Data centers make communities rich
At a recent event with tech executives, President Donald Trump stood firm in his support for data centers, noting that they are “really financially beneficial.” He was right to do so. Data centers have existed quietly in America for decades. For years, no one held rallies against them. Campaign ads did not feature foreboding gray buildings. Pollsters never identified them as a wedge issue.
TL;DR
- Data centers are politically controversial but financially beneficial to communities.
- They contribute to lower electricity rates and use a small fraction of water compared to other industries.
- Investments in data centers have funded significant public projects and tax reductions in various communities.
- Data centers provide reliable tax revenue and capital investment without a large increase in population demanding services.
- The physical infrastructure for AI is crucial for economic and military leadership in the 21st century.
- Thoughtful siting and benefit-sharing are key to positive community relationships with data centers.