City of Liberty, data center developer partner on $1.4B facility

The city of Liberty, Missouri, has announced a significant partnership with Los Angeles-based data center developer Metrobloks, which plans to invest $1.4 billion in a new data center campus. The project, encompassing three buildings and 568,000 square feet, is touted as the most substantial digital economy initiative in Liberty's history, according to Mayor Greg Canuteson. This development is projected to generate increased tax revenues, create at least 30 permanent jobs with high average wages, and hundreds of construction positions. Metrobloks CEO Ernest Popescu highlighted Liberty's infrastructure, talent, and community partnership as key factors for expansion in the Kansas City region. The facility is designed for very low water use and minimal impact on municipal resources. In conjunction with the data center, the city and Metrobloks have committed to a 25-year, $27.75 million community benefits agreement. This funding will support the Liberty Institute for Science and Ethics, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing higher education, researching the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, and providing leadership on emerging technologies. Mayor Canuteson emphasized the community's intent to lead discussions on the intersection of humanities and scientific progress. The partnership involved multiple organizations, including the Kansas City Area Development Council, the state of Missouri, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, Liberty Economic Development Corporation, Evergy, Spire, Spencer Fane, Stinson LLP, and Clay County Economic Development Corporation.