By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 19, 2025

According to Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts in his annual State of the County address, Fulton County continues to thrive as a cornerstone of Georgia’s economy, education, and cultural life. Delivered on February 18, 2025, the address highlighted the county’s impressive achievements across various sectors and outlined a bold vision for the future.

A Leader in Education and Workforce Development

Home to 1.2 million residents, Fulton County serves as an educational hub, with 136,000 students enrolled in Fulton County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools. Additionally, 120,000 students attend higher education institutions, including the county’s renowned Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) such as Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Interdenominational Theological Center Morehouse School of Medicine, and Clark Atlanta University.

Another accolade in education is that Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent for Fulton County Schools, was named Georgia’s Superintendent of the Year for 2025, an honor bestowed by the Georgia School Boards Association and the Georgia School Superintendents Association.

Economic Powerhouse and Business Hub

Fulton County continues to be the economic engine of metro Atlanta. One-third of all wages paid in the metropolitan area are earned in Fulton County. According to Site Selection Magazine, the county also boasts the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the nation, ranking fourth among U.S. counties. Delta Airlines, Georgia’s largest employer, is headquartered in the county.

The county’s economic strength extends to the arts, Georgia’s most significant public contributor to cultural programs. With over 200 parks, nature preserves, and walking trails, Fulton County provides a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Sports, Culture, and Global Events

Fulton County is home to Atlanta’s professional sports teams, including the Hawks (NBA), Atlanta Dream (WNBA), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), United (MLS), and the Atlanta Fire (professional cricket). Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to bring a professional hockey franchise to the area.

The county will play a significant role on the global stage, hosting eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In November 2024, media worldwide reported on Fulton County’s elections from the newly constructed, state-of-the-art Elections Center, which consolidated all election activities under one roof. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger praised the county for conducting a flawless election.

Investments in Infrastructure and Public Services

Fulton County has made significant strides in infrastructure, particularly in water and sewer management. The recently completed $350 million Big Creek Water Treatment Facility represents one of the most significant infrastructure projects in county history, and an additional $500 million facility is planned for the City of South Fulton.

Healthcare access is also improving, with the launch of the Fulton County Health and Human Services Campus in Alpharetta, which provides public health, behavioral health, senior services, and developmental disability support. A similar facility is in the planning stages for South Fulton. Additionally, a Mental Health Crisis Center opened on Metropolitan Parkway in October 2024, a collaboration between Fulton County, the State of Georgia, and Grady Hospital.

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Cybersecurity and Government Resilience

One year after a cyberattack by the international crime ring LockBit, Fulton County has emerged stronger and more secure. Despite the attack shutting down government systems, county officials developed alternative solutions to maintain essential services. No ransom payments were made to the crime ring.

The attack on Fulton County and others prompted new legislation that now prevents the use of taxpayer funds to pay ransoms to cybercriminals, serving as a deterrent for future attacks.

A Vision for Continued Growth

The State of the County event was hosted by the Council for Quality Growth, an advocacy organization that represents the interests of developers, contractors, engineers, planners, and other stakeholders in metro Atlanta’s growth and development. Chairman Pitts reaffirmed the county’s commitment to fostering economic prosperity while ensuring the well-being of all residents.

As Fulton County continues to expand and innovate, its status as Georgia’s economic, cultural, and educational hub remains unchallenged, setting a standard for progress in the region and beyond.