Forsyth County Board adopts resolution urging county and city to curb high‑density residential growth, boost commercial development

The Forsyth County Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution on April 15 requesting local governments take measures to slow high‑density residential development and promote higher‑value commercial investment.

Ms. Hoyes read the resolution into the record, which says county residential growth — the board noted a nearly 30% enrollment increase since 2015 and cited total capital investment of more than $400 million to meet that demand — is straining school capacity and district finances. The resolution calls on Forsyth County government and the City of Cumming to "reduce or eliminate high density residential development" and to take steps to attract and expand "high quality commercial development." It also asked the business and development community to partner on education infrastructure costs.

Chairman Michael Valdez and other board members said the board has already taken steps to help taxpayers — including voluntary reductions in millage and a voluntary 4% homestead exemption that took effect in January 2025 — but added those measures are unsustainable if residential growth continues at current rates. Valdez noted the board has no land‑use authority and said the resolution is a request for collaboration with county and city governments.

Board members also said local commissioners and city leaders have been engaged in conversations with the board and several members praised Commissioner Carrie Hill and other local officials for prior collaboration on growth issues. The board emphasized the resolution is an invitation to partner rather than a formal regulatory demand.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. Motion: Mr. McCall. Second: Mr. Grimes. Vote: unanimous.