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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts Delivers 2026 State of the County to Business Community
Over 400 Attended Annual Address and Breakfast on Tuesday
FULTON COUNTY, GA – On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Council for Quality Growth and Fulton County Government hosted the 2026 State of Fulton County Address at The Eastern. More than 400 Council and Chamber members, elected officials, businesses, residents, county staff, and partners of the county attended to hear updates from 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 recognizing his fellow commissioners, elected officials, mayors, judges, state legislators, and county leadership, thanking them for their partnership in advancing Fulton County’s progress. He also led attendees in a moment of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson before beginning his remarks.
Pitts proudly noted that among more than 3,000 counties nationwide, Fulton County ranks in the top five. Reaffirming that “Fulton County is a big deal,” he added that it is now “an even bigger deal,” highlighting its opportunity, innovation, culture, and economic strength. While acknowledging residents’ concerns about public safety, affordability, and election integrity, Pitts stressed, “Fulton County is strong, and in fact, we’re much stronger now than ever before.”
He emphasized the county’s financial stability, pointing to its AAA bond rating, a steady millage rate of 8.87 mills, a GDP exceeding $201 billion, and unemployment below the national average. Pitts emphasized that Fulton has maintained fiscal discipline while delivering essential services without raising taxes.
Healthcare was a central focus of the address. Following the 2022 hospital closures in Fulton, the county launched Project Care, identifying a healthcare desert particularly in south Fulton. Pitts highlighted Fulton County’s $19 million investment to support Grady Memorial Hospital’s first standalone emergency department in Fulton County, set to open in Union City. He also shared plans for expanded healthcare access, including discussions of a freestanding medical facility and a future hospital in south Fulton. The Chairman also discussed an upcoming comprehensive health and human services campus in south Fulton, which will include a senior center and mental health clinic, as well as the county’s $23 million investment in mental health services this year alone. Since opening in October 2024, the Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center has served more than 1,400 individuals in crisis.
Addressing public safety, Pitts discussed the federal consent decree related to the Fulton County Jail and the county’s commitment to meaningful reform. Nearly $63 million has already been allocated toward compliance efforts, with a broader $1.1 billion plan to renovate the Rice Street facility and construct a modern medical and mental health unit. He also highlighted the Center for Diversion Services, launched in partnership with the City of Atlanta, which provided services to more than 1,700 individuals in its first year as an alternative to incarceration.
Infrastructure remains a priority, with more than $1 billion invested in water systems across North and South Fulton. He also highlighted ongoing transformation at the Fulton County Executive Airport, where a planned customs facility and runway expansion will enable direct international flights to Europe.
Finally, Chairman Pitts closed by reaffirming the county’s commitment to effective governance and public trust. He emphasized Fulton County’s focus on transparency, accountability, and maintaining strong operational standards across all departments, underscoring the importance of confidence in county services and leadership. He concluded by expressing pride in the county’s resilience and progress. “Fulton County is stronger than ever,” Pitts said, crediting the community’s leadership, workforce, and residents for driving its continued success.
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. “The Council values our strong partnership with Fulton County and its municipalities as we continue advancing policies that support growth and economic opportunity,” said Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council. “Fulton County remains a key driver of regional prosperity, and we look forward to continue working alongside them.” Gerald McDowell, 2026 Council Chair and Executive Director of the ATL Airport CIDs, added, “Chairman Pitts and Fulton County continue to raise the bar for delivering quality services.”
The State of Fulton also featured remarks from Bob Ellis, District 2 of the Fulton County Commission, Terreta Rodgers, Head of Community Affairs of Amazon, Sarah-Elizabeth Langford, Executive Director of Develop Fulton, and Jevon Gibson, CEO of the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, gave presenting sponsor remarks. Danny Johnson, Managing Director of the Natural Resources Department at the Atlanta Regional Commission and Director of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, also 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/.
[Chairman Pitts Delivers 2026 State of Fulton County Address.]
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 annual 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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