Indiana groups asked Microsoft in May to put 1% of project costs into a legally binding community fund for its planned 900-acre Granger data center. Microsoft has not committed; We Make Indiana estimates the fund could generate $30 million–$40 million a year.
We Make Indiana says its Fair Share Agreement would fund recurring payments throughout construction and operations, overseen by an independent community board. It named health care, child and elder care, transport, affordable housing, environmental protection, energy use and workforce development as priorities. The coalition says it has received no substantive response; Microsoft says the proposal is part of community listening and final investment decisions are premature while it consults other local leaders.
Indiana offers qualifying data centers sales- and use-tax exemptions on eligible equipment and energy purchases for up to 25 years for investments below $750 million; terms can extend to 50 years for larger investments. A legislative review estimated $150 million–$900 million in potential foregone revenue across seven state projects, not just Granger. The state says exemptions depend on qualifying investments, so not all projected revenue may be lost.
