Glasgow ranks No. 9 in the nation among Top Micropolitans for economic development
GLASGOW, Ky. – Glasgow is celebrating after achieving a historic milestone, ranking No. 9 in the nation among micropolitan communities in the 2025 Site Selection Governor’s Cup rankings, based on the number of economic development projects announced during the year.
According to a release by the Barren County Economic Authority, the ranking is the highest placement Glasgow has ever had by Site Selection magazine.
In 2025, the economic authority says nine economic projects in the Glasgow-Barren County area represented $126 million in capital investment and over 620 new jobs to be created.
Projects counted in the rankings have to meet strict criteria, including “a minimum capital investment of $1 million, the creation of at least 20 new jobs or at least 20,000 square feet of new construction or expansion.”
The Top Micropolitan rankings recognize smaller communities, normally with populations around 10,000 to 50,000, that generate significant economic growth and investment, the release states.
In addition, the release says Kentucky placed in the top five nationally for economic development activity in the Governor’s Cup rankings.
Local leaders say Glasgow’s historic ranking reflects years of collaboration between local government, industry partners and economic development organizations.
“This ranking is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community,” said Barren County judge executive Jamie Byrd. “Economic development is truly a team effort, and the success we are seeing today is the result of strong partnerships between our local governments, business community and workforce. We are proud to see Barren County recognized nationally for the opportunities we are creating here at home.”
City of Glasgow mayor Henry Royse emphasized the community’s momentum and commitment to continued growth.
“Glasgow continues to prove that communities our size can compete on a national stage,” Royse said. “These nine projects and the investment they represent are creating new opportunities for our residents and strengthening our local economy. We are proud of this recognition and grateful to the many partners who help make Glasgow a great place to live, work and do business.”
According to Maureen Carpenter, president and CEO of the Barren County Economic Authority, the ranking reflects both recent project success and the long-term strategy to attract and support business investment.
“This historic ranking highlights the strength of our community and the power of collaboration,” Carpenter said. “The Barren County Economic Authority works closely with our city, county, state and private-sector partners to attract new investment while supporting the growth of our existing industries. These projects represent real jobs and real opportunity for families in our region, and we are excited about the momentum we are building for the future.”
