By Milton Kirby | College Park, GA | March 19, 2026

Clayton County leaders laid out a vision of growth, stability, and continued investment Wednesday as Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry delivered her second State of the County address before a sold-out crowd of more than 450 attendees.

The event, hosted by the Council for Quality Growth at the Georgia International Convention Center, brought together business leaders, elected officials, and residents to hear updates on public safety, economic development, housing, and infrastructure.

Anderson-Henry framed Clayton County as a rising hub in metro Atlanta, calling it both a “global gateway” and a place of expanding opportunity.

“Clayton County is not just where planes land,” she said. “It is where possibility lands.”

Public Safety Improvements Highlighted

Among the most notable updates were gains in public safety. The county reported a 17% reduction in overall crime and a 30% drop in vehicular fatalities over the past year.

Officials also highlighted the launch of a Whole Blood Program through Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services, allowing first responders to administer blood transfusions in the field—an initiative still rare nationwide.

In addition, the Police Department expanded its Co-Responder Mental Health Initiative, pairing officers with mental health professionals to respond to crisis calls.

Economic Development and Small Business Support

Clayton County’s economic strategy centered on both large-scale investment and grassroots support.

The county distributed $5 million in federal ARPA funding to more than 300 small businesses and nonprofits, while also securing a $224 million expansion from TOTO USA in Morrow.

Leaders also pointed to regional recognition, including the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Visionary Planning Award for the Tara Boulevard Livable Centers Initiative, a project aimed at transforming a key commercial corridor.

Housing, Infrastructure, and Smart Growth

Housing emerged as a central priority moving forward. Anderson-Henry announced a new Clayton County Housing Plan and a multi-department Housing Task Force focused on expanding attainable housing and homeownership.

The county has already deployed more than $6.2 million in HUD funding to support housing stability and has begun a comprehensive zoning rewrite to guide future development.

Infrastructure investments included resurfacing nearly 19 miles of roadway, expanding parks and trail systems, and advancing sustainability projects such as solar installations and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Resilience efforts, including the Flint River Flood Mitigation Project, were also highlighted as part of long-term planning.

Workforce and Governance Initiatives

County leaders emphasized workforce development through partnerships with Clayton State University, expanded GED and vocational training programs, and workforce events that attracted more than 1,000 participants.

On the governance side, Anderson-Henry stressed transparency and fiscal discipline, noting efforts to modernize procurement, improve budget communication, and strengthen oversight.

Voter-approved initiatives—including the 2027 SPLOST expected to generate more than $412 million—are expected to fund future capital improvements.

A County Still in Motion

Despite the progress, Anderson-Henry made clear the work is ongoing.

“We are proud—but we are not finished,” she said, pointing to continued priorities in housing, economic development, and community investment.

She closed by emphasizing Clayton County’s evolving identity—not just as a transportation hub anchored by Hartsfield-Jackson, but as a place of long-term opportunity and growth.

“Clayton County is not just a place you pass through,” she said. “It is a place you build in, grow in, and live in.”

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