New community investments support education, STEM, careers in tech, sustainability, and social impact 

The City of New Albany and Amazon today celebrated a new chapter in their partnership with a series of announcements underscoring Amazon’s long-term commitment to the region’s growth, innovation, and community well-being. Between 2015-2024, Amazon invested $6.2 billion in its Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center infrastructure in Licking County. This investment has generated approximately $1.4 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) over that time and annually supports an estimated average of 1,550 full-time equivalent jobs in the county. In 2024, AWS paid $3.1 million in property taxes and fees in Licking County.  

“Amazon continues to be one of New Albany’s most trusted and forward-thinking partners,” said New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding. “These investments in our community—from cutting-edge spaces in our new fieldhouse to grassroots projects from local nonprofits to educational resources and career opportunities—underscore Amazon’s commitment to being more than just a data center operator. They’re helping build a stronger future for our residents.”

At an event hosted by the New Albany Chamber of Commerce with the City of New Albany, Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, the Columbus Partnership, New Albany Parks & Recreation, and local business and community partners, Amazon reinforced its commitment to the region and updated the community on the progress of its $3.5 billion investment in New Albany, announced in 2023. 

“We’re proud to have companies like Amazon continue to grow and invest right here in Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. “They’re investing in more than just buildings—they’re investing in people and our communities. That’s the kind of momentum that helps all Ohioans reach their full potential.” 

Key event highlights:

Data center expansion update: City and company officials announced that AWS’s newest data center campus in New Albany has completed construction and staffing for two of its buildings, and construction is underway on the remaining facilities, which are expected to be operational by the end of the year. The new data center campus is part of Amazon’s planned $3.5 billion investment in New Albany announced in 2023, which will strengthen Central Ohio’s role as a national leader in cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Investments in the New Albany community: 

• New Albany Fieldhouse & Community Center: Amazon is investing in the New Albany Parks and Recreation team’s development of the 186,000-square-foot Fieldhouse & Community Center, slated to open in 2026. The facility will serve as a hub for recreation, innovation, and community engagement. The company has provided a $200,000 gift toward its construction and will collaborate to establish a new Amazon Think Big Space on site—providing hands-on, experiential learning for students and community members.

• Amazon Community Fund for Central Ohio: Amazon has launched a $100,000 local grant program to support Franklin and Licking County nonprofits, schools, and community organizations focused on STEM education, sustainability, skills training, and social impact. Awardees will be notified in mid-September. 

• New Albany Community Foundation: To support arts, culture, and education, Amazon is contributing $50,000 to the New Albany Community Foundation and their annual Lecture Series.  

• Think Big Experience STEM Day: Amazon will host its Think Big Experience STEM Day for 400 New Albany 5th/6th graders on October 21 at COSI. The one-day learning experience inspires and motivates the youth to pursue interests and careers in technology. 

“Amazon is deeply committed to Ohio, and our growing partnership with the City of New Albany is a testament to that,” said Roger Wehner, Vice President of Economic Development at AWS. “As we expand AWS cloud infrastructure to meet the demand for advanced cloud computing technologies including artificial intelligence and machine learning, we are also making major investments in the people and future of the New Albany community. Through a new Think Big Space in the upcoming Fieldhouse & Community Center, local projects funded by the Amazon Community Fund, and support for the New Albany Community Foundation, we’re proud to support New Albany’s long-term growth and community well-being.” 

Amazon economic impact in Ohio: Across Ohio, Amazon has invested more than $19.7 billion in AWS data center infrastructure since 2015, adding $6.2 billion to state GDP and supporting an average of more than 6,490 full-time equivalent jobs annually. In 2024 alone, AWS paid $9.2 million in property taxes and fees to local communities in the state.

In 2024, reflecting its long-term commitment to the state, Amazon announced plans to invest an additional $10 billion in Ohio to expand its data center infrastructure. By 2030, Amazon’s planned investment toward data center expansion is forecasted to surpass $23 billion—one of the most significant private investment commitments in the state’s history.  

“Amazon is reshaping the regional economy and deepening the Columbus metro’s role in industries that will define the next decade and beyond,” said Jason Hall, CEO of The Columbus Partnership. “Investments like these are the direct result of sustained collaboration by committed stakeholders. The Columbus Partnership looks forward to working with our regional partners to keep growing the Columbus metro’s leadership in technology sectors.”