Community partnerships and energy efficiency key to the company’s presence
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 20, 2024) – Today, Google is proud to announce it is expanding its presence in the Midwest with an $1 billion investment in a new data center in Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, the company announced it is expanding a skilled trade career development program to the region and contributing to North Kansas City School District’s alternative education STEAM program. Google is also working with Evergy to power the site and Ranger Power and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) to bring 400 megawatts of new carbon-free energy to the grid as part of the company’s ambitious goal to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy.
Google's continued investment in technical infrastructure, including its data centers, plays an essential role in supporting the company's AI innovations and growing Google Cloud business. Google’s data centers help power popular digital services — like Google Cloud, Workspace (which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and more), Search and Maps — for people and organizations worldwide.
“Google’s selection of the Kansas City region is another example of our state’s ability to attract and support world-class companies,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Our skilled workforce, superior infrastructure, and prime business climate continue to result in investments from leading employers. We welcome Google to Missouri and look forward to the positive impact it will provide for our growing high-tech sector.”
“Kansas City continues to be one of the fastest-growing technology markets in the country, thanks to our prime location with thousands of hardworking, skilled workers," said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. "Our combined effort with Google is a strong reflection of Kansas City's success in global industry and our future as an international technology capital.”
“We have reached an important inflection point for tech innovation like AI, and data centers are the backbone of this progress,” said Monique Picou, Global Vice President of Cloud Supply Chain and Operations, Google. “Our announcement today is a testament to the resources, talent and welcoming spirit of the Kansas City community. Together, Kansas City and Google will help power America’s digital future and we are excited to contribute to the bright future of the region.”
“Google’s major investment in KC will have multiple positive impacts long term. Not only will the tech company invest hundreds of millions of dollars benefitting our region’s economy in myriad ways, but Google’s global brand will now be directly linked to KC’s rising brand,” said Tim Cowden, President and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council. “Google joins other international tech and consumer brands that have recently selected KC for major investments."
“Data centers and emerging tech infrastructure have never been more vital to our world. Port KC understands that securing Kansas City’s place as a hub for data centers is critically important to the next generation of workforce,” said Jon Stephens, President and CEO, Port KC. “From advanced construction to engineering and IT, we are committed to making KC a leader in creating and growing opportunity for all.”
“This is a significant day for our state as we officially welcome Google to Missouri,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Google’s decision to expand into Missouri is the culmination of dedicated efforts from a multitude of partners, and we were honored to be part of the team. We extend a heartfelt welcome to Google as we eagerly anticipate its integration into our thriving tech ecosystem.”
"Google’s decision to locate their new data center campus at Hunt Midwest Business Center is the culmination of the long-term vision and sustained teamwork of so many strategic partners at every level,” said Ora Reynolds, President and CEO, Hunt Midwest. "Ten years ago, the Missouri legislature created economic development programs designed to give the state the tools to compete for valuable data center projects. With the leadership of our economic development organizations, local community stakeholders, and our utility provider’s commitment to investing in tomorrow, this collective group has now brought one of the largest and most transformational global technology companies to Kansas City. We have also built a long-term strategy to ensure we can provide the infrastructure, labor, and tax certainty necessary to grow our mission-critical footprint for years to come.”
“This significant investment from Google speaks to the value of Missouri’s economic advantages and collaborative partnerships,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director, Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud to support this historic project as Google joins a growing list of innovative companies that are helping Missourians prosper.”
As part of its commitment to community development, Google announced it will bring its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the Kansas City area. The company is collaborating with the Missouri Works Initiative and the Urban League to help increase the entry-level pipeline in the skilled trades with a focus on underrepresented communities. All STAR pre-employment programs are paid training programs, and offer networking opportunities to help participants move directly into employment on local construction projects.
"Technology employs one in 10 workers in Kansas City," said Tracey Lewis, President and CEO, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. "We're thrilled that Google's presence will add to that significant and growing number of employment opportunities in our great community."
“We are thrilled to partner with Google here in Kansas City and support their goal of building a connected and sustainable world for everyone. This project will bring lasting positive impacts to our hometown community, and our Centennial year is only amplified by bringing this partnership to our home!” said Chris Teddy, Director of Mission Critical, JE Dunn Construction.
More than 65% of young people today will work in jobs that don’t yet exist, but many aren’t developing the problem-solving skills and digital competencies required to prepare for this future. To help bridge the gap, Google is helping support the technology needs of North Kansas City School District with a more than $100,000 contribution to the STEAM center, which prepares high school students with the skills they need to tackle the future's biggest challenges and opportunities across a variety of disciplines.
North Kansas City Schools Superintendent Dr. Rochel Daniels says collaborating with Google will benefit students, “Our collaboration will expand students’ access to innovative learning experiences by further leveraging technology and connecting student interests to real-world issues. We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to a continued relationship with Google."
“Our reliable, innovative energy solutions fuel the growth of tomorrow's digital landscape. We’re proud to power Google’s investment in Kansas City and commend Google for its leadership in technology and commitment to sustainability.” said David Campbell, President and CEO, Evergy.
Today, Google is also announcing a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Ranger Power and DESRI to support 400 megawatts of new-to-the-grid carbon-free energy capacity from the Missouri-based Beavertail Solar farm. The Beavertail Solar farm is located in a former coal community and will be part of the evolution towards a clean energy future happening around the country. The agreement will support Google’s ambitious 2030 goal to run all its data centers and campuses on carbon-free energy (CFE), every hour of every day. Today, the company already matches 100% of its global annual electricity consumption with renewable energy purchases and, as a pioneer in computing infrastructure, Google’s data centers are some of the most efficient in the world.
Learn more about Google in Missouri at: g.co/economicimpact/missouri