FULTON COUNTY NAMED TO THE TOP 20 NATIONALLY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN 2023

select fulton top 20 county

FULTON COUNTY NAMED TO THE TOP 20 NATIONALLY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN 2023

July 10, 2023
Fulton County, Georgia, has been named 11th of the top-performing counties nationally in attracting major corporate facility investments by Site Selection Magazine. This inaugural “America’s Best Counties” ranking highlights counties that, over the last year, cumulatively and per capita, lead in new recruitment and job creation. Site Selection Magazine, published by Conway Data, Inc., used its proprietary Conway Data Project Database to evaluate all 3,142 counties in the United States for new investments. The outcome propelled Fulton County to being named the #1 county in the Southeast and the only county in Georgia.

“This is tremendous news, and we are honored to be named a leading county for economic development,” says Robb Pitts, Chairman, Fulton County Board of Commissioners. “We’ve worked hard to build a world-class and pro-business community. Today is a testament to the collaborative work of our partners at the State of Georgia, the Metro Atlanta region, and our 15 cities.”

The “America’s Best Counties” is a prestigious list of leading economic development communities. As the economic engine for Metro Atlanta, Fulton County represents one in three jobs and over 40% of all wages generated in the 29-County Metropolitan Statistical Area. Recent major wins to Fulton County include brand name companies like Visa, Cisco, Microsoft, and Boston Scientific, to name a few.

“This is exciting news! Nationally ranked research universities and access to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport position Fulton County as a hub for innovation,” says Pat Wilson, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Companies can fill a wide range of roles thanks to the local, diverse, educated talent and skilled workforce, and to our partners in Fulton County that have helped businesses successfully recognize these assets, harness jobs and opportunity across industries that include some of the leading household names in technology and life sciences.”

The projects won by Fulton County span across various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and more. These projects have not only strengthened the regional economy but have also created a multitude of job opportunities for Georgians, further enhancing their quality of life.

“Metro Atlanta was built for business from the beginning. Today we are the country’s 8th largest region and one of the fastest growing. With talent flocking to Metro Atlanta from all over the world, it makes sense that businesses are selecting places like Fulton County to tap into our in-demand and highly educated workforce," said Katie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. We have a strong culture of collaboration in metro Atlanta - government, business, academia, and civic organizations rallying around the same goal of economic prosperity for all."

The most populous county in Georgia, Fulton County is home to 15 distinct cities, including the City of Atlanta, with clusters of diverse and emerging industries ranging from financial and health technology, life sciences, global and Fortune 500 operations and headquarters.

The remarkable milestone ranking is based on Fulton County’s exceptional track record of attracting and successfully securing significant projects, further bolstering its position as an economic powerhouse in the United States. Fulton County's impressive performance is a testament to its proactive approach to acquiring investments, fostering economic growth, and creating a conducive environment for businesses to be successful. Through strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and a commitment to innovation, Fulton County has emerged as a preferred destination for diverse industries.

“It’s an honor to receive this one-of-a-kind distinction from the leading site selection publication,” says Samir Abdullahi, Director of Economic Development and Select Fulton. “Select Fulton serves as the single point of contact for economic and workforce services in Fulton County. Fostering new job and investment opportunities for all our communities is at the heart of what we do, to enrich our residents and businesses alike.”

Kevin Shrawder, senior analyst of economics & government studies at the National Association of Counties (NACO), tells Site Selection Magazine readers the South, in particular, is not only the fastest-growing region but is welcoming a healthy share of federal funds from the federal bipartisan infrastructure law. He also observes that America’s Best Counties have certain things in common: robust GDP and population growth, and substantial foreign direct investment over a 17-year period tracked by NACo.

Fulton County’s consistent efforts to enhance its infrastructure, develop a skilled workforce, and cultivate a business-friendly ecosystem have undoubtedly contributed to its success. By prioritizing the needs of both established companies and emerging startups, Fulton County has become an attractive hub for businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and job seekers.