On Aug. 28, GACC Board of Directors heard from David Williams, Meta Community Development Regional Manager for the Southwest Region, about Meta’s impact in the Los Lunas community.
Williams said Meta has invested more than $2.5 billion in New Mexico with its data centers since breaking ground in 2016.
With that it brings:
- 1,100 skilled trade workers on site at peak construction
- More than $4.9 million direct funding to Valencia County-area schools and nonprofits
- 400-plus operational jobs supported once completed
- 210-plus grants and sponsorships provided locally since 2019
Williams said the Los Lunas Data Center is part of Meta’s global infrastructure that brings technologies and services to life.
He said Meta’s goal is to be water positive in 2030, where the company can restore more water than it consumes.
The data centers’ electricity use is matched with 100% clean and renewable energy — and the company’s global operations have reached net-zero emissions.
He said Meta-supported projects are adding 885 megawatts of new renewable energy and 100 megawatts of battery storage in New Mexico.
“Globally, we are coming up on 30 campuses around the world, three in Europe, one in Asia, and the remainder here in the U.S.,” Williams said. “As Meta builds out our facilities, all of our data center campuses are interconnected with long-haul fiber that Meta either leases out from third-party companies or that we build and operate ourselves. In addition to this, we also interconnect continents to connect all our data centers, so a lot of emphasis and investment around infrastructure to make sure those three and a half billion plus users daily can share what support to them or what’s happening to their communities.”
Also in New Mexico, Williams said Meta is participating in water restoration and conservation projects.
Those include:
- Middle Rio Grande restoration
- Cedro Creek restoration
- La Jara Wetland
- Comanche Creek restoration
- Rito Penas Negras restoration
Williams said Meta is working with the state on its “Be Pro Be Proud” program, which is a movement to bring a new generation of pride, progress and professionals to New Mexico’s skilled workforce.
The program is an initiative aimed at generating interest in technical skilled professions among students, parents and educators. It seeks to change perceptions of technical careers and address labor shortages in skilled trades. The program utilizes virtual reality technology in exhibition trailers to provide hands-on experiences in various industries, such as construction and manufacturing. Additionally, it aims to empower students and educators by offering resources and workshops to help them explore career paths in skilled professions.
Chairman Peter Lorenz expressed appreciation for Williams’ insightful presentation and emphasized the significance of Meta’s presence, noting the development benefits not only for Valencia County but helps establish New Mexico as a key player in the technology sector as we all prepare for the future of AI.