Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts touted successes like the construction of a $350 million water reclamation facility and identified challenges such as the jail’s need for up to $300 million in repairs.
Pitts delivered a 2025 State of the County address on Feb. 18 at Flourish Atlanta in Buckhead. The event was hosted by the county and the Council for Quality Growth. More than 400 people, including council members, business leaders, elected officials, residents, county staff, and partners attended the event.
A press release about the event recounted highlights from the meeting.
Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, who made remarks to open the event, stressed the importance of Fulton County to the state of Georgia. “If you keep this county together, you keep this state together,” he said.
Pitts said Fulton County’s unique opportunities and experiences make it a thriving place to do business.
The commission chairman touted the opening the $350 million Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility in October 2024, its largest capital project. South Fulton County will get a similar $500 million facility planned to help protect waterways.
Pitts described the challenges the county has faced with cybersecurity and the county jail. In January, Pitts and Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat laid out a detailed plan for addressing jail conditions. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners has committed up to $300 million for facility repairs.
“While we are facing challenges, we have proven time and time again that we are able to meet whatever comes our way,” 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.”
Fulton County is the transportation hub of the region, according to Pitts. He noted the Georgia Department of Transportation’s 1-285 transformation, MARTA’s Bus Rapid Transit expansion, and a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) pilot project launched last year. The Fulton County Airport got more than $6 million in FAA funding for direct flights to Europe.
Pitts also celebrated the county’s education systems. Those include an elite group of historically black colleges and universities, Atlanta Technical College, and K-12 public school systems. He stressed the importance of improved access to healthcare and mental healthcare. He said several new primary care and mental health facilities have opened. The county is working to create new Grady clinics and facilities.
He also noted Fulton’s lowered millage rate and its first-ever AAA bond rating.
“Fulton County plays a central role in the ongoing economic growth of our region,” said Michael Paris, president & CEO of the Council for Quality Growth. “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.”
Amazon, Develop Fulton, and the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority also presented at the breakfast. It was held in partnership with Legendary Events.
