Georgia recorded a new high in economic development during the fiscal year that ended June 30, with companies announcing about $35.2 billion in investments and an estimated 25,300 private-sector jobs, state officials said Monday.
Record-setting totals driven by expansions, manufacturing
The figures, compiled by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and released with Gov. Brian Kemp, reflect projects announced between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The state said its economic development staff supported 436 business expansions and new locations during the period. About 79% of those projects were expansions by companies already operating in Georgia.
Expansions accounted for roughly 15,370 of the new jobs and approximately $24.7 billion of the investment total, the state said. Manufacturing represented a substantial share of the new jobs announced, making up 67% of hires in the reporting period.
Growth outside Atlanta
While Atlanta remains a major draw for corporate investment, the state emphasized that most activity occurred beyond the 10-county metro Atlanta area. According to the report, about 75% of expansions and new company locations were outside metro Atlanta, with the region still slated to receive more than $5.3 billion of the new investment.
The investment mix also reflected increasing international participation. The state reported that jobs tied to foreign companies more than doubled compared with the prior fiscal year, with international projects accounting for over 9,350 new jobs and more than $7.8 billion in announced investment. Top international sources for job creation included South Korea, Italy, Belgium, Canada and France, the release said.
Industry concentration and notable sectors
Manufacturing led job creation overall. The state highlighted particular strength in automotive, life sciences and food-processing manufacturing, which together comprised about 27% of total job creation. Georgia also reported record investment and hiring in medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing compared with the prior decade.
Beyond manufacturing, the state expects more than 3,790 new jobs from corporate headquarters, software, technology and other support-service projects. Companies planning headquarters relocations or expansions announced more than $225 million in planned investment.
State role and local impact
Georgia officials credited the state Department of Economic Development with assisting companies through incentives, site selection, workforce connections and local coordination. The department said it also helped retain more than 90,000 existing jobs statewide during the fiscal year.
Local officials in regions that attracted expansions are likely to face immediate implications for infrastructure, workforce training and housing. Counties outside metro Atlanta have been positioning industrial parks, workforce-development programs and utility upgrades to capture manufacturing and distribution projects — efforts that appear to be producing results.
- Total announced investment: $35.2 billion
- Estimated new private-sector jobs: 25,300
- Projects supported: 436 expansions and new locations
- Share outside metro Atlanta: ~75% of projects
| Category | Jobs | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Expansions | ~15,370 | $24.7 billion |
| International companies | ~9,350 | $7.8+ billion |
| Headquarters & tech | ~3,790 | $225+ million |
What this means for Georgia residents
For job seekers, the emphasis on manufacturing, life sciences and food processing suggests openings for trained technicians, production workers and roles in supply-chain operations. State and local workforce agencies typically expand training and employer partnerships when large manufacturing projects land; residents should watch county and technical college announcements for targeted programs.
For local governments and planners, the announcements will carry near-term demands on infrastructure, permitting and services. Municipal leaders who have invested in sites and utilities may see accelerated tax-base growth, while those unprepared could face delays and higher costs to support new facilities.
State officials framed the data as evidence of Georgia’s competitiveness in luring investment across a range of industries and geographies. The full project list and county-level breakdowns were included in the state’s release; local officials and potential job applicants should consult county economic development offices and the Georgia Department of Economic Development for project-specific details and timelines.
As the next fiscal year unfolds, officials will monitor how many of the announced projects proceed to construction and hiring and whether the announced investments translate into lasting employment gains for Georgians.
