By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 24, 2026
Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts delivered a confident and at times defiant message Tuesday morning, declaring that Fulton County is “stronger than ever” during his 2026 State of the County address.
Hosted by the Council for Quality Growth at The Eastern, the breakfast event drew hundreds of business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders under the theme: “We’ve Got It All.”
From senior services and infrastructure to jail reform and election security, Pitts outlined what he described as a year of major investments and bold decisions.
Seniors and Community Investment
Pitts began by highlighting expanded services for seniors across the county.
Thanks to Fulton County’s transportation program, seniors took more than 276,000 trips last year to grocery stores, medical appointments, pharmacies, and senior centers. More than 167,000 meals were delivered to seniors at home or served at neighborhood senior centers.
The county also launched a new initiative to protect seniors from online scams and hosted its first Senior Olympics, drawing more than 500 participants in what Pitts called “an amazing event” built on community and competition. He promised the 2026 games would be even larger.
Infrastructure Investment: Water, Airports, and the Beltline
The chairman emphasized more than $1 billion in water infrastructure investments across North and South Fulton to meet the demands of a growing population.
“Our infrastructure is stronger,” Pitts said, pointing to environmental protections tied to the upgrades.
He also celebrated progress at Fulton County Executive Airport, formerly known as Charlie Brown Airport. A planned customs facility will soon allow for international travel, and with runway expansion already underway, Pitts said nonstop flights to Europe will become possible.
“That’s a big deal,” he told the audience.
Beyond aviation, Pitts noted that 85 percent of the Atlanta BeltLine is expected to be complete by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further cementing the county’s economic and tourism profile.
Jail Renovation and Mental Health Services
One of the most significant announcements was a landmark, long-term renovation plan for the Fulton County Jail on Rice Street. Pitts described a billion-dollar overhaul designed to address deteriorating conditions and improve safety.
As part of broader justice reform efforts, the county will add a new medical unit focused specifically on inmate mental health services an acknowledgment of the growing mental health crisis within correctional facilities.
The plan aims to modernize the jail while improving care and accountability.
Economic Strength
Pitts also highlighted Fulton County’s financial health, noting that the county continues to maintain a coveted AAA credit rating. He pointed out that Fulton ranks fourth in the nation for the number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered within its borders.
Those metrics, he said, reflect both stability and opportunity.
“We are proud to be the largest county in the state of Georgia,” Pitts said. “Proud to be a top county in these United States of America.”
Defending Elections After FBI Raid
The most forceful portion of Pitts’ address centered on election security.
Referencing the January 28, 2026 FBI raid on the Fulton County election office, Pitts spoke with visible resolve.
“Our 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,” he said.
He criticized what he described as threats to nationalize local elections and warned that Fulton County would resist any attempt to take control of its election operations.
“We will fight any effort to take over our election with every resource that we have available,” Pitts said. “That’s today. That’s tomorrow. And as long as it takes to protect democracy and your right to vote.”
He urged residents to mobilize for the 2026 and 2028 election cycles, telling attendees that “talk is cheap” and encouraging them to ensure their friends, families, and neighbors vote.
“Stronger Than Ever”
Closing on an optimistic note, Pitts praised residents, workers, students, and families who call Fulton County home.
“Fulton County is stronger than ever,” he said. “And it is because of each and every one of you.”
The event concluded with remarks thanking sponsors, staff, and partners, as attendees lingered at The Eastern to continue conversations about the county’s future.
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