During a recent press conference attended by Kansas City Mayor, Quinton Lucas, and Missouri Governor, Mike Parson, Google’s Monique Picou — global executive vice president of product, technology, strategy, and global server operations — announced that the tech giant planned to make an initial investment of $1 billion in the development of a new data center in KCMO.
“We have reached an important inflection point for tech innovation like AI, and data centers are the backbone of this progress,” Picou said. “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 has reportedly been preparing for this development since 2019, when it first started acquiring hundreds of acres of land in Kansas City’s Northland. In addition to this infrastructure expansion in the Midwest, Picou also announced several community and administration partnership initiatives that are slated for launch in the near future.
Community training plans include bringing its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the area. In collaboration with the Missouri Works Initiative and the Urban League, this program will help increase the entry-level pipeline for members of underrepresented communities. STAR pre-employment programs are paid training and offer networking opportunities to help participants move directly into employment on local projects.
Additionally, Picou announced the creation of a skilled trade career development program aimed at educating high school students in the problem-solving skills and digital competencies required to prepare for the jobs of the future. Specifically, Google will support the North Kansas City School District with a more than $100,000 contribution to the STEAM center.
The Google representative also outlined the company’s plans to work with regionally based utility company Evergy to power the future Kansas City data center. Furthermore, as part of the company’s ambitious goal to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy, Google will partner with Ranger Power and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) to bring 400 megawatts of new, carbon-free energy to the grid from Missouri-based Beavertail Solar farm, which is located in a former coal community.
“Google’s major investment in Kansas City will have multiple positive impacts long term,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “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.”
Looking for data center and office space in Kansas City or other emerging markets? Select any of the locations linked below or visit the CommercialCafe.com homepage to start your search!
