Amazon Web Services (AWS) has expanded its data center operations and community engagement across several regions in the United States, continuing a pattern of economic investment and local support that began with its first facilities in eastern Oregon more than a decade ago.
Since 2011, AWS’s activities in eastern Oregon have contributed $39.2 billion to the region’s economy and supported 8,320 full-time equivalent jobs annually. Torrie Griggs, chief executive officer of the Boardman Chamber of Commerce, said, "AWS has been a strong partner in the growth and success of eastern Oregon. Their long-term investment has helped drive our regional economy—supporting more than 8,000 jobs each year and adding over $11.8 billion to our GDP since 2012. In Morrow County, their presence means good-paying local jobs, reliable tax revenue, and funding that directly impacts our schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. These are real impacts that make a difference for the people who live and work here."
In Ohio, Amazon’s ongoing investment includes $6.2 billion spent on cloud computing infrastructure in New Albany since 2015. This has contributed $1.4 billion to Licking County's gross domestic product (GDP) so far and supports over 1,500 local jobs each year. “AWS has become a strong and valued partner in New Albany,” said New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding. “Your presence here brings world-class technology and infrastructure, but even more importantly, a deep commitment to community impact.” Across Ohio as a whole over the past decade, Amazon has invested more than $19.7 billion in cloud computing infrastructure statewide—contributing $6.2 billion to state GDP annually while supporting nearly 6,500 jobs.
Recent initiatives announced by AWS include a $200,000 contribution toward New Albany’s new Fieldhouse and Community Center—which will house an Amazon Think Big Space STEM lab for students—a new Amazon Community Fund for Central Ohio awarding $100,000 in micro-grants for grassroots projects focused on STEM education and other priorities; plus a $50,000 donation to the New Albany Community Foundation.
Community grant programs have also been established elsewhere: In eastern Oregon through the Amazon Eastern Oregon Community Fund (supporting 29 projects), as well as two new funds totaling $400,000 launched in Georgia for Douglas County along with Butts and Newton Counties—offering microgrants between $500-$10,000 for local improvement ideas such as affordable housing or digital skills development.
Jorge Carrillo of Amazon described these efforts: "What makes these projects so powerful is how they're designed by people who deeply understand their communities' challenges." Afrika Alsup echoed this sentiment regarding Georgia’s funds: "The most meaningful community solutions come from people with deep roots and firsthand knowledge of local needs... When we empower local voices everyone benefits."
In Central Ohio specifically this year alone AWS awarded $100,000 through its Community Fund to support projects like Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW), which created outdoor classrooms at Valley Forge Elementary School using native plants—a project FLOW Science Committee Chair Laura Fay says increases urban green space for young residents.
Education remains another key focus area: At technical colleges in Georgia AWS hosted free fiber optic installation training courses; Dwayne Holst from Sumitomo Electric Lightwave noted growing demand for skilled labor supporting data centers: "There's a huge need for skilled labor and Amazon is trying to be proactive." Participants like Kesha Cole expressed newfound confidence after completing hands-on instruction.
At Northern Virginia Community College's AWS Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship program graduation during the AWS Summit Washington DC event on June 10th this year graduates received surprise job offers from Amazon or partners—a move graduate Shakyra Hill called “a very happy moment.”
Other educational partnerships include an immersive Spring Break STEM Camp held with Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) in California—where students ages 7-17 engaged with coding VR game design robotics—and new Think Big Corners mini-labs opened at four Loudoun County elementary schools in Virginia equipped with advanced technology such as 3D printers. Darielle Timothy from Loudoun County Public Schools said: "LCPS... are thrilled to partner with Amazon... This initiative... aims to enhance STEM learning experiences for all students."
Additionally an inaugural Think Big Mobile Van will bring hands-on STEM activities directly into communities throughout Northern Virginia.