On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Council for Quality Growth and Fulton County Government hosted the 2025 State of Fulton County Address, in partnership with Legendary Events, at the sold-out Flourish Atlanta in Buckhead. More than 400 Council and Chamber members, elected officials, businesses, residents, county staff, and partners of the county attended in support of the Chairman. The State of Fulton breakfast was presented by the Amazon, Develop Fulton, and the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority. 

Chairman Robb Pitts opened his address by acknowledging the many elected officials, county department directors, and executive staff that contributed to the county’s accomplishments over the last two years. Ambassador Andrew Young provided quick remarks to the crowd commending the Chairman’s work and stressing the importance of Fulton County to the state. “If you keep this county together, you keep this state together,” Ambassador Young said. Chairman Pitts then celebrated Fulton County’s unique opportunities and experiences that make it a thriving place to do business, boasting the county’s nationwide rankings for business. “Living here, working here, and even visiting here, offers experiences you simply will not have anywhere else,” Chairman Pitts said. 

Pitts commended “THE transportation hub of the region” and the projects his county is working on to continue building connections among communities, including GDOT’s 1-285 transformation, MARTA’s Bus Rapid Transit expansion, and a personal rapid transit (PRT) pilot project launched last year. In addition, the Fulton County Airport was awarded more than $6 million in FAA funding last year to complete the next phases of a Master Plan that will enable direct flights to Europe. This airport is just one part of the transformation taking place along the Fulton Industrial Boulevard corridor. 

He also addressed Fulton County’s water and sewer system as being among the best in the nation. In October of last year, the county opened the $350 million Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility, its largest capital project to date. The county continues to prioritize these investments that protect our waterways with a similar $500 million facility planned for South Fulton County. “These investments are vital to the overall health of the community and critical to meeting new demands of residents and businesses as we continue to grow,” Pitts said. 

Throughout his State of Fulton address, Chairman Pitts also celebrated the county’s robust education systems, including an elite group of historically black colleges and universities, Atlanta Technical College, and K-12 public school systems that help provide career opportunities for all residents and an educated workforce for Fulton employers. Pitts also stressed the importance of improved access to healthcare and mental healthcare in Fulton County. In the last few years, the county has opened several new primary care and mental health facilities, and they are working to create new Grady clinics and facilities.

Chairman Pitts acknowledged some of the challenges the county has faced with cybersecurity and Fulton County Jail. In January, Pitts and the Sheriff laid out a detailed plan for addressing jail conditions. In addition to the Fulton County Sherriff’s office’s efforts, the Board of Commissioners has committed up to $300 million for facility repairs. He concluded his address by celebrating Fulton’s lowered millage rate and first ever AAA bond rating. “While we are facing challenges, we have proven time and time again that we are able to meet whatever comes our way,” Chairman Pitts said. “Whether a pandemic, a natural disaster, a ransomware attack, or whatever waits around the corner, Fulton County is resilient, and the people in this room are the source of our strength.” 

The Council for Quality Growth works with Fulton County and its local municipalities year-round to advocate for our members doing business in those areas. The State of Fulton County convenes the county’s business community with its local government bodies, as well as with other local leaders from across the region. “Fulton County plays a central role in the ongoing economic growth of our region,” said Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council. “We are proud of our continued collaboration with the county and its 15 municipalities as we work together to bring in new investment and enhance quality of life for all who live and work in Fulton County.”

The State of Fulton also featured remarks from 2025 Council for Quality Growth Chair Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of the Atlanta Beltline, and Bob Ellis, Vice-Chair of the Fulton County Commission. Terreta Rodgers, Head of Community Affairs of Amazon, Kwanza Hall, Chairman of Develop Fulton, and Jevon Gibson, CEO of the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, gave presenting sponsor remarks. Katherine Atteberry, Stormwater Planning Manager of the ARC’s Metro North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD), delivered an update on behalf of the district. 

A photo gallery and the recording of the full event will be made available in the coming days at https://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/news-press/.