Data Centers Deliver Local Value

As the digital economy expands across the country, so does the need for the infrastructure that enables it. With that growth comes a responsibility to the communities where data centers operate: to be good stewards of land and resources, to engage transparently with neighbors, to ensure consumers and the environment are protected, and to make it clear how data centers can be good long-term community partners.

Data centers are critical infrastructure that support modern life. Every email sent, online purchase made, or video streamed relies on data center facilities that store, process, and deliver digital information. And the value shows up in very practical local ways: supporting small businesses, enabling reliable communications for public safety, strengthening hospital and school connectivity, and helping communities keep pace with their residents’ daily needs.

A Community-First Approach

When a data center comes to a region, the most important story isn’t national statistics; it’s the benefits that residents will experience with responsible data center development.

Stable, Predictable Support for Local Services

Data centers contribute to the local tax base, which helps communities fund the services people rely on every day: public schools, emergency response, road improvements, and other core needs. For local leaders, that can mean more capacity to plan for the future, maintain infrastructure, and respond to growth without putting the full burden on homeowners and small businesses.

Good Jobs—Plus Support For Local Businesses

Data centers create high-paying opportunities including skilled technical roles once a facility is operating and a broad range of trade work during construction and ongoing maintenance. Beyond direct hiring, these facilities also rely on local vendors and service providers, everything from electricians and equipment suppliers to landscaping, security, catering, and specialized trades. When data center operators prioritize local procurement, the economic benefit is spread across the community well beyond the facility’s walls.

Workforce Development That Supports the Community

Many data center operators partner with community colleges, technical schools, and universities to help train people for in-demand careers through internships, apprenticeships, certifications, and hands-on training programs tied to real-world needs like electrical systems, HVAC, networking, and facilities operations. These partnerships build a local talent pipeline so community members can access the skills they need to build careers locally.

Being a Good Neighbor

Communities understandably have questions about land use, traffic, noise, visual impacts, energy and water use, and long-term planning. That’s why responsible data center development should include clear, ongoing communication—before construction starts, while the dirt is turned, and long after a facility opens.

That means listening early, sharing project details in plain language, and working with local leaders and residents on practical steps that reduce impacts—such as thoughtful site and building design, noise mitigation, landscaping and setbacks, construction traffic planning, transparent reporting on energy and water use, and commitments to be a good steward of community resources. It also means accepting clear conditions, commitments to improve the local grid, keep utility costs low for existing ratepayers, and ensure operators pay the full costs of the electricity and infrastructure they need.

Looking Ahead

As AI and digital services continue to grow in importance, communities will play an increasingly critical role in supporting the infrastructure behind them. Positive outcomes result from thoughtful planning, community stewardship, and open dialogue among operators, local government, small businesses, and residents.

The digital economy depends on data centers, but the strongest projects are the ones that deliver visible local value: new revenue to fund essential services and improve the quality of life, good jobs, skills training, fair treatment of ratepayers and natural resources, and a long-term commitment to being a constructive and accountable community partner. That’s the Data Center Advantage.

About the author

Martin Durbin

Martin (Marty) Durbin is president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Energy Institute (GEI). Durbin leads GEI’s efforts to build support for meaningful energy action through policy development, education, and advocacy, making it a go-to voice for commonsense energy solutions.

Read more