On October 2, 2026, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced that it no longer uses nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) with government agencies it works with on projects. AWS is reported to be applying the change to future negotiations with U.S. local governments and not revisiting agreements already in force.
What AWS says it will share with communities
AWS says it will hold community open houses, share project plans as early as possible, listen to concerns, and support community engagement as projects progress. It also says it will publish annual figures on energy use and efficiency, water use and efficiency, and the percentage of energy from carbon-free resources.
Those commitments put public meetings and recurring resource-use reporting alongside the NDA policy. The annual figures cover both consumption and efficiency for energy and water, as well as the share of energy from carbon-free sources.
South Bend’s earlier local restrictions
South Bend’s Common Council reportedly voted unanimously on September 28, 2026, to approve two measures prohibiting NDAs for city data-center projects. The vote came four days before AWS announced its commitment.
Amazon’s separate Built Together program
Amazon announced Built Together as a separate five-year program for U.S. communities where it operates data centers. The company promises more than $1 billion in additional investment through the program.
Amazon’s targets include connecting more than 300,000 students with access to free degrees and preparing up to 100,000 learners a year for skilled jobs by the end of 2028. It also aims to upgrade more than 30,000 homes and more than 300 schools and other buildings over five years. Amazon estimates the upgrades are designed to cut energy costs by 20–40%, while noting that actual savings vary.
