(The Center Square) – Gov. Brian Kemp said Monday that 423 facilities either invested or expanded in Georgia during fiscal year 2025 for a record $26.3 billion investment.
The investments will add 23,000 new private-sector jobs over the next five years, he said.
The numbers reflect economic investments between July 1, 2024, and June 20, 2025. Kemp said 74% of the projects are expansions at existing companies.
More than 77% of the new business went to counties outside of the metro Atlanta region.
“Here in Georgia, our leaders have consistently prioritized fostering collaborative partnerships and making strategic investments that strengthen our opportunities for growth in every corner of the state,” said House Speaker Jon Burns. “From our ports at Savannah and Brunswick, extensive rail network, and vast energy infrastructure to our world-class roads, bridges, and highways – doing business here in Georgia is easy, affordable and accessible.”
International companies accounted for 6,500 new jobs, with most coming from the Republic of Korea, Japan and Canada, according to the governor’s office.
Global commerce accounted for $10.7 million of the $40.4 million allocated to the economic development department in the state budget, according to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget.
Kemp, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, First Lady Marty Kemp and members of the Georgia Department of Economic Development team recently traveled to South America on what the governor called “international mission this week to promote economic development opportunities.”
The trips are part of the state budget, Jessica Atwell, communications manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, told The Center Square in an email.
“These missions facilitate Georgia’s international connections that support thousands of jobs for Georgians through trade and investment,” Atwell said. “Economic development missions include a mix of meetings with companies already invested in or interested in investing in Georgia as well as relationship-building opportunities that support connectivity between Georgia and key markets for exports.”
Travel expenses for state leaders are available on Open.ga.gov. Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson was reimbursed $116,811.93 in travel expenses in fiscal year 2024. Kemp received $29,884.69 in travel expenses through the Economic Development Department, and Harper received $14,093.64 in travel expenses billed to his department, according to the records. Fiscal year 2025 records are not yet available.
Kemp lauded the economic team for their work in bringing new companies to Georgia.
“Georgia has been the No. 1 state for business for over a decade because of our unmatched ability to attract new companies and create an environment where existing employers can grow and thrive,” Kemp said. “Today’s numbers are just the latest confirmation that our partnership approach and the hard work of our incredible economic development team are delivering results for Georgians that will pay off for generations.”
