Media Release
April 21, 2023
Douglas County Vice-Chairman Tarenia Carthan Presents
State of the County Address
Remarks Focused on Key Achievements, Commitment to Exceptional Service, and Community Investment/Economic Development
(Douglas County)- Douglas County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chairman Tarenia Carthan addressed business owners, residents, and stakeholders during her first State of the County address on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the Douglasville Conference Center. The event was hosted by the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce and the Council for Quality Growth.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce the State of Douglas County is resilient, Douglas County Vice-Chair Tarenia Carthan stated with enthusiasm. “Our journey has not been easy, but the mission of the Douglas County Government is clear: to efficiently deliver superior public service that enriches the quality of life within a thriving, safe, and healthy community, in a fiscally responsible manner.
During her remarks, Vice-Chairman Carthan highlighted several key achievements and touted the County’s ongoing commitment to community investment across various sectors. As examples, she pointed to millions in allocations earmarked for youth initiatives, senior resources, eradicating hunger, and providing housing solutions for the unsheltered.
“Housing insecurity is a visible and challenging issue across the state, and we are not exempt in Douglas County, said Carthan, “However, this administration is committed to providing transitional housing to help our unsheltered population recover.”
The County also established a Community Service Provider Program. The Board of Commissioners awarded more than $2.3 million to community organizations such as the the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County and the Share House domestic violence shelter.
Additionally, the County worked with state partners to fund the $3.4 million driver’s license facility currently under construction on Earl D. Lee Boulevard. Federal partners also secured $5,000,000 in direct congressional spending for the Lee Road extension and an additional $500,000 for a community business incubator. Currently, Douglas County manages over $83 Million in federal and State grants.
“Our financial platform remains healthy, and we are still making significant progress in expanding our overall financial maturity and planning outlook, Carthan said. We have a solid Aa2 credit rating and zero debt. We also maintain high current ratios indicating our ability to pay current obligations.
Vice-Chairman Carthan also discussed the implementation of “Douglas Forward 2025,” a five-year strategic plan which serves as a community-driven guiding document for setting priorities. The six strategic goals are: Transform Douglas County Government, Public Safety, Infrastructure, Public Health, Recreation Facilities and Programs, and Economic Development.
The program also featured a fireside chat between Vice-Chairman Carthan and Chris Pumphrey, President of the Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership. Pumphrey offered insight into Douglas County’s current economic landscape and its potential for future growth and opportunity.
Vice-Chairman Carthan concluded her address with a commitment to delivering high-quality service in an ongoing pursuit of excellence.
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