Frequently Asked Questions

Select Richmond is the official brand and economic development arm operated by the Richmond Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC). Its primary function is to simplify business investment and regional expansion by connecting corporate site selectors, developers, and local businesses with critical local, state, and federal growth resources.

Select Richmond exists to grow and sustain a strong local economy by attracting new investment, supporting existing businesses, and fostering job creation throughout Richmond and Madison County. The organization works closely with public and private partners to streamline business expansion, market the community’s assets, and ensure long-term economic vitality. Its mission centers on making Richmond a competitive, business-friendly environment while enhancing quality of life for residents.

Richmond is located in central Kentucky along the Interstate 75 corridor, just south of Lexington and within a day’s drive of major U.S. markets such as the Chicago, Atlanta, and New York. This strategic location provides direct access to key logistics routes, proximity to major automotive manufacturers, and connectivity to regional and national supply chains. Richmond benefits from being part of Kentucky’s “automotive corridor,” making it especially attractive for advanced manufacturing and distribution operations.

Richmond is the second-fastest-growing city in Kentucky. City-controlled properties eliminate administrative logjams, enabling speed to market. Businesses here enjoy massive logistical reach and exceptional connectivity alongside direct access to extensive statewide supply chains linking local production with global markets. And unlike many manufacturing towns, Richmond features a young, resilient workforce (median age of 29).

Businesses can connect through organizations like the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, which hosts regular networking events, educational programs, and community initiatives. Select Richmond also partners with regional and state organizations to facilitate business engagement, industry roundtables, and economic development events. These opportunities allow companies to build relationships, stay informed on regional trends, and integrate into the local business community.

Richmond features premium real estate infrastructure controlled directly by the city to ensure fast-tracked development, including four build-ready sites totalling nearly 140 acres.

The city anchors a heavily diversified, high-value industrial base. Select Richmond focuses specifically on attracting and scaling five target sectors: advanced manufacturing; aerospace & defense; automotive equipment; chemical & specialty materials; information technology & digital infrastructure.

Richmond offers a variety of workforce development and training programs through partnerships with Eastern Kentucky University, local workforce agencies, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. These programs include customized training, apprenticeships, and upskilling initiatives designed to meet employer needs. Businesses can access resources that help recruit, train, and retain a skilled workforce aligned with industry demands.

Richmond supports workforce development through a combination of education partnerships, talent pipelines, and quality-of-life advantages that attract and retain workers . With a steady flow of graduates from Eastern Kentucky University and nearby institutions , employers have access to a diverse and educated labor pool. The community also promotes talent attraction by offering affordability, career opportunities, and proximity to larger metropolitan amenities.

The cornerstone of Richmond’s workforce pipeline is Eastern Kentucky University , located right in the heart of the city. Select Richmond leverages this direct connection to funnel a continuous stream of highly specialized graduates in business, technology, and advanced manufacturing straight into local industry operations. Regional state support through the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation also provides localized training grants and skill-building credits to customize incoming corporate talent.

Richmond delivers a local workforce of over 21,000 professionals inside the city, which expands into a massive regional laborshed of 680,000 workers within a 60-mile radius. The highest concentrations of specialized labor include industrial operations workers, logistics & supply chain professionals, and healthcare & technical services professionals.

Businesses can access economic data and market research through Select Richmond, which provides detailed reports on demographics, workforce trends, industry clusters, and available sites. Additional data is available through state and regional partners, enabling companies to make informed decisions about location, investment, and expansion.

Available commercial and industrial properties in Richmond can be explored through tools like ZoomProspector, which provides detailed listings of sites and buildings, including specifications, utilities, and location data. Select Richmond maintains a portfolio of featured properties and works directly with businesses to identify sites that meet their operational needs. This approach helps streamline site selection and ensures companies have access to up-to-date, market-ready options.

Unlike privately held properties that carry zoning and utility installation risks, Richmond’s top industrial parks are completely city-controlled. This means they are fully graded, fully equipped with high-capacity utilities, and risk-mitigated so corporate boards can move forward with certainty without permitting or environmental delays.

Richmond offers strong infrastructure assets, including access to major highways such as Interstate 75, reliable utility services, and proximity to regional rail and air logistics hubs. The community is within reach of major freight networks and is supported by nearby airports such as Blue Grass Airport and global cargo access via Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Combined with robust water, electric, and broadband infrastructure, these assets make Richmond well-positioned for manufacturing, distribution, and logistics operations.

Richmond offers a range of state and local incentives designed to support business growth, including tax credits, workforce training support, and financing programs. Through partnerships with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, companies may qualify for programs such as job creation incentives, investment tax credits, and infrastructure support. Additional resources are available for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, including targeted financing programs, certifications, and technical assistance to promote inclusive economic growth.

Businesses in Richmond benefit from Kentucky’s competitive tax structure, including corporate income tax rates and various exemptions that support manufacturing and investment. Local occupational taxes, property taxes, and permitting requirements vary depending on the project type, but the process is transparent and supported by local agencies. Select Richmond helps businesses understand applicable taxes, licensing requirements, and compliance expectations to ensure a smooth startup or expansion process.

Select Richmond leverages aggressive statewide and regional cost structures to give expanding companies an immediate bottom-line advantage. Through Kentucky's landmark programs, businesses can offset start-up and ongoing costs.

Richmond offers a high quality of life with a cost of living that is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive place for both employers and employees. Housing is especially affordable, with median home prices and rental rates well below those in larger metro areas, allowing residents to enjoy more space and value. The community combines small-town accessibility with access to amenities from nearby Lexington, including healthcare, dining, and entertainment. With outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown, and the presence of Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond provides a balanced lifestyle ideal for professionals, families, and students alike.

The city actively balances rapid industrial capacity with family-centric community support assets. Top-performing local schools and Eastern Kentucky University ensure lifelong educational opportunities within the community. More than 217 healthcare and social service establishments lend their expertise and support. The city leadership prioritizes long-term family stability, making intentional investments to keep housing, childcare, and basic living parameters highly accessible compared to national metro averages.

Richmond offers an active environment designed to help local talent live, learn, work, and play in one place. The new 280-acre Regional Sports Complex provides premier athletic infrastructure, parklands, and community spaces. And a bustling, walkable downtown district features seasonal festivals, experiential dining, and community gathering events all year long.

Contact Select Richmond by phone at 859-200-9145 or reach out to one of our staff members via email.

Starting or expanding a business in Richmond is designed to be a streamlined process, with clear guidance on permitting, zoning, and development requirements. Select Richmond works closely with local government to help businesses navigate applications, approvals, and site development efficiently. Whether launching a new venture or expanding an existing operation, companies receive support in understanding timelines, coordinating with agencies, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

1. Initiate Contact: Reach out directly to Select Richmond's economic development team via phone or email to set up an initial discovery call.
2. Review Properties: Request a customized inventory profile of Richmond’s city-controlled build-ready parcels or the certified CSX rail-served acreage based on your square footage and logistical needs.
3. Assess Permitting and Incentives: Coordinate with Select Richmond to verify project eligibility for state tax credits, review active local incentive programs, and get started on the permitting process .

For personalized assistance, businesses can connect directly with the team at Select Richmond. Staff members provide one-on-one support for site selection, incentives, workforce connections, and project development. The organization’s leadership and project managers serve as a single point of contact to guide businesses through every stage of the decision-making and expansion process.