Winrock International to support city of West Memphis in transformational change tied to Google data center project
Little Rock, Arkansas — Dec. 4, 2025 — Winrock International is partnering with the city of West Memphis, Arkansas, to help the city translate Google’s recent $4 billion data center investments into long-term, community transformation, job creation and economic growth.
The West Memphis data center — the largest private investment in Arkansas history — is expected to employ 750 people annually during construction and create 250 permanent jobs upon completion. Recognizing the transformational potential of this new industry, Winrock will provide tailored support in community engagement, project pipeline phasing and research on innovative development strategies from cities across the U.S. that are part of the data center boom.
Over the next three years, Winrock will work with city leaders and local stakeholders to strategically prioritize, plan and implement community development initiatives that leverage this historic investment. The collaboration aligns with goals outlined in the GROW West Memphis 2040 plan, which has identified several residential and commercial areas for development.
“Google’s decision to invest billions of dollars proves that our city is ready to lead in the AI and digital economy,” said West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. “This project is about more than buildings and technology; it’s about opportunity and a better future for our people.”
“Winrock is proud to support the City of West Memphis during this pivotal moment,” said Maqsoda Maqsodi, Winrock International’s president and CEO. “This partnership is about ensuring that the community’s voice is at the center of growth and that the long-term benefits of Google’s investment are inclusive, sustainable and community driven.”
Winrock’s Human & Community Development team is leading the project, building on the organization’s deep experience in rural community development and place-based planning throughout Arkansas — including efforts in the Arkansas Delta, the Ozarks, and communities like Camden, Lewisville, Stuttgart and Helena-West Helena.
“This opportunity sets the stage for generational change,” said Elizabeth Gomez, Winrock’s associate director of Human & Community Development. “We’re working hand in hand with the people of West Memphis to shape a vision for the future that reflects local priorities and ensures that this investment strengthens the city’s social fabric, economy and sense of place for years to come.”
Over the course of the project, Winrock will provide skills training, strategic guidance and collaborative planning tools designed to build local capacity, foster broad community engagement and ensure that development efforts reflect community priorities.
The initiative builds on Winrock’s longstanding experience in community-led development and economic resilience across the U.S. and around the world.
For more information, contact: Tim May, communications director, Winrock International: Tim.May@Winrock.org
Related Projects
