Local Impact
Investing in St. Joseph County's Future
The AWS New Carlisle campus is the largest private investment in St. Joseph County's history. Since construction began in 2024, AWS has invested more than $13.8 billion in the region, supporting local businesses, creating high-paying jobs, strengthening public infrastructure, generating long-term property tax revenue, and investing in education, public safety, and community partnerships throughout the South Bend Region.
Based on economic impact modeling conducted by the South Bend Regional Chamber using IMPLAN, AWS employee payroll supports approximately $500 million in annual regional economic activity as those wages are spent throughout the regional economy.
Economic Impact at a Glance
- More than $13.8 billion invested since 2024
- 1,056 full-time AWS employees
- Approximately 450 employees live in St. Joseph County
- Approximately 4,000 skilled tradespeople supported construction, of which 2,000 were from the region.
- 141,000 hotel room nights during construction
- More than $100 million invested in local infrastructure improvements
- More than $1 billion in projected local property tax revenue
- Approximately $500 million in annual regional economic activity
Local Economy
How does the campus benefit local businesses?
Large infrastructure projects create economic activity well beyond the campus itself. Local businesses benefit from demand for construction materials, equipment, transportation, lodging, restaurants, professional services, maintenance, and other operational needs.
During construction, the project generated approximately 141,000 hotel room nights, providing a significant boost to hotels, restaurants, retailers, and other hospitality businesses throughout the South Bend Region.
These expenditures support jobs, create business opportunities, and generate economic activity across the regional economy.
Does AWS work with local suppliers?
AWS works with contractors, suppliers, and service providers of all sizes. Local businesses interested in working with AWS are encouraged to participate in supplier outreach events and procurement opportunities as they become available.
In May 2026, the South Bend Regional Chamber hosted the Supplier Connect event, bringing together regional businesses with AWS representatives, construction contractors, and facilities management. The event connected nearly 100 regional businesses with project decision-makers and highlighted opportunities that extend beyond construction into long-term campus operations.
The South Bend Regional Chamber continues to work with regional companies to identify opportunities to participate in the growing AI and technology ecosystem.
Infrastructure
Projects of this scale require significant investments in public infrastructure that also support future growth.
AWS has invested more than $100 million in transportation, utilities, and other public infrastructure to strengthen the region’s long-term capacity for additional business investment and economic development. These investments include improvements to SR 2 and other local roads, utility extensions, water and sewer improvements, including a new water tower, and electrical infrastructure that support both the AWS campus and future development.
Taxes & Incentives
How much property tax revenue will the AWS campus generate?
The AWS campus pays property taxes from day one in accordance with Indiana law and its local development agreements. According to AWS, the New Carlisle campus is projected to generate more than $1 billion in local property tax revenue over 35 years, helping fund schools, libraries, public safety, parks, infrastructure, and other essential community services.
Like many states, Indiana offers performance-based economic development incentives to compete for large-scale business investments. State incentives provided for the AWS project are tied to commitments for job creation, capital investment, and wages, with qualifying jobs required to pay at least 125% of the St. Joseph County average wage.
Local property tax abatements temporarily reduce a portion of eligible property taxes but do not eliminate a company’s obligation to pay property taxes. AWS pays property taxes from the first year its facilities are placed on the tax rolls, while investing billions of dollars in the region, creating high-wage jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the long-term tax base.
Community Investment
AWS invests in the communities where it operates through partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, first responders, and local governments. In St. Joseph County, these investments support education, public safety, quality of life, and organizations serving residents throughout the region. Examples include, but are not limited to:
Education
- New Prairie United School Corporation opened Indiana’s first Amazon Think Big Space, a STEM learning lab providing approximately 3,000 students with hands-on experiences in robotics, cloud computing, coding, and other emerging technologies.
Community Development
- AWS provided the Town of New Carlisle with a $160,000 community investment to support locally identified priorities and projects.
Public Safety
- AWS has supported the New Carlisle Fire Department through funding for equipment and by providing a residential structure for firefighter training, allowing first responders to conduct realistic emergency response exercises before the structure was demolished.
Nonprofit Partnerships
- Cultivate Food Rescue, where AWS has provided support and employees have volunteered to help provide nutritious meals to local families while reducing food waste.
- La Casa de Amistad, including construction of a new playground and support for youth and family programming.
- Unity Gardens, supporting community gardens, nutrition education, and neighborhood revitalization.