Clayton Chairwoman Alieka Anderson-Henry Delivers First State of Clayton Address
Friday, March 21st, 2025
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Council for Quality Growth and Clayton County hosted the 2025 State of Clayton County Address at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. Over 450 Council and Chamber members, elected officials, businesses, residents, county staff, and partners of Clayton County gathered to hear Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry’s first ever State of the County address. The lunch program was presented by the Georgia International Convention Center, Geosam Capital Group, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The program opened with remarks from Clyde Higgs, Chairman of the Council for Quality Growth Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “We are grateful for the leadership of Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry and the entire Clayton County Board of Commissioners,” said Clyde. “I am especially excited to be part of Chairwoman Anderson-Henry’s first state of the county address.”
Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry took the stage following a lively introduction by the Jonesboro High School Marching Band. She opened her address by reflecting on Clayton County’s progress over the past year. “We have faced challenges that tested our resilience and unity,” said Chairwoman Anderson-Henry. “Yet, in the face of adversity, we have come together has a community, demonstrating our strength and commitment to one another.” The Chairwoman noted some of the county’s 2024 achievements, including investments in infrastructure that have improved transportation, enhanced parks and public spaces, and new education programs aimed at enriching learning experiences.
In 2024, the Clayton County Office of Economic Development was awarded a Community Development Block Grant funds of approximately $100,000 for corridor and gateway beautification. The Community Development Department launched the Moving Clayton Forward Initiative, a vision for the future of the county that outlined the county’s development over the next two decades. It is designed to guide citizens, business owners, community leaders, and elected officials in making informed decisions regarding land development and public investment.
The county received $3.7 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing Development (HUD). These funds supported grant activities to improve quality of life, including first-time homebuyer down payment assistance, home repairs and affordable housing for seniors, housing for homeless families, and local government funded improvement projects. $500,000 of HUD funding was invested into a senior housing development project which leveraged $22 million to increase affordable housing.
Chairwoman Anderson-Henry then took a moment to thank all of Clayton County’s public safety professionals and acknowledge their accomplishments in 2024. The county broke ground on transformative health and safety projects such as the new $11 million Fire & Emergency Services Headquarters. They also used SPLOST funds from 2004 and 2021 to relocate two fire stations. “Each of these projects underscores our county’s dedication to investing in the future, prioritizing safety, and ensuring our first responders have the resources and facilities they need to succeed,” Chairwoman Anderson-Henry said.
The Chairwoman concluded her address by looking ahead to the future of Clayton County. She listed some of the county’s goals, including furthering enhancing public safety, promoting economic development, and addressing the needs of the county’s most vulnerable populations. “Together,” she said, “we can create initiatives that not only support our current residents but also attract new families and businesses to Clayton County.” She urged listeners to join her in the journey to accomplish the county’s vision by exercising her three key principles: communication, collaboration, and consistency.
The Council for Quality Growth works with Clayton County and its local municipalities year-round to advocate for our members doing business in those areas. “The Council is proud of our ongoing partnership with Clayton County to support its growth and development,” said Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth. “We are looking forward to seeing Chairwoman Anderson-Henry’s accomplishments as we collaborate to further improve the county.”
The Council for Quality Growth works with Clayton County and its 7 local municipalities year-round to advocate for our members doing business in those areas. The Council’s State of Clayton County annually convenes the county’s business community with its local government bodies and other local leaders from across the region.
The 2025 State of Clayton also featured remarks from Danny Johnson, Director of Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District. Presenting sponsor remarks were provided by Patrick Brooks, Vice President of Geosam Capital Group, and Walter Vinson, Assistant General Manager of Business Diversity and Government Affairs for Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
