Meta has announced that its Kansas City Data Center in Missouri is now operational and handling traffic. The facility, which began development in 2022, is part of Meta’s global infrastructure network designed to support the company’s technologies and services for billions of users worldwide.
Brad Davis, Data Center Community and Economic Development Director at Meta, explained the decision behind choosing Kansas City: “In 2022, we selected Kansas City because it offered excellent infrastructure, a robust electrical grid, a strong pool of talent for construction and operations jobs, and incredible community partners. We are extremely proud to be part of this community, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership for years to come.”
Since 2011, Meta’s data center projects have contributed over 30,000 construction roles nationwide and currently support more than 5,100 operational jobs across U.S. sites. During peak construction of the Kansas City Data Center, an average of 1,500 skilled trade workers were on site. When fully operational, the facility will provide more than 100 jobs.
The project represents an investment exceeding $1 billion in Missouri. Most construction materials were sourced domestically. Additionally, Meta has directed over $1 million to schools and non-profit organizations throughout Clay County, Platte County, and Kansas City.
Meta has also supported local small businesses through Community Accelerator events focused on digital skills development and AI tools such as Meta AI. Since fall 2024, the company has distributed funds through its Data Center Community Action Grants program to projects using technology for community benefit and improvements in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education.
The Kansas City Data Center holds LEED Gold certification for meeting high standards in energy efficiency, water conservation, supply chain responsibility and recycling. The center matches all electricity use with clean and renewable energy sources. Water stewardship efforts include cooling technology that uses less water than industry norms; by capturing stormwater from onsite retention ponds during construction, over one million gallons of potable water were saved.
Looking ahead, Meta plans to open its first AI-optimized data centers in 2026. These facilities will feature custom hardware solutions designed for performance and flexibility while prioritizing resource efficiency with AI-driven systems. The company states it remains committed to working with local utilities on infrastructure upgrades while maintaining its goal of matching all electricity use with clean energy by adding new projects to the grid.
Meta reports that it is among the largest corporate buyers of clean energy globally—having purchased over 15 gigawatts across six countries—and intends to continue hiring locally where possible as well as supporting local initiatives that promote technology access and STEAM education.