CEDAR RAPIDS – Officials with Google, today (Friday),  announced the tech company is investing an additional $7 billion in Iowa within the next two years in cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, as well as in expanded workforce development programs — meaningfully increasing the pace of investments the company has made in the state since 2007.

The announcement reflects development of both a new data center in Cedar Rapids, and expansion of its existing facility in Council Bluffs, as well as funding to support an innovative program with the electrical training ALLIANCE (etA) to help increase the electrical workforce pipeline in Iowa by 95%, further powering this next chapter by helping develop the labor force needed to build new energy infrastructure.

The company said is a new release, “Google’s deep, longstanding investments in American technical infrastructure, as well as research and development, will help the U.S. continue to lead the world in AI, unlocking substantial economic opportunity for American businesses, advancing scientific breakthroughs, fortifying cybersecurity for the U.S., and creating new career opportunities for millions of Americans.”

New AI Infrastructure

During a community celebration held today (Friday), Google welcomed federal, state, and local leaders and community members to showcase the ongoing development of its new Cedar Rapids data center campus and announced the expansion of its facility in Council Bluffs. Among the most energy efficient in the world, Google’s data centers are the backbone of its AI capabilities and digital services — including Google Cloud, Workspace, Search, YouTube and Maps — providing the foundation for economic growth for American businesses. Iowa is part of Google Cloud’s global network of 42 cloud regions that deliver high-performance and low-latency services to large enterprises, startups, and public sector organizations, including Casey’s and Hy-Vee, Inc.

Workforce Development

To help Iowans access the opportunities created by these technology investments and innovations, Google has funded local organizations that have trained more than 100,000 residents in digital skills. Today, etA, with support from Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund, announced $500,000 in funding to integrate AI tools into training curriculum and boost the number of apprentices in Iowa. The initiative will train existing electrical workers and more than 700 apprentices in the state by 2030, strengthening Iowa’s workforce, economy, and technological infrastructure.

Google is also partnering with the Iowa Department of Education and Community Colleges for Iowa to offer Googler Career Certificates and AI Essentials to students and faculty at Iowa’s K-12 schools and 15 community colleges, at no cost to them. This new partnership will help increase workforce readiness for Iowans across the state and help faculty to master the latest AI skills and tools.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says “Google’s $7 billion investment in Cedar Rapids and our state reaffirms its role as an AI pioneer, and Iowa will play a key role in delivering that technology to the world.”  Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said “We are thrilled to officially welcome Google to Cedar Rapids. This investment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that changes the game for our city. Yes, it is a data center project adding new jobs and major local investment — but the real story is the ripple effect it will have across our economy and community.”

Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh said “We are proud that Google first planted roots in Council Bluffs in 2007, and has provided a ripple of economic impact throughout our community ever since. Today’s investment announcement underscores Google’s commitment not only to Council Bluffs, but our state as a whole. Whether it’s supporting our schools and nonprofits, or building one of the largest free community wi-fi networks in the country, Google has worked to bring economic opportunity to all who live in Council Bluffs.”

Learn more about Google in Iowa at g.co/economicimpact/iowa.