Meta DeKalb

Inside secret contracts used to entice Facebook, Kraft Heinz, Ferrara Candy Co., Amazon to DeKalb: The use of non-disclosure agreements is how many governments these days entice businesses. What role do they play in transparent government? Here's what some area experts say

Meta, Facebook and Instagram's parent company, originally broke ground on the development of its DeKalb facility in 2020. It has since grown to over 2.3 million square feet across five buildings, with two buildings now serving traffic, project leaders said Wednesday.

Gov. JB Pritzker joined other local dignitaries in DeKalb Wednesday to celebrate Meta's DeKalb Data Center coming fully online. The campus, which broke ground in 2020 along Gurler Road, will house 2.3 million square feet over five buildings and promises to bring with it a $1 billion investment and more than 200 jobs, the social media parent company announced.

Paul Borek said cheers to 15 years this week as he retired as executive director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation. He leaves a legacy of significant business growth for the community, local leaders said.

Meta is poised to unveil a new app that appears to mimic Twitter — a direct challenge to the social media platform owned by Elon Musk.

A dozen nonprofits and schools serving the DeKalb area were recently named recipients of Meta’s Data Center Community Action Center Grants program.

During the past three years, record investment has generated epic volumes of development in DeKalb County, writes Paul Borek of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation. A roundup of 2022 projects:

During 2022, developments have expanded in DeKalb County, buildings have been sold, community amenities have come and gone and several high-profile court stories have made more than just our headlines.

As DeKalb city leaders mull over what homeowners will pay in property tax for the city’s 2022 proposed tax levy, some city council members questioned DeKalb Public Library spending habits amid efforts to drive down costs.

An aerial view of the Meta's DeKalb Data Center site shows the progress of the 500-acre project on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 in DeKalb. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, announced earlier this year that the DeKalb Data Center was expanding into three buildings, bringing with it a community investment that now totals more than $1 billion.

An aerial view of the Meta’s DeKalb Data Center site shows the progress of the 500-acre project.

Months after several high-profile corporations announced plans to move Illinois-based headquarters out of state, Sen. Dick Durbin said during a visit to Meta’s DeKalb Data Center Thursday he believes Illinois still has a bright economic future.

Breaking news: Facebook’s parent company, Meta, announced Wednesday it will expand its DeKalb Data Center on the city’s south side by three buildings, bringing with it a community investment that now totals more than $1 billion.

Meta executives and City of DeKalb officials were on hand at the Meta DeKalb Data Center Wednesday for a press conference announcing the expansion of the facility.

DeKalb County attracted $975 million of capital investment during 2020.