Meta's expansion in New Mexico was highlighted during a recent meeting of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. David Williams, Meta Community Development Regional Manager for the Southwest Region, discussed the company's significant investments and community contributions in Los Lunas.
Since 2016, Meta has invested over $2.5 billion in New Mexico through its data centers. This investment supports 1,100 skilled trade workers at peak construction and will provide more than 400 operational jobs once completed. Additionally, Meta has directly funded over $4.9 million to schools and nonprofits in Valencia County and has provided more than 210 grants and sponsorships locally since 2019.
Williams emphasized that the Los Lunas Data Center is part of Meta's global infrastructure network, which aims to connect its campuses worldwide with long-haul fiber networks. He said that "Globally, we are coming up on 30 campuses around the world," highlighting Meta's commitment to expanding its infrastructure.
The company is also focused on sustainability goals, aiming to be water positive by 2030 and matching electricity use with renewable energy sources. In New Mexico alone, Meta-supported projects are contributing 885 megawatts of new renewable energy and 100 megawatts of battery storage.
Meta is involved in several water restoration projects across New Mexico, including Middle Rio Grande restoration and Cedro Creek restoration. The company collaborates with the state on initiatives like "Be Pro Be Proud," which promotes technical skilled professions using virtual reality technology to address labor shortages.
Peter Lorenz, Chairman of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, expressed gratitude for Williams' presentation and noted that Meta's presence not only benefits Valencia County but also positions New Mexico as a key player in the technology sector as it prepares for future advancements in AI.
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