Meta confirmed as company behind Project Anthem amid resident concerns

Meta has officially announced its involvement in Project Anthem, a new data center development in east Tulsa, Oklahoma, marking the company's first data center in the state and its 28th in the United States. The 340-acre facility, located near East 11th Street and 193rd East Avenue, is expected to generate approximately 1,000 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions. The project, which represents an investment of over $1 billion, has been a subject of local discussion since 2024, eliciting mixed reactions from residents. On Tuesday, a group named "Stop Data Center Colonialism" organized a protest outside The Vista at 21 building in the Greenwood District. The demonstration coincided with a private meeting where Project Anthem and Partner Tulsa reportedly planned to unveil a community economic development plan for the project's initial phase. Cheyenna Morgan, a participant in the protest, voiced strong opposition, stating, "We don't want these data centers in our communities. They affect our everyday life, our power bills and our water." She also questioned the long-term economic benefits, asserting that the community would receive only "pennies compared to the billions that they'll make." In response to environmental and community concerns, Meta emphasized its commitment to being "good water stewards," planning to utilize a water-efficient, closed-loop liquid cooling system at the Tulsa site. The company also stated it would cover the full cost of water, wastewater, and energy services, and plans to partner with the Tulsa Community Foundation to aid residents with water bills and service line repairs. Additionally, Meta intends to invest over $25 million in local infrastructure improvements and collaborate with Tulsa Tech and Tulsa Community College on workforce development programs for digital infrastructure careers.