With some challenges and uncertainties ahead, Fulton County Chair Robb Pitts said the county is stronger than ever while delivering the State of the County address at The Eastern on Feb. 24.
“As I visit communities across our county, I hear concerns about the future, about public safety, about affordability, and about election integrity,” Pitts said. “All of which I understand, but my response is simple: Fulton County is strong. In fact, we’re much stronger now than ever before.”
After thanking attendees, Pitts held a moment of silence for civil rights activist and politician Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Feb. 17.
The chair led his address with the county’s financial stability, its AAA bond rating, steady property tax rate of 8.87 mills, a gross domestic product of more than $201 billion, and an unemployment rate below the national average.
Pitts said among more than 3,000 counties nationwide, Fulton County ranks in the top five for attracting new investment.
“We have proven that we can keep our spending in check and at the same time provide the services our residents demand and deserve without raising taxes,” he said.
The Council for Quality Growth, a nonprofit trade organization promoting economic growth and development in metro Atlanta, hosted the annual event. The nonprofit said this year’s event set a record with 450 attendees.
“The council values our strong partnership with Fulton County and its municipalities as we continue advancing policies that support growth and economic opportunity,” President and CEO Michael Paris said. “Fulton County remains a key driver of regional prosperity, and we look forward to continue working alongside them.”
Addressing health care
Healthcare was a central focus of the address. Following hospital closures in 2022, the county launched Project Care, identifying a health-care desert in south Fulton.
“We’re in active discussion with Grady [Memorial Hospital] on initial ways to expand access to health care and lay the foundation for healthier Fulton, which includes a free-standing medical facility and, Lord knows, a brand new hospital in south Fulton County,” Pitts said.
Another speaker, Fulton-DeKalb Hospital CEO Jevon Gibson, stressed his organization’s partnerships with local governments to address lifespan disparities, calling it a “moral imperative.”
The county is making a $19 million investment to support Grady’s first standalone emergency department in the county, set to open in Union City. There is also an upcoming health and human services campus set to open south of Atlanta, including a senior center and mental health clinic.
Pitts said the county is directing $23 million toward mental health services this year. Since opening in October 2024, the Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center has served more than 1,400 individuals.
Election drama
Pitts said elections in Fulton County are fair and transparent, just a day after the chair of the State Election Board dismissed calls for a takeover of the county’s elections.
If there’s any effort to take over county elections, Pitts said officials “will fight fire with fire,” echoing recent comments from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
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“Our elections are safe, and they’re strong, in spite of what you might hear, in spite of what you might read,” Pitts said. “I say with conviction as I stand before you this morning, Fulton County elections are safe. Fulton County elections are fair. Fulton County elections are lawful. Fulton County elections are transparent, and every legal vote that is cast is counted.”
After touching on new senior programming, upgrades to the Fulton County “Charlie Brown Field” Executive Airport, and new grants for arts and culture, Pitts attributed the county’s success to its residents.
“I am incredibly proud of my home, Fulton County, Georgia,” Pitts said. “Proud of what we’ve accomplished, proud of how we tackle challenges head-on, proud that we never stopped striving to be better. Proud to be the largest county in the state of Georgia, and proud to be a top county in these United States of America.”
Commissioners working together
Commissioner Bob Ellis, a Republican representing constituents in northwest Fulton County, introduced Pitts. Ellis said the state’s most populous county “is stronger than ever,” echoing the chair’s remarks.
“In a time where we hear so much about political polarization and division, Chairman Pitts has been a bridge builder and one who is consistently focused on the needs of Fulton County citizens and their taxpayers,” Ellis said. “Chairman Pitts and I have worked together across party lines, and I’ve seen him do that with numerous votes over the years to strengthen our county in tough times and in good times. Like many of the people in this room, I’m glad to call them a friend and a colleague.”
Vice Chair Khadijah Abdur-Rahman, who replaced Ellis in January, was unable to attend due to travel, Pitts said.
Attendees included the remaining Fulton County commissioners, elected officials representing the county’s 15 incorporated cities, members of the Council for Quality Growth, and local business leaders. Representatives from Amazon, Develop Fulton (DAFC), and the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority also spoke at the breakfast.