Chattooga County, Georgia
Local Leadership in Action
With strong leadership and the projects to back it up, this
In northwest Georgia, a small but mighty county achieves significant results through bold initiatives and resourceful leadership. Chattooga County, known for its natural landscapes and close-knit spirit, has embraced innovative solutions to address pressing needs, including healthcare access, broadband infrastructure, emergency services, and educational opportunities. These advancements demonstrate how collaboration, strategic planning, and a commitment to sustainable growth can transform rural communities into thriving hubs of opportunity and resilience.
Revitalizing rural healthcare: A landmark ER project
One of the most transformative developments in the county’s history has been establishing Georgia’s first rural freestanding emergency room. For years, residents faced significant challenges accessing critical healthcare, with lengthy trips to neighboring areas being the norm for emergencies. This new facility has eliminated those barriers and set a new standard for rural healthcare in the region.
Since opening its doors in October, the freestanding ER has averaged 55 patient visits daily, serving over 16,500 individuals within its first few months. Equipped with a stroke center, CT scans, x-ray capabilities, a full lab, and outpatient services, the facility addresses a wide range of healthcare needs. Its impact has extended beyond the county’s borders, drawing patients from neighboring areas and even Alabama.
Blake Elsberry, County Sole Commissioner, reflects on the overwhelming demand for the facility: “I told them when they first built it, ‘You’re not ready for the volume.’” The success of the ER highlights the pressing need for accessible healthcare in rural areas. Remarkably, the project was funded entirely through external partnerships, without financial burden on the county. Elsberry shares the behind-the-scenes efforts, noting, “I personally cold-called healthcare organizations until I found a partner willing to invest. This was a need we couldn’t afford to ignore.”
The project’s success has not gone unnoticed, earning the county the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) County of Excellence Award for 2024 and recognition in publications like Georgia Trend. Beyond its immediate healthcare benefits, the ER symbolizes what strategic planning and community-focused leadership can achieve. Looking ahead, county leaders envision the facility expanding its range of services and continuing to serve as a vital resource for surrounding regions.
Enhancing emergency medical services (EMS)
Building on the ER’s success momentum, the county has drastically improved its emergency medical services. Recognizing the importance of high-quality EMS in a rural setting, the county renegotiated its provider contract to secure better services without additional costs. This decision brought five new ambulances—an increase from the previous four—and $1 million worth of state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, the provider invested in local schools and renovated EMS facilities, all at no expense to the county. Atrium Health Floyd has partnered well with the county and has opened the door to providing the very best healthcare service as both the ER and EMS provider for Chattooga County residents.
The impact of these changes has been profound, with residents enjoying improved response times and better-equipped emergency teams. Moreover, the updated contract led to a 60% reduction in service costs for residents. “Everybody lost their minds because they were like, ‘We already don’t pay anything, what’s better than free?” Elsberry recalls, highlighting the innovative thinking that drives the improvements.
The EMS upgrades also reflect the county’s proactive approach to managing resources. The county has enhanced service delivery by ensuring that contracts are competitive and focused on delivering community benefits while easing residents’ financial burdens.
Economic development through strategic partnerships
Economic growth has been another pillar of the county’s progress. The county has attracted new businesses, including popular food chains, through strategic partnerships and strengthened ties with educational institutions. Collaborations with Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) have expanded local academic offerings, with plans for advanced courses like phlebotomy to be taught at the county’s multipurpose building. The initiatives improve the county’s resources and provide residents with new pathways for career development.
In addition to education, the county is making strides in housing development. Applications for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects signal the potential for family-oriented developments with amenities like playgrounds and community spaces. Elsberry is particularly optimistic about these projects, stating, “We’ve had several senior-focused developments in the past, but what’s exciting is the shift toward family developments. Housing is critical to strengthening our community and meeting the needs of our residents.”
Efforts to attract businesses and housing developments also focus on creating a more inclusive and dynamic economy. Local leaders recognize that providing diverse housing options and workforce development programs will be vital in attracting young families and retaining local talent.
A key partner in enhancing economic development and vitality in the region, the county notes, is Southeast First National Bank, in Summerville, Ga; a valued institution with deep community connections and roots.
Preserving community heritage
While economic growth and infrastructure upgrades are essential, the county has prioritized preserving its cultural heritage. A prime example is the historic theater restoration in downtown Summerville, a once-condemned county-owned structure. Thanks to a state-funded grant and support from local leaders, the theater is undergoing extensive renovations to become a cultural hub for movie screenings, live performances, and community events.
“This project will not only make the theater fully operational but also turn it into a cultural hub,” Elsberry explains. By revitalizing this landmark, the county fosters community pride and creates a centerpiece for downtown revitalization efforts.
Another notable project is transforming a historic bank building into a high-end community center. Through a partnership with a local bank leveraging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) funds, the county secured a unique arrangement: the building is leased for a dollar while it retains all revenue generated from its use. “This facility will serve as a professional meeting space, a place for executive meetings, and a venue for public financial education classes,” Elsberry elaborates, emphasizing its role as a valuable community resource.
Broadband expansion and infrastructure investment
Infrastructure improvements have been a critical focus for the county, particularly in bridging the digital divide. A $10 million fiber broadband project in partnership with Kinetic has extended high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas. This initiative ensures residents and businesses have the connectivity needed to thrive in a modern, digital economy.
In addition to broadband, the county has secured a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to replace aging water lines in its northern regions. These upgrades are part of a broader effort to modernize public works and ensure reliable service delivery for residents. The broadband project, in particular, has already begun closing gaps in education and business, empowering students, entrepreneurs, and local organizations to thrive in a more connected world.
A commitment to sustainability
Sustainability initiatives have also taken center stage, with the county acquiring a slow-speed shredder machine through a $300,000 grant. This equipment allows recycling materials like yard waste, concrete, steel, and rubber, reducing landfill use and disposal costs. “The shredder allows us to turn waste into resources—providing mulch for residents’ gardens, for example—and supports the efficient recycling of tires,” Elsberry notes. The county reduces environmental impact by repurposing materials and cutting road construction and maintenance costs.
Additionally, the county’s efforts to incorporate green practices extend to its public works projects, with plans to integrate sustainable designs into future developments. These initiatives aim to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth, creating a lasting positive impact for generations.
Tourism and recreation: A growing economic engine
Tourism and recreation continue to be key drivers of economic activity in the county. Natural attractions like Howard Finster’s Paradise Gardens and Sloppy Floyd State Park draw visitors year-round, while Jared’s Place, a mountain biking facility, has become a regional hotspot. “It’s truly amazing how popular Jared’s Place has become, especially considering its location,” Elsberry shares. The facility’s success has boosted local businesses, including nearby Airbnb rentals, further illustrating the economic potential of outdoor recreation.
Plans are underway to expand tourism offerings, with discussions about new festivals and recreation projects to attract more visitors. Leaders hope to leverage the county’s natural beauty and cultural assets to strengthen its position as a regional destination.
A legacy of leadership
As Blake Elsberry’s term ends, the county reflects on a period of remarkable progress. By fostering partnerships and leveraging resources strategically, the county has secured millions of dollars in investments and grants while reducing debt and avoiding tax increases. “In four years, we’ve secured $10 million in broadband investment, $8 million in grants, and reduced county debt—all without increasing property taxes,” Elsberry shares, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility.
Looking ahead, Elsberry envisions continued growth through expanded post-secondary education opportunities. “Having a technical college or university in the county would be a tremendous economic asset,” he asserts.
The county’s achievements under his leadership—from improved healthcare access and modernized infrastructure to sustainable practices and cultural preservation—demonstrate the power of thoughtful governance. As Elsberry prepares to pass the torch, his legacy ensures a strong foundation for future leaders to build upon, promising continued growth and prosperity for the community.
AT A GLANCE
Chattooga County
What: A rural county in northwestern Georgia known for its scenic landscapes, the Chattooga River, and a close-knit community centered around its county seat, Summerville.
Where: Northwestern Georgia, in the Ridge and Valley region
Website: https://www.chattoogacounty.gov/
