On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Council for Quality Growth, in partnership with Clayton County Government and host sponsor Georgia International Convention Center, hosted Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry’s 2^nd State of Clayton County Address. Over 450 Council and Chamber members, elected officials, businesses, residents, county staff, and partners of Clayton County gathered to hear updates from Anderson-Henry. The sold-out lunch & program was presented by Geosam Capital, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and HDR.

Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry opened the 2026 State of the County by recognizing fellow members of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, regional elected officials, community partners, and county staff. She emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that “communication, collaboration, and consistency form the foundation of today’s accomplishments.”

In her address, Anderson-Henry reflected on Clayton County’s continued growth and momentum, framing the county as both a global gateway and a community on the rise. “Clayton County is not just where planes land,” she said. “It is where possibility lands.” She reinforced the County’s guiding message that it is “where the world lands and opportunity takes off,” highlighting the progress made over the past year.

The Chairwoman pointed to significant achievements in public safety, including the launch of a Whole Blood Program through Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services in partnership with Southern Regional Medical Center, making the County one of the few in the nation to deliver blood transfusions in the field. She also reported a 17% reduction in overall crime and a 30% decrease in vehicular fatalities, alongside the Police Department’s Co-Responder Mental Health Initiative.

Anderson-Henry highlighted strategic economic development efforts, including the distribution of $5 million in ARPA funding to more than 300 small businesses and nonprofits and the $224 million expansion of TOTO USA in Morrow. She also noted the County’s receipt of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Visionary Planning Award for the Tara Boulevard Livable Centers Initiative, which is reimagining a key economic corridor.

She discussed continued investment in housing and smart growth, announcing the Clayton County Housing Plan and a multi-department Housing Task Force focused on expanding attainable housing and homeownership opportunities. The County also deployed more than $6.2 million in HUD funding to support housing stability and began a comprehensive zoning rewrite to guide future development. In addition, Anderson-Henry outlined progress in infrastructure and quality of life, including the resurfacing of nearly 19 miles of roadway, expanded parks and trail connectivity, and sustainability initiatives such as solar installations and electric vehicle infrastructure. She also highlighted resilience efforts, including the Flint River Flood Mitigation Project and expanded emergency preparedness training.

The Chairwoman emphasized workforce development and resident opportunity, citing partnerships with Clayton State University, increased access to GED and vocational training programs, and workforce engagement initiatives that drew more than 1,000 attendees. She also pointed to improvements in customer service and accessibility through expanded services in the Tax Commissioner’s Office.

On governance and fiscal responsibility, Anderson-Henry stressed the County’s commitment to transparency, disciplined budgeting, and long-term financial stability. She highlighted efforts to strengthen oversight, modernize procurement processes, and improve budget communication for residents. She also noted key voter-approved initiatives, including the 2027 SPLOST, expected to generate more than $412 million for capital improvements, and the passage of House Bill 870, expanding homestead exemptions for qualifying residents.

Looking ahead, Anderson-Henry emphasized that while Clayton County has made significant progress, there is more work to be done. “We are proud—but we are not finished,” she said, pointing to continued priorities in housing, economic development, and community investment. The Chairwoman concluded by thanking county employees, partners, and residents for their role in Clayton County’s success. “Clayton County is not just a place you pass through,” she said. “It is a place you build in, grow in, and live in.

The Council for Quality Growth’s State of Clayton County annually convenes the county’s business community with its local government bodies, as well as with other local leaders from across the region. In addition, the Council works with Clayton County and its municipalities year-round to advocate for our members doing business in the area.

“The Council is proud to continue our strong partnership with Clayton County’s leadership as they advance a bold vision for growth and opportunity,” said Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth. “Chairwoman Anderson-Henry’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment is positioning Clayton County for long-term success, and we look forward to supporting these efforts in the years ahead.”