Officials from the city of Suwanee in Gwinnett County were in Rome for a three-day retreat this weekend to help plan for the coming year and what priorities will be in their city.

Mayor Dave Williams also said they came to learn from Rome and Floyd County how to sustain successful, long-term projects.

“Rome has continually been able to sustain a steady stream of projects decade after decade, year after year. We want to make sure that we take that learning back with us,” he said.

Besides meeting with Rome City Manager John Bennett and Floyd County Manager Kevin Poe, the group also took a walking tour of the downtown area, enjoyed local restaurants and had the opportunity to tour the Eco Center in Ridge Ferry Park and see State Mutual Stadium.

Williams said he’s hoping Suwanee will be able to copy Rome in attracting small businesses into their downtown area.

“Having a vibrant downtown is one of the things we’re striving to do. We’d love to fast-forward in time in 15 to 20 years and see that our downtown district resembles yours. We’d feel good about that,” he said.

During the past year, Williams said the 15 municipalities in Gwinnett County have been struggling with their county officials on everything from taxes to who will provide services to residents.

He said a recent tax rebellion by citizens over a property tax hike is just one of the problems the city has been dealing with. Williams said they’ve also been forced to look at major service cuts in the short term because of financial problems.

“Our cities all get along great, but we have some challenges we’re trying to work through with the county,” Williams said.

He said Rome’s future appears bright.

“I’m impressed with the vision the leadership has here,” he said.