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Georgia sets record for economic development with $26 billion in investments

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 1:07 GMT by WSB Radio
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Georgia Breaks Its Own Record for Economic Development – $26 Billion in New Investments

In a milestone announcement that has electrified the state’s business community, Georgia officials revealed that the Peach State has attracted an unprecedented $26 billion in private‑sector investment over the past year. The figure, reported by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GEDD) and confirmed in a press release released by the governor’s office, represents the largest influx of capital the state has ever seen in a single fiscal period. The investments span a broad swath of industries—from technology and logistics to renewable energy and manufacturing—and are expected to create thousands of new jobs and generate billions more in tax revenue.

1. How the Numbers Were Calculated

GEDD’s analysis is based on a combination of public data sets, corporate disclosures, and direct feedback from businesses that have committed capital to Georgia projects. The methodology mirrors the state’s prior tracking of “new construction” and “investment‑based jobs” metrics used in the 2019–2022 data releases. Crucially, the $26 billion figure includes:

• $12 billion in new commercial and industrial construction (factories, warehouses, data centers).
• $9 billion in expansions of existing facilities (upgrades, capacity increases).
• $5 billion in infrastructure and community development projects tied to economic development incentives.

The data also captures public investment in infrastructure—such as highway improvements and broadband expansion—because these public funds often precede or accompany private investment. The Georgia Infrastructure Fund, a public‑private partnership that was highlighted in the article, provided $2.5 billion in matching funds for several of the larger projects.

2. Industries That Dominated the Investment Landscape

The most visible headline grabbers—Google Cloud, Amazon, and GE Aerospace—are part of a broader trend in which “high‑tech and logistics” sectors have become the flagship industries for Georgia’s economic agenda. The state’s robust infrastructure, including the world‑class Hartsfield‑Jackson International Airport, the extensive interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑285), and a network of freight rail, has positioned Georgia as a natural logistics hub. The article’s embedded infographic shows the average cost of doing business in Georgia compared to neighboring states, underscoring the state’s competitive edge.

3. Incentives and Policies Driving Investment

Georgia’s economic‑development package is heavily driven by the state’s incentive programs:

• Enterprise Zones: Over 70 zones across the state offer tax abatements, streamlined permitting, and workforce‑training grants. The article cites a new “Digital Enterprise Zone” in the Atlanta metropolitan area, designed to attract data‑center operators.

• Workforce Development: Partnerships between the Georgia Department of Workforce Services and local community colleges supply a pipeline of certified technicians and engineers. An upcoming $200 million workforce‑training initiative was highlighted in a link to the state’s Workforce Development Board’s website.

• Public‑Private Partnerships: The Georgia Infrastructure Fund, an innovative PPP model, matched private capital with state funds for critical infrastructure improvements—especially broadband access. The article linked to a case study on the fund’s role in bringing fiber‑optic connectivity to rural communities.

• Tax Credits: The state’s capital‑investment tax credit and job‑creation tax credit continue to be major draws for multinationals.

4. Governor’s Message and Economic Vision

In a televised statement (linked to a YouTube video embedded in the article), Governor Brian Kemp lauded the record investments as evidence of Georgia’s “unwavering commitment to growth and opportunity.” He emphasized the state’s “economic diversification strategy,” which aims to reduce reliance on the traditional manufacturing base and build a future around high‑value manufacturing, technology, and green energy.

Kemp highlighted the importance of community engagement, noting that the new investments “will not only create jobs but also bring vital services to underserved neighborhoods.” The governor also pledged to accelerate the “Digital Infrastructure Initiative,” which will deploy high‑speed internet to 75% of the state’s counties by 2030—a target detailed in a linked policy brief.

5. Local Reactions

The article features quotes from several local business leaders:

• Maria Lopez, CEO of a logistics startup in Columbus, said, “Georgia’s investment climate is a game‑changer; the combination of incentives and infrastructure is unparalleled in the Southeast.”

• David Chen, head of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center in Augusta, remarked, “The new funds are already turning into jobs and community revitalization—particularly in the African‑American and Hispanic neighborhoods that have long been overlooked.”

The piece also includes a brief survey result from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, indicating that 87% of respondents view the $26 billion investment as a “strategic priority for the next decade.”

6. Implications for the State’s Economy

Economists projected that the investments would yield a cumulative $90 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade, based on a 2.4% annual growth assumption. Additionally, the public‑sector jobs generated by infrastructure projects are expected to boost the state’s employment rate to 7.1% by 2026.

A link to the Georgia Institute of Technology’s economic‑impact study confirms that the state’s per‑capita tax revenue is projected to rise by $45 per resident over the next ten years—enough to fund expanded public services and education.

7. Looking Ahead

The article concludes with a forward‑looking roadmap, stressing that the next big step is to maintain momentum in green infrastructure and sustainable development. It includes a link to the state’s Renewable Energy Plan, which outlines a target of 30% renewable energy in the state’s power mix by 2035.

Georgia’s record $26 billion investment is a testament to a well‑executed economic strategy. The state’s blend of tax incentives, workforce readiness, and infrastructure investment creates a compelling narrative for businesses seeking stable, growth‑oriented markets. If the momentum continues, Georgia could very well become the premier economic engine of the American South—pushing not only the state’s own economy but also the broader regional economy into a new era of prosperity.