---
title: HR 18. Duluth, City of; occasion of its 150th anniversary; commend
collection: bills
id: 2026-special/hr18
cite_as: HR 18, 2026 Special Session (Ga.)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr18
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr18.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr18/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74853
date: 2026-06-18
status: passed
corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13
license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr17.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr19.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/index.md
omitted: votes and history
omitted_chars: 131
omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr18.md?full=1
bill_number: HR 18
session: 2026 Special Session
session_slug: 2026-special
chamber: House
bill_type: resolution
status_date: 2026-06-18
last_action: House Read and Adopted
sponsors:
  - Arlene Beckles
  - Jasmine Clark
  - Dewey McClain
  - Samuel Park
  - Billy Mitchell
  - Venola Mason
text_version: Introduced
has_text: true
legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HR18/2026/X1
upstream_id: 2154267
summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5
topic_tags:
  - Duluth Georgia
  - Gwinnett County
  - commemorative resolution
  - local government recognition
---

# HR 18. Duluth, City of; occasion of its 150th anniversary; commend

## Text

House Resolution 18EX
By: Representatives Beckles of the 96th, Clark of the 108th, McClain of the 109th, Park of the
107th, Mitchell of the 88th, and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending the City of Duluth upon the occasion of its 150th Anniversary; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth was founded in 1876 and has proudly served as a cornerstone
of Gwinnett County for 150 years, growing from a small railroad community into one of
Georgia's most vibrant and thriving municipalities; and
WHEREAS, throughout its rich history, Duluth has demonstrated a steadfast commitment
to progress, innovation, and community engagement while preserving the values and
traditions that have shaped its unique identity; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Mayor Greg Whitlock and the members of the Duluth
City Council—Marline Thomas, Lamar Doss, Manfred Graeder, Shenee Johnson-Cummings,
and Sarah Park—the City of Duluth has continued to advance a vision of responsible growth,
responsive government, and strong community engagement while fostering opportunities for
residents, businesses, and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth has emerged as a major economic engine within Gwinnett
County and the State of Georgia, attracting businesses, supporting entrepreneurship,
H. R. 18EX
promoting tourism and entertainment, and creating economic opportunities that contribute
significantly to the prosperity of the region; and
WHEREAS, Duluth's rich multicultural heritage and diverse population reflect the strength
of Georgia's communities, bringing together people of different backgrounds, cultures, and
experiences to build a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming city that enriches the social and
economic fabric of Gwinnett County; and
WHEREAS, generations of residents, business owners, civic leaders, educators, public
servants, and volunteers have contributed to the growth and success of the City of Duluth,
creating a community known for its diversity, resilience, and welcoming spirit; and
WHEREAS, Duluth has become a destination for families, entrepreneurs, artists, and visitors
alike through its vibrant downtown district, thriving business community, outstanding parks
and recreational facilities, cultural events, and commitment to quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the city continues to play a significant role in the economic, cultural, and civic
vitality of Gwinnett County and the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, on September 12, 2026, residents and visitors will gather to celebrate "The Big
150: Off the Rails," commemorating a century and a half of achievement, growth, and
community pride while honoring the city's past and embracing its future; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments and
enduring contributions of the City of Duluth be appropriately honored.
H. R. 18EX
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body commend the City of Duluth upon the grand occasion of its 150th
Anniversary and extend their sincerest congratulations to its residents, elected officials,
businesses, and community partners for their many contributions to the prosperity and
well-being of the State of Georgia.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
public and the press.
H. R. 18EX

## Summaries written by Georgia Commons

The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the resolution. Quote the text, not the summary.

A Georgia House resolution formally commends the City of Duluth in Gwinnett County on its 150th anniversary, honoring its history and its September 2026 anniversary celebration.

### Plain-language summary

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives rather than a bill that changes any law. It recognizes that the City of Duluth, founded in 1876, is marking its 150th anniversary in 2026. The resolution praises the city's growth from a small railroad community into a major economic and cultural hub in Gwinnett County, notes its current mayor and city council, and highlights its diversity and community life.
The resolution formally commends the city and congratulates its residents, elected officials, businesses, and community partners. It also directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies available to the public and press. It does not create any new law, funding, or requirement.

### What it does

- Formally commends the City of Duluth on the occasion of its 150th anniversary as a city founded in 1876.
- Congratulates Duluth's residents, elected officials, businesses, and community partners for their contributions to Georgia.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
- Creates no new legal requirements, funding, or changes to Georgia law.

### Who it affects

The resolution directly names the City of Duluth, its Mayor Greg Whitlock, its city council members, and its residents, businesses, and community partners. It has symbolic rather than legal effect and does not impose obligations on any state agency or other Georgians.

### Why it matters

Because this is a commemorative resolution, it carries no legal force and changes nothing about daily life in Georgia. Its practical effect is limited to a public, official recognition of Duluth's anniversary and the distribution of that recognition through House records.

### Key provisions

- The whereas clauses recount Duluth's founding in 1876, its growth into a Gwinnett County economic center, and its current city leadership.
- The first resolving clause commends the City of Duluth on its 150th anniversary and congratulates its residents, officials, and businesses.
- The second resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.

## Status

- Status: Passed (2026-06-18)
- Last action: House Read and Adopted (2026-06-18)
- Sponsors: Arlene Beckles, Jasmine Clark, Dewey McClain, Samuel Park, Billy Mitchell, Venola Mason
- Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74853

> The history, votes, and amendments (131 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr18.md?full=1