It’s no secret that Sarpy County is a state leader in economic growth.
The county attracts thousands of new residents annually and county leaders continue to welcome new businesses. And, in 2021, two of the world’s most well-known companies announced expansions in Sarpy County.
“We’re a great place to be, no matter if you’re a large company looking to expand or a family wanting to put down roots,” said Sarpy County Board Chairman Don Kelly. “We have access to land and infrastructure, family-friendly neighborhoods and great schools. Our local leadership and residents support growth.”
Here’s a look at the biggest economic development news in Sarpy County during the last year:
New growth
Census data released in 2021 showed that Sarpy County grew by 31,764 people over the last decade – a 20% increase. Sarpy, the third-largest county in Nebraska, now has 190,604 residents. Projections from UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research has projected that Sarpy will reach 317,000 people by 2050.
Facebook
The tech giant announced a data center expansion totaling 1 million square feet. The project, located across more than 500 acres in Springfield near Facebook’s existing campus, represents an additional $400 million in capital investment in Sarpy County and 100 new operational jobs. When completed, Facebook will have a 3.6-million-square-foot data center presence in Sarpy County.
Google
Google announced it would make a $500 million investment to expand in its footprint in Papillion, where it’s first data center is already operational.
Growth by the numbers
Sarpy’s growth is reflected in the number of building permits issued for homes, apartments and new businesses.
BUILDING PERMITS*
- 892 – single-family homes
- 811 – multi-family units
- 114 – non-residential construction
ADDED VALUATION*
- $251.8 million – new single-family homes
- $108.3 million – new multi-family units
- $1.8 million – non-residential construction
*Source: Greater Omaha Chamber, October 2020-September 2021