Meta’s billion-dollar KC data center just came online; here’s what the region expects it to generate
August 21, 2025 | Taylor Wilmore
As Meta officially flipped the switch this week on its Kansas City Data Center — making the $1 billion project part of the company’s global infrastructure — the move positions the metro as a hub for cutting-edge tech, said Quinton Lucas.
Mayor Quinton Lucas helps flip the switch on Meta’s Kansas City data center opening; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“Meta’s investment in Kansas City is a clear signal that our city is a place where innovation, talent, and community come together,” said Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, during a celebration Wednesday morning that gathered business and civic leaders from across the region. “We look forward to working with Meta to ensure this development integrates well with our community priorities and delivers meaningful benefits for Kansas City residents.”
The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta operates one of the largest networks of data centers in the world to power its social platforms, messaging services, and artificial intelligence tools.
“Today we are proud to announce that Meta’s Kansas City data center is now serving traffic,” said Brad Davis, director of data center community and economic development at Meta. “That means that this data center is now part of the global infrastructure that brings our technologies and services to life, connecting billions of people worldwide.”
Business, civic and community leaders gather at Meta’s Kansas City data center opening; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Brad Davis, Meta, speaks during a celebration of the Meta’s Kansas City data center opening; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Construction on the Northland site began in 2022, drawing an average of 1,500 skilled trade workers at its peak, according to local economic development officials. Now operational, the facility is set to support more than 100 permanent jobs while anchoring Meta’s commitment to long-term growth in the region.
Davis highlighted why Kansas City stood out as a location.
“This facility represents an investment of more than $1 billion in the state of Missouri,” he said. “Kansas City has proven to be a wonderful location for Meta. It has excellent infrastructure, great access to energy, a strong pool of talent for the construction and operation of the facility, and terrific community partners.”
Air filters to mitigate air flow through server rooms at Meta’s Kansas City data center opening; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Sustainability and impact
The company emphasized that the new facility was built with sustainability in mind. The data center is LEED Gold certified and its energy use is matched with 100 percent clean and renewable power.
During its construction, Meta implemented water-saving practices, using stormwater from onsite retention ponds that saved more than one million gallons of potable water.
Meta also invested in community programs alongside the project. Since breaking ground, the company has contributed more than $1 million in direct funding to local schools and nonprofits across Kansas City, Platte County, and Clay County, including through its annual Data Center Community Action Grants.
Small businesses are another focus, with training programs to help them build digital skills and explore tools like Meta AI for growth.
Meta workers displays servers at a celebration for the opening of the Kansas City data center; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Kansas City’s growing tech reputation
State and regional officials said Meta’s expansion shows Missouri’s ability to compete for high-profile technology projects.
“Meta’s grand opening in Kansas City is a powerful testament to Missouri’s ability to attract and support the most innovative companies in the world,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This investment brings transformative technology, high-quality jobs, and lasting economic impact to our state, and we are proud that Meta chose Missouri as a key part of its future.”
Councilmember Wes Rogers, who represents the city’s 2nd District where the facility is located, added that the development raises Kansas City’s profile globally.
“The Meta data center shows that the Northland is ready to compete and win on the global stage,” Rogers said. “This project not only strengthens our local economy with good-paying jobs, but also signals to other companies that Kansas City is a premier destination for innovation and growth.”
Preparing the next gen of STEM talent
Chelsea Barbercheck, executive director of KC STEM Alliance, speaks during a celebration of the Meta’s Kansas City data center opening; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Education and workforce partners said Meta’s early involvement in schools and training efforts will have lasting effects.
“From the beginning, Meta has been thoughtfully engaged in the STEM ecosystem,” said Dr. Chelsea Barbercheck, executive director of KC STEM Alliance. “They recognize that igniting an interest in STEM and careers and investing in STEM education is a powerful driver of economic opportunities in Kansas City.”
With more than 1.4 million square feet of space across three data center buildings and a warehouse, Meta’s new site joins a nationwide network that has supported over 30,000 roles and 5,100 operational jobs across its U.S. data centers since 2011.
“Your partnership and support have helped make this data center a reality,” Davis told the crowd. “Kansas City, Missouri is our home, and we look forward to continuing this for years to come.”
Featured Business
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
KU unveils ‘Origin Stories’ of its best-known traditions; project reunites KC artist with her alma mater
LAWRENCE — An installation inspired by a phrase deeply familiar to University of Kansas alumni and fans across the region — “Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU” — is set to be permanently displayed on Mount Oread, diving deep into the origins of the local traditions. “It all began with being interested in the origin stories of…
New mix in the Cauldron: Anti-capitalist storefront with obscure books, vegan food brewing
A worker-owned, community-centered bookstore and plant-based cafe — manifested by Cauldron Collective and Turnsol Books — is expected to fully open soon in the Crossroads. “I’ve thought about the space in various ways for my whole life,” said Olive Cooke, self-proclaimed “cooking witch” and co-founder of the Cauldron Collective. “I believe in manifestation, like when…
A comfy sweatshirt when the world is on fire? It’s just the start for this mental health advocate-turned-entrepreneur
Clever Babes founder Hannah Milks is passionate about building community around mental health and self care in Kansas City, she shared. The Liberty native is using her knowledge of design and somatics — plus her lived experience tending to herself through various mental health stages — to help other people care for themselves and connect…
This gumbo hits The Spot: How Prospect KC’s own students cooked up a prize-winning competition entry
Gumbo Fest brought two victories for Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant and the Prospect KC. Not only did the weekend event earlier this month raise money to support the Prospect KC’s mission — empowering individuals and communities through increased food access, nutrition education and culinary job training — the Prospect KC’s culinary students also took home the…