Learn about The Commonwealth of Kentucky including our News & Press Releases and Projects.
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Learn about The Commonwealth of Kentucky including our News & Press Releases and Projects.
About The Commonwealth of Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky, known as the Bluegrass State, was admitted to the Union in 1792 as the 15th state and the first west of the Appalachian Mountains. Located at the center of the eastern United States and within a day’s drive of approximately two-thirds of the U.S. population, Kentucky benefits from a strategic geographic position that supports robust distribution and logistics networks.
The Commonwealth has developed a diverse and resilient economy supported by key industries including manufacturing, automotive production, logistics, agriculture, and bourbon production. Kentucky produces approximately 95% of the world’s bourbon supply and is a national leader in automotive manufacturing, with major operations from Ford, General Motors, and Toyota.
Kentucky’s central location and infrastructure provide a competitive advantage for businesses, facilitating efficient access to major industrial and consumer markets. The Commonwealth ranks among the top states nationally in vehicle production per capita, foreign direct investment, and manufacturing employment.
In recent years, Kentucky has experienced sustained economic growth and investment. The Commonwealth has ranked in the top five nationally for economic development projects per capita in Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup for six consecutive years. During this period, more than 1,300 private-sector projects have been announced, totaling over $45 billion in investment and creating more than 68,000 jobs. In 2025 alone, Kentucky recorded 182 qualifying project announcements, reflecting continued strong economic momentum.
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News
On October 17, 2025; Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted yet another strong national recognition for the commonwealth’s economic growth and future preparedness as Kentucky placed 8th in Site Selection magazine’s 2025 Global Groundwork Index, which is based on capital investment and jobs announcements paired with infrastructure funding data.
The placement represents the fourth consecutive year the commonwealth has placed in the top 10 of the ranking. Kentucky was also recognized with a B- grade for energy infrastructure, behind only two other states. Site Selection noted Kentucky is among the top regional hotspots for potential investment.
On Thursday, Gov. Beshear announced that Moody’s Ratings has upgraded the commonwealth’s credit rating to Aa2 from Aa3. The rating is a measure of the state’s ability to pay debts and the overall health of Kentucky’s economy.
The upgrade was driven by the commonwealth’s sustained commitment to healthy reserves and structural balance, by fully funding pensions and paying down unfunded liabilities. It also reflects growth in key industries that will help solidify Kentucky’s economic growth over the next several years, including large investments in the state’s manufacturing sector, EV manufacturing, logistics and the growth of Kentucky’s tourism and health care sectors.
On July 25, 2024; Governor Beshear recapped his recent economic development trip to Japan and the Republic of Korea, where he met with leaders at existing Kentucky companies, including Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation. The Governor met with 18 companies that provide 15,000 full-time jobs in Kentucky, with 7,000 announced new jobs on the way. The Governor also met with business leaders considering future investment in the United States.
The Governor also announced the largest General Fund surplus on record in Kentucky with Fiscal Year 2024 ending at approximately $2 billion. This is the fourth consecutive year that the General Fund surplus has exceeded $1 billion. The surplus will be deposited into the Budget Reserve Trust Fund, bringing its balance up to $4.5 billion.
Projects
Active Debt Issuing Entities
SPBC, TAK, and ALCo
State Property & Buildings Commission (SPBC)
Turnpike Authority of Kentucky (TAK)
Kentucky Asset/Liability Commission (ALCo)Office of Financial Management
Talk to us
Have questions? Reach out to us directly.