Clayton County and Clayton State University Launch Data-Sharing Partnership to Boost Workforce and Economic Growth
(July 24, 2025) - Clayton County announced a new collaboration with Clayton State University to share data and co-develop solutions that address the county’s housing, land use, and workforce needs.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) creates a framework for shared research and regular exchange of information between the County’s Community Development Department and Clayton State University (CSU) academic experts. This groundbreaking partnership supports the Moving Clayton Forward initiative, focused on aligning planning, infrastructure investment, and workforce development to foster economic resilience and equitable growth.
“We are proud to enter into this historic partnership with Clayton State University,” said Patrick Ejike, Director of Community Development. “By aligning academic research with real-world community needs, we’re laying the groundwork for transformational data-driven growth that benefits our residents, businesses, and future generations.”
Key goals of the agreement include:
- Conducting workforce needs assessments and skills gap analysis
- Supporting pre-application development review with data-driven tools
- Creating tailored training and upskilling programs for local industries
- Supporting CSU’s mission to promote social mobility through education
“This collaboration not only enhances our ability to serve Clayton County,” said Dr. Cephas Archie, Assistant Provost of Clayton State University, “but it also fulfills our mission to promote social mobility by connecting learning with opportunity.”
This MOU reflects the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to Strategic Economic Opportunity and Strategic Communication, using innovation and collaboration to enhance community well-being. Clayton State recently launched their 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, enabling the university to build on its strengths, uphold its mission, and introduce new initiatives as they "Transform Today for Tomorrow". There is no fiscal impact associated with this agreement.