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 was granted statehood on June 1, 1792, making it the fifteenth state in the Union and the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains. Bordered by mountains on the east and gently rolling plains in the west, the heart of the state is the Bluegrass region, giving Kentucky its nickname as the Bluegrass State.
Located in Central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave and is the second oldest tourist attraction in the United States, having first been promoted in 1816. Kentucky is known as the Horse Capital of the World and is the home of the most famous horse race in the world, the Kentucky Derby. The Derby has taken place every year since 1875 in Louisville, Kentucky. It is one of the few sporting events not postponed or delayed during the World Wars.
Kentucky’s location and infrastructure lend itself to being a natural fit for several industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and bourbon. Kentucky is the largest bourbon provider in the world, producing approximately 95% of the global bourbon supply. Items for aerospace, primary metals, food, beverages, as well as service industries such as logistics and transportation are all major exports of Kentucky. Kentucky has a rich history in the automotive industry and ranks third in the total number of vehicles produced every year.
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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.