River Ridge Continues to be a Powerhouse for Southern Indiana

April 20, 2026

2025 annual analysis shows nearly $3.6 billion in economic impact as onsite employment surpasses 13,300 jobs and new private investment $162.4 million

Jeffersonville, IN (April 20, 2026) – The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) released its economic analysis for 2025, highlighting another landmark year of growth, infrastructure improvements, and regional impact. Policy Analytics, LLC, an Indiana-based company specializing in economic research, public finance, and policy examination, has been providing an annual analysis for RRDA since 2013.

River Ridge Commerce Center continued its strong momentum throughout 2025 as a key regional economic driver, generating $3.6 billion in total economic impact and supporting 21,094 jobs across the region, including the 13,304 jobs onsite at the Commerce Center. The report underscores River Ridge’s ongoing role in attracting investment, fostering business development, and strengthening the local economy.

“This level of economic activity means more jobs, stronger communities, and greater opportunities for families across our region,” said Dr. Treva Hodges, Mayor of Charlestown and Chair of the RRDA Board of Directors. “River Ridge’s success is a direct investment in Southern Indiana’s future.”

RRDA also remains focused on modernizing critical infrastructure to support ongoing growth. In 2025, the Authority invested $29.8 million in new roads and utility improvements, along with an additional $1.2 million dedicated to demolition of former military structures and site preparation.

As the public sector makes investments, so does the private sector. Private construction investment at River Ridge totaled $162.4 million in 2025, underscoring strong business confidence and continued expansion within the Commerce Center. Highlighting this growth is continued construction on the Meta data center, which supports approximately 1,200 contractors as the facility reached 50 percent completion during the year.

“The momentum at River Ridge continues to benefit our region and our state. With private investment advancing our companies’ growth and hiring capabilities, along with the RRDA investment in infrastructure, we are well-positioned to support future growth and expand our impact across the region,” said Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of the RRDA.

Beyond direct investment, River Ridge’s economic activity generated significant public benefits, including $57.5 million in state and local income and sales tax revenue. Additionally, operations at the site contributed $1.0 billion in total labor income.

A summary of the 2025 economic impact analysis conducted by Policy Analytics, LLC includes the following highlights:

River Ridge Commerce Center produced $3.6 billion in total economic output across Southern Indiana.
Business activity generated $57.5 million in total state and local tax revenue.
Employment supported by River Ridge reached 21,094 jobs, including:
- 13,304 onsite employees
- 7,790 additional regional jobs supported
RRDA invested $29.8 million in infrastructure improvements, including roads and utilities.
Private construction investment totaled $162.4 million in 2025.
River Ridge surpassed 20 million square feet of developed building space.
Significant progress was made to prepare the 630-acre north Megasite, including infrastructure installation and ongoing maintenance to support more than 13,000 onsite employees.

The full 2025 RRDA Annual Report can be accessed at www.riverridgecc.com/annual-report.

About the River Ridge Development Authority

The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) manages the River Ridge Commerce Center, a 6,000-acre business and office park established in 1998 to replace lost economic activity from the closure of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. Today, River Ridge is home to more than 70 companies such as Amazon, Meta, CS PowerTech, Collins Aerospace, Medline, and Valeris. Onsite employment totaled over 13,000 in 2025, and the Commerce Center produced nearly $3.6 billion in economic output for the region.

Media Contact:

River Ridge Development Authority

Wendy Dant Chesser, Chief Director

Phone: 812-285-8979

Email: wendy@riverridgecc.com