locations. I think it's a great place to live."
–Black, Female, Middle-Age Resident of Suwanee
"The parks in this county hands down is definitely the best."
–White, Male, Middle-Age Resident of Suwanee

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