Microsoft’s $1 Billion Investment Brings Jobs, Innovation, & Opportunity to Northwest Indiana
Microsoft is making a transformative investment in La Porte with the development of a new, state-of-the-art data center campus. The $1 billion project brings new jobs, long-term tax revenue, and meaningful community partnerships to Northwest Indiana.
The project solves a global challenge – higher than ever demand for digital infrastructure – while delivering lasting local impact. This will promote local economic growth, create new jobs, and increase funding for the La Porte community schools, roads, parks, and safety.
[ BY THE NUMBERS ]
100%
of construction, energy, and operations costs paid by Microsoft.
200+
jobs in skilled trades, engineering, operations, and maintenance.
15%
of property tax revenue designated for La Porte Community Schools.
2032
target completion date.
A Community First Approach
In keeping with its Community-First Infrastructure Initiative, Microsoft is committed to being a good neighbor in La Porte.
Working with city leaders, Microsoft has pledged to:
- Pay for their own power to ensure data centers don’t increase Hoosiers’ electricity prices.
- Replenish more water than they use.
- Create jobs for our residents.
- Add to the tax base that funds our hospitals, schools, parks, and libraries.
- Strengthen our community by investing in local AI training and workforce development initiatives.
“Projects like this happen once in a lifetime, and their effects are felt forever. What makes this even better is that we get to work with the talented and community-minded team at Microsoft. From the very beginning of his project, they have been committed and attentive to the needs of our community.”
Tom Dermody
City of La Porte Mayor
Historical Investment In La Porte Schools
A centerpiece of the project is a first-of-its-kind funding partnership with the La Porte Community School Corporation.
Under an updated agreement:
- Microsoft will pay full property taxes on the facility.
- 15% of that revenue will be dedicated to local schools for 20 years.
Under the partnership, Microsoft will also establish a Microsoft Datacenter Academy at LPCSC’s Career & Technical Education Center at Ivy Tech Community College to equip La Porte students to enter high-skill, high-wage careers in data center operations and IT infrastructure.
Strengthening The Local Economy
In addition to school funding, Microsoft’s investment will:
- Generate new tax revenue for city services and infrastructure
- Support local suppliers and contractors
- Attract additional investment to the region
- Reinforce Northwest Indiana’s position as a destination for advanced industries
The scale of the project, combined with Microsoft’s long-term presence, signals strong confidence in La Porte’s workforce, location, and economic future.
“This is a defining moment for our school district... An opportunity of this magnitude doesn't just open doors for this generation, it builds them for every generation that follows.”
Dr. Sandra Wood
La Porte Community School Corporation Superintendent
Environmental Protection for La Porte
Microsoft has committed to building and operating its data centers responsibly, adhering to ambitious global environmental goals.
Minimize water usage and replenish more than they consume.
Ensure data centers do not increase local electricity costs.
Become carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030.
Long-term Partnership. Lasting Impact.
By prioritizing local collaboration, supporting education, and embracing sustainable operations, the project is positioned to strengthen La Porte for generations to come. It represents a unique opportunity the community cannot afford to miss.
Latest Updates
The Role of Data Centers for Ancillary Business and Northwest Indiana's Technology Stack
A new era of load growth: How data centers are becoming part of our communities and energy system
Measuring datacenter energy and water use to improve Microsoft Cloud sustainability
