(LEXINGTON, KY – March 6, 2025) – For the second consecutive year, Greater Lexington has secured a place in the annual Site Selection Magazine Top Metros report, ranking fifth per capita and tying for ninth overall among metropolitan areas with populations between 200,000 and one million in 2024. This achievement marks an improvement from the 2023 rankings, which saw the region at seventh per capita and tenth overall, with Greater Lexington successfully attracting 25 qualified projects. Notably, the rankings also underscore the accomplishments of micropolitans in the Greater Lexington Region, with Richmond-Berea and Frankfort leading the way in project numbers.
A key factor behind the success of the Top 10 Tier 2 metros is a strong commitment to regionalism, a principle that Greater Lexington continues to embrace through its Regional Competitiveness Plan. Since 2022, leaders from both the private and public sectors across the nine-county area have collaborated to implement action items outlined in the plan, aimed at enhancing the region’s ability to attract jobs and talent while fostering a vibrant economic environment.
“The collaborative spirit of our region has been pivotal in achieving this recognition,” stated Gina Greathouse, Economic Development Executive Vice President, of Commerce Lexington. “By working together, we are enhancing Greater Lexington’s reputation as a prime business location while creating a sustainable environment for our workforce and residents.”
The longstanding efforts of the Bluegrass Alliance, a coalition of economic development professionals throughout the region, have also played a significant role in this achievement. By adopting a regional approach, Greater Lexington is well-positioned to attract a skilled workforce, secure business sites, expand housing options, and provide essential education and training resources.
“The ranking highlights the power of collaboration among our local leaders and stakeholders,” remarked Jack Conner, Executive Director of Scott County United. “Our collective efforts are making a tangible difference in the economic landscape of Greater Lexington, and we are excited to maintain this momentum moving forward.”
Several notable projects across the region exemplify this growth:
- Toyota: Two projects totaling over $1.6 billion in capital investment, including plans for a new 1 million square foot paint facility at the Georgetown location and the production of an all-new three-row electric SUV for the U.S. market.
- Piramal Pharma Solutions: An $80 million capital investment creating 45 new jobs, expanding the current manufacturing plant by approximately 24,000 square feet to double the capacity of product batches per year by 2027.
- SRC of Lexington: The remanufacturer of OEM and aftermarket products announced a $15 million expansion into an 180,000 square foot facility, which will create 60 new jobs and enhance the company’s capacity to meet increasing customer and industry demands.
Site Selection Magazine, a trusted source for corporate real estate strategy and economic development insights, evaluates regions based on the number of qualified projects that meet specific criteria: a minimum capital investment of $1 million, the creation of at least 20 new jobs, or the addition of at least 20,000 square feet of new floor area. Greater Lexington’s impressive performance underscores its growing appeal to businesses and investors.
As Greater Lexington builds on this success, Commerce Lexington and its regional partners remain committed to fostering economic development initiatives that propel the region forward. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and a focus on sustainable growth, Greater Lexington is poised to welcome new opportunities and drive economic prosperity for years to come.
For more information about Greater Lexington and Commerce Lexington’s economic development efforts, visit www.locateinlexington.com.
