Investing in Community: Apple’s Growing Impact in Waukee
Earlier this year, the Greater Des Moines Partnership recognized Apple as one of our Economic Impact Award recipients, celebrating the company’s significant and ongoing contributions to Waukee and Greater Des Moines (DSM). Apple’s investment represents more than a data center — it reflects a long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability and community.
Building for the Future
Apple’s impact continues to grow beyond its substantial investment in the Waukee data center, helping drive economic mobility and opportunity throughout the region. With construction well underway, the company is actively recruiting full-time team members to meet growth ambitions and further cement the facility’s presence in the community. This is in addition to the 150 skilled tradespeople already on-site constructing the physical space.
As operations scale, Apple’s presence in Waukee has become a cornerstone of economic development. The data center is creating high-quality jobs, strengthening local relations through ongoing engagements with local businesses and the community and spurring further investment that extends well beyond the technology sector — all of which contributes to a stronger, more dynamic local economy.
Rooted in Community
Apple’s commitment to Waukee and the Greater Des Moines region goes well beyond infrastructure. To date, Apple has contributed $6 million to the City of Waukee’s Public Improvement Fund (PIF), which supports projects to make our communities an even better place to live, work and play — from parks and libraries to recreational spaces and other local infrastructure improvements.
The company’s ongoing contributions have helped bring beloved community spaces to life, including the Waukee Youth Sports Complex, which promotes amateur athletics. Apple also helped support the construction of Triumph Park through a generous donation to the Waukee Betterment Foundation. Triumph Park, which features expansive equipment for children of all abilities, is an example of Apple’s ongoing commitment to accessibility. These facilities have quickly become gathering places for families, students and young athletes from across the region, showcasing how private investment can strengthen community well-being and pride.
Innovation and Sustainability
Sustainability is central to Apple’s operations, and its Waukee data center is no exception. The facility is powered by 100% renewable energy, sourced from regional wind energy projects and uses high-efficiency air-cooled chillers to minimize water use and reduce the site’s environmental footprint.
Beyond the data center itself, Apple is also pursuing a 221-acre wetland restoration project on its property, working in close partnership with the City of Waukee. Once complete, the restored native prairie potholes and wetlands will enhance water quality, improve stormwater management and provide valuable habitat for native species — reinforcing Apple’s deep and lasting commitment to environmental stewardship in Iowa and beyond.
A Lasting Partnership
Economic growth and community investment go hand in hand. Apple’s work in Waukee demonstrates how global innovation can take root locally — creating opportunities, advancing sustainability and enriching the communities we call home.
We are proud to celebrate Apple’s impact, not only for the progress we see today, but for the foundation it’s helping to build for generations to come. Together, we’re shaping a brighter, more resilient future for the DSM region.
Greater Des Moines (DSM) has one of the best business climates in the country. The region is nationally recognized for having a talented and educated workforce, a cost of doing business 13% below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life. In 2024, Business Facilities Magazine named it a top metro for best business climate.