Fulton County Wins Eight 2024 NACo Achievement Awards

Fulton County has been honored with eight 2024 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards recognize outstanding county government programs that enhance services and improve the lives of residents. The winners were celebrated during the NACo Annual Conference held in Hillsborough County, Florida, from July 12 to 15.

The award-winning programs are:

1. Fulton County Animal Services Facility – Recognized in the Community and Economic Development category. This facility, which opened in November 2023, is a 50,000-square-foot structure located in Southwest Atlanta. It houses 376 dogs, 99 cats, 12 small animals, 18 chickens, and six livestock. The facility features a 44-acre lot, a veterinary clinic with three surgery tables, a dog maternity ward, 33 play yards, a barn, a chicken coop, and a 54,000-square-foot pasture.
2. Fulton County Annual Mental Health Awareness Fair – Honored in the Health category. This fair, held at Greenbriar Mall, is organized in collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities and supported by a national grant from the Office of Minority Health. It has been hosted for two years to increase mental health literacy and connect residents with resources and education to improve their mental well-being.
3. Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center – Awarded in Human Services. This multi-million-dollar facility, set to open in 2024, will be located at the Oak Hill Child, Family and Adolescent Center on Metropolitan Parkway near downtown Atlanta. It represents the first of its kind in Fulton County and is a collaborative effort involving Fulton County, the federal government, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities, and Grady Health System.
4. Fulton County Big Creek Reclamation Water Facility – Recognized in County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy, and Sustainability. The facility in Roswell, Georgia, is the largest in Fulton County’s northern service area and is undergoing the most significant capital expansion project in the county’s history. The upgrade will enhance its treatment process to produce cleaner water and increase its discharge capacity to 32 Million Gallons per Day (MGD), an increase of 8 MGD. The facility’s new design incorporates advanced technology that has reduced pollutant levels by up to 50%.
5. Fulton County Elder Abuse Senior Summit – Awarded in Civic Education and Public Information. This summit addresses the issue of elder abuse, a silent problem affecting seniors in various settings. It is organized by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair, in collaboration with District Attorney Fani Willis, Chief Probate Judge Kenya Johnson, and Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts Che Alexander. The event attracts over 500 attendees and features more than 30 vendors, raising awareness and encouraging seniors to seek justice.
6. Fulton County Votes App – Recognized for Technology. This mobile app, developed by the Department of Registration & Elections and the Department of External Affairs, provides voters with essential information about elections. The app includes updates on early voting dates, absentee ballots, polling location changes, and poll worker recruitment, helping voters navigate the electoral process efficiently.
7. Fulton County Human Trafficking Awareness Forum – Awarded in Civic Education and Public Information. This forum, supported by the Board of Commissioners and Vice Chair Khadijah Abdur-Rahman, in collaboration with Wellspring Living and other agencies, focuses on preventing and intervening in human trafficking. The forum features panel discussions and provides insight into combating this growing criminal activity.
8. Project CARE – Honored in Health. In response to health access challenges following the closure of two hospitals in Fulton County, Project CARE was launched under the leadership of Chairman Robb Pitts, in collaboration with the Morehouse School of Medicine. This initiative includes the opening of a new clinic in October 2023 to address health disparities and increase access to healthcare. Additional initiatives are planned to further improve healthcare access in the region.

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts stated, “Fulton County continues to develop and provide forward-thinking programs that prioritize our residents. Fulton County prioritizes innovation, and we are pleased to see the outstanding work of our employees receive this national recognition.”

Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson added, “This honor is a reflection of the work being done in Fulton County. We are grateful to our hardworking staff for their outstanding work.”