Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas delivered the 2026 State of the County Address on the evening of March 3 at Memorial Hall, highlighting the progress made through strategic investments, partnerships and community collaboration.
With the theme “the best is yet to come,” Summerow Dumas emphasized that Hamilton County’s future success is driven by residents, public servants, community organizations and regional partners working together to strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity.
“The best is yet to come because of the people of Hamilton County,” Dumas said during the meeting. “When we work together across communities, across sectors and across generations, we create real progress for the families who call this county home.”
Over the past year, Hamilton County has advanced several major initiatives designed to improve services, strengthen infrastructure and invest in residents. Those efforts include expanding access and centralizing essential county services through the new Hamilton County Central Campus, strengthening community programs through targeted investments, including the INSPIRE grant initiative, and continuing partnerships that support economic development and neighborhood revitalization.
Dumas also highlighted the county’s commitment to responsible stewardship of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Hamilton County has used these resources to make strategic investments that strengthen public health, expand housing opportunities, support workforce development and improve community infrastructure. With federal ARPA funds required to be obligated and spent by the end of 2026, county leaders say the final phase of these investments is focused on ensuring lasting impact for residents.
“Our goal has always been to turn temporary federal relief into long-term community benefit,” Dumas said. “These investments are helping us build stronger systems and better services for the future.”
In a first for the county, commissioners joined Dumas on stage to present Thomas Heywood, of the facilities department, with the first-ever key to the county, recognizing his extraordinary 51 years of dedicated service.
Looking ahead, the county will continue prioritizing collaboration with local governments, nonprofit partners and community organizations to address key challenges such as housing, health, economic mobility and public safety.
“Progress happens when we work together,” Dumas said. “Hamilton County is stronger when we invest in people, support our communities and build partnerships that move us forward.”