[Lexington, KY] – For the third consecutive year, the Greater Lexington Region (Lexington-Fayette Metro) landed in the Top 10 of Site Selection magazine’s annual ranking of economic development activity in 2025 among Tier 2 regions between 200,000 and 1 million in population. The publication has published the Governor’s Cup rankings annually since 1988, based on new and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by the proprietary Conway Projects Database, a release said.
The Greater Lexington Region moved up from ninth to fourth with 27 total projects among the Tier 2 metros and finished sixth in projects per capita. Statewide, 15 Kentucky micropolitan areas (10,000 to 50,000 people which cover at least one county) totaling 42 projects were recognized, including Greater Lexington micropolitan areas Richmond-Berea (#25), Frankfort (#40) and Mt. Sterling (#70). Kentucky as a whole finished fifth for the second consecutive year nationally in projects per capita. In the South Central Region, the Commonwealth was second in projects per capita and third in total projects (182).
In a Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce post, it noted, the placing of Mt. Sterling among the Top 70 micropolitan areas in the U.S. for 2025 is out of 800-plus qualifying areas.
Site Selection magazine annually 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, a release said.
The chamber here said Mt. Sterling received two qualifying projects in 2025, reflecting continued momentum in local economic development efforts.
Jason Rainey, executive director of Montgomery County Economic Development, said, “We are pleased how Mt. Sterling is trending and excited for our new spec building and industrial park to come online in 2026.”
He added that the recognition highlights Mt. Sterling’s strategic location, workforce strength and commitment to supporting business growth.
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