Google bringing $600 million investment to Mesa

Your next email might be routed through Mesa. Google on Wednesday announced it will make a $600 million investment in the East Valley city to build a new data center to host services like search, Gmail, maps and cloud storage. 

“We are proud to put down roots in Arizona with both the data center in Mesa and the Phoenix cloud region,” Google Data Centers Vice President Joe Kava said. 

Gov. Katie Hobbs and Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Phoenix, joined state lawmakers and Mesa Mayor John Giles and Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson at a ceremony to welcome the company to the Valley. 

“Google’s $600 million investment in a new Mesa data center is a great example of how Arizona is leading the way in sustainable growth while creating good paying jobs in the process,” Hobbs said on X. “There is no better time or place to invest in technology and innovation than right here and right now, and I will continue making sure all Arizonans have the opportunity to participate in our thriving economy.” 

The new facility will be located on 187 acres at Elliot and Sossaman. The construction, which is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs, is underway. Vertical construction will begin in earnest next year. 

“Our city is a great place to locate a business and we continue to compete on a global scale,” Giles said. “We look forward to a strong relationship with Google.” 

The company also announced it will make a $150,000 donation to help fund SRP’s watershed restoration projects. 

“We are committed to focusing our water stewardship efforts in water-scarce regions like Arizona,” said Kate Franko, public affairs manager for Google. “This collaboration with SRP builds on our 2021 investment in the Colorado River Indian Tribes’ (CRIT) system conservation and canal lining project to improve water conservation in the Southwest.” 

Google said it will use new technology to keep the facility cool. The company aims to be at net-zero emissions by 2030. Since 2017, the company has matched 100% of its annual electricity use with renewable energy.