Georgia secures record $26.3B in new investments
Writer: Eleana Teran
October 2025 — Georgia set a record in fiscal year 2025, securing $26.3 billion in new investment commitments and creating an estimated 23,200 private-sector jobs across facility expansions and new business locations, according to the state’s economic development agency.
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of the projects came from companies already operating in Georgia, while the rest represented new entrants to the state’s economy.
The impact is far-reaching in the Peach State, with 77% of projects taking place outside the 10-county Atlanta region. Metro Atlanta still drew major corporate investments from companies such as TriNet, AIG, CRH, Duracell, and Mercedes-Benz, while international firms committed more than $3 billion and over 6,500 new jobs, led by investment from Korea, Japan, and Canada.
“Atlanta continues to be a destination for Fortune 500 companies such as Morgan Stanley, Microsoft, Visa, and Boston Scientific,” Select Fulton Director Samir Abdullahi told Focus:.
“Transaction Alley, located along the Georgia 400 corridor, is a prime example, facilitating 80% of credit card transactions through companies like Fiserv. Visa’s decision to establish a substantial presence here, followed by MasterCard at Ponce City Market, underscores the region’s appeal. We are also a hub for life sciences, home to the CDC and Emory University, boasting a strong infrastructure for this growing market,” Abdullahi added.
Momentum in the metro area is visible across multiple fronts. Employment in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell region stood at more than 3.1 million in mid-2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with sectors like healthcare, education, and professional services driving much of the growth.
Commercial real estate fundamentals are also improving. Leasing activity has remained steady, and vacancy rates are easing, particularly in submarkets that offer modern amenities and strong access to talent. A recent CBRE survey ranked Atlanta No. 4 among the top 10 markets for real estate investments in 2025, as investors seek opportunities in cities with lower operating costs and diverse economic bases.
“In addition to the talent pipeline and the general workforce, one of Atlanta’s strengths is a diverse economy. Certain cities may be known as a financial hub or a tech hub, but Atlanta has
such a variety of all types of companies,” said Kristi Brigman, chief economic development officer of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, to Focus:.
“There are so many different types of companies that play into our strengths and really help us in uncertain economic times. While one industry might struggle at times, Atlanta’s economy remains generally strong because there is such a diverse group of companies located here.”
In September, the city of Atlanta launched ATL BIZ, an online platform that will be replacing ATL CORE as the primary portal for business services. The system aims to simplify processes for businesses by combining tools to manage permits, taxes, occupational tax certificates, and payments. Improvements include a cleaner interface, faster application, and payment processing, dashboard access for balances, credits and messages, support for multiple revenue types, and real-time tracking of renewals and submissions.
Atlanta businesses are also preparing for new tax obligations after the City Council approved the first overhaul of the occupational tax structure since 1999. Starting in 2026, average rates per $1,000 of gross receipts will rise across eight tax classes, and administrative fees for business licenses will increase from $75 today to $191 in 2026, with further hikes scheduled in the following years. For larger firms, the higher costs could add up to tens of thousands of dollars annually. City officials argue that the changes are needed to fund services such as public safety and infrastructure, while business groups caution that the impact may weigh most heavily on smaller companies with tighter margins.
Atlanta’s position will also be tested by upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which has led to major investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and local businesses.
“Between the sports council, the airport, MARTA, city officials, and so many other individuals whose responsibility and goal is to make these events a success, we already have that framework built out,” said Brigman.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a great opportunity for Atlanta to be on the world stage once again.”
For more information, please visit:
https://metroatlantachamber.com/
https://selectfultoncounty.com/
https://www.atlantaga.gov/
