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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Clayton County Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry Delivers 2026 State of the County Address
450+ at the Georgia International Convention Center for the Sold-Out Address & Lunch
CLAYTON COUNTY, GEORGIA – 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 2nd 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.”
[Clayton County Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry Delivers her 2026 State of the County Address]
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.”
The State of Clayton also featured remarks from Gerald McDowell, 2026 Chair of the Council for Quality Growth, Yanous Barner, Executive Director of the Georgia International Congress Center, and Pamela Burnett, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals, who delivered an update on behalf of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District. Patrick Brooks, Vice President of Geosam Capital, and Dr. Stuart Jeffcoat, Vice President of HDR, provided presenting sponsor remarks, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport shared a video presentation.
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/.
[From left: Pamela Burnett, Patrick Brooks, Gerald McDowell, Chairwoman Romona Jackson-Jones, Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry, Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell, Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Michael Paris]
About the State of the County/Agency Series
The Council for Quality Growth hosts 10 ‘State of’ events across the region, including 8 counties and 2 agencies. We work in close collaboration with the office of the County Chairs in Cherokee, Clayton, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale, as well as with leadership at MARTA and the Atlanta Beltline, to provide a platform for our counties and agency partners deliver an update on achievements, projects, and the future that is specifically geared toward the business community and the Council’s membership. A full calendar of the Council’s 2026 Signature Events, including the State of the County/Agency series, can be viewed and downloaded here: 2026 Programs Calendar
About the Council for Quality Growth
The Council for Quality Growth is a trade organization that works to ensure continued growth and economic success for generations to come by providing advocacy, information, and education to its members. In its 41st year, the Council is committed to the mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth and is proactively involved in the formulation of policy and legislation critical to the growth and development industry. The Council addresses, head-on, strategic economic planning, infrastructure needs, and tough quality-of-life issues throughout the metro Atlanta region and state. For more information, please visit http://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org.
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