Augusta Economic Development Authority

The Augusta Economic Development Authority team had the honor of being part of the SelectUSA Investment Summit this week alongside our partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Power Economic Development, Georgia EMC , ECG Location Georgia, connecting with companies and partners from around the world to promote foreign direct investment opportunities across the state.

We had many productive meetings and enjoyed being part of another outstanding event that showcased why Georgia continues to be recognized as the best place to do business. The collaboration and involvement from economic development partners across the state truly demonstrated the strength of Georgia’s business community and its commitment to growth and investment.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of hosting local students for Youth Leadership Augusta as part of Economic Development Day!

Students had the opportunity to learn about the industries that power our community and hear firsthand how these companies got their start in Augusta. They also gained insight into the roles of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Authority of Augusta, Visit Augusta in supporting local businesses and promoting our region.

By connecting the next generation to real-world careers and local success stories, we’re helping inspire future leaders right here at home. A special thank you to Nemak for hosting us for a tour and giving students a firsthand look at local industry in action. We’re proud to showcase the many opportunities that exist across our community!

Augusta’s Workforce Is Growing!

Metro Augusta closed December with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, reflecting continued stability in the regional labor market.
Most notably, 5,765 more Augusta-area residents were working in December 2025 compared to December 2024, bringing the total labor force to 271,365 people.

That growth means more paychecks, more experience gained, and more pathways into long-term careers.

For AEDA, this reinforces why Augusta remains well-positioned to support employers with a growing, engaged workforce.

For Augusta residents, it’s a clear signal that opportunity is expanding—and that our community is moving in the right direction.

Georgia Adds Jobs for Second Straight Month; Unemployment Stays Below National Average at 3.6% The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced today that Georgia's unemployment rate for December 2025 was 3.6%, up slightly from a revised 3.5% in November. December's unemployment rate was 0.8 percentage point lower than the national unemployment rate. Georgia's rate was 3.6% one year ago.

Metro Augusta continues to demonstrate labor market resilience and job growth, even amid shifting workforce dynamics.

According to new data released by the Georgia Department of Labor, the seven-county Augusta MSA added 1,000 jobs in November and is up 2,700 jobs year-over-year, reflecting ongoing business investment and hiring across the region.

The Augusta labor force has grown by more than 4,100 workers over the past year, underscoring the region’s expanding talent pool and strong participation in the workforce. Initial unemployment claims also declined compared to both the prior month and last year—an encouraging signal of underlying labor market stability.

At AEDA, we view this data as further evidence that Augusta’s economy is growing, adaptive, and competitive, supported by a workforce that continues to engage and expand as new opportunities come online.

November Highlights
• Total jobs: 249,700
• Jobs added over the year: +2,700
• Labor force growth (YoY): +4,153
• Initial unemployment claims: down month-over-month and year-over-year

As we move into 2026, AEDA remains focused on aligning workforce development, infrastructure investment, and employer growth to ensure Augusta continues delivering opportunity for residents and businesses alike.

Press Releases Georgia Department of Labor Press Releases.