Building a
stronger tomorrow
Google is excited to be joining Hermantown and St. Louis County! The new proposed data center will create jobs for local people, generate significant tax revenue, and support schools for decades to come. Google and Hermantown leaders want to be sure everyone understands what the data center campus is - and is not - and why it’s beneficial to have one locally.
Google has been proud to call Minnesota home since 2019, with an office in Rochester near the Mayo Clinic headquarters. Since then, we have partnered with local organizations and nonprofits to bring digital skills training, grant funding, and other resources and services to more Minnesotans, including those historically underserved. Google.org has awarded more than $4 million in grants to nonprofits and organizations based in Minnesota, through initiatives such as the local Google.org Impact Challenge and other community giving.
What is a Data Center?
Data centers are the engine of the internet and serve as a high-tech “warehouse.” Instead of storing physical goods, it houses thousands of powerful computers called servers that store and process almost everything you do online.
Powering Everyday Technology
Data centers support the digital services we rely on every day - including 911 systems, electronic banking, remote work, video streaming, and email.
Supporting Businesses & Essential Services
They help businesses operate efficiently through cloud-based tools, online payments, and logistics systems while enabling governments, hospitals, and companies to securely store and share critical information.
Driving Innovation
Data centers also power advancements in artificial intelligence, scientific research, cancer detection, and natural disaster tracking, helping shape the future of technology and public safety.
Operating Sustainably
We aspire to build the most efficient computing systems, while caring for water resources and making energy grids strong. We work with communities to ensure we responsibly power the products and services our communities rely on. Learn more at https://datacenters.google/
How does Google select a Data Center location?
What this Investment Means for Hermantown
The potential new Google data center in Hermantown represents a generational investment in the region, bringing new tax revenue, high-quality permanent jobs, thousands of construction roles, and meaningful opportunities to partner on priorities like workforce development and education. As recently reported by The Duluth News Tribune, the local school district could receive more than $40 million in support from Google over the 28-year life of the agreement.
- The campus will be constructed in distinct sequential phases, with the full master-planned campus anticipated to take more than 5 years to complete (see Appendix A for phasing plans).
- As noted by local labor groups at a recent City Council meeting, they have the local workforce and are excited about this possibility.
- There will also be skilled technical roles associated with the long-term operation of this communication services facility. There will be at least 40 full-time positions associated with the initial building, all paying wages higher than the current county average. There will be 100 or more roles at full build out.
- Additionally, local suppliers and vendors will also see benefits through the selection of construction, operational contracts, and complementary capabilities that aid in this prospective project.
- This project represents a major investment in Hermantown's future.
- Currently this area generates about $80,000 per year in taxes, with the new project likely to generate more than 10 times that in commercial taxes upon full construction.
If approved, project partners are expected to work with Hermantown community leaders to support local priorities such as nonprofit organizations , schools, entrepreneurs, and workforce development programs. These partnerships are designed to create lasting value beyond the project site itself.
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