Data Center
30 stories
Scarcity Drives New Risks and Opportunities for Local Governments
As demand for water, land, and energy grows, local governments face tough choices about resource allocation while investors see new opportunities. Fragmented oversight can leave communities exposed to risks that cross agency boundaries.
Poll Finds Data Centers Least Supported by U.S. Communities
A new national survey shows nearly half of Americans oppose new data centers in their neighborhoods, with concerns over energy, water use, and AI growth driving resistance. Support for other developments remains much higher.
JD Vance Rallies Michigan GOP, Criticizes El-Sayed in Senate Race
Vice President JD Vance visited Sterling Heights to support Michigan Republican candidates and challenge Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, as the state's high-profile Senate race intensifies ahead of the 2026 midterms
New York Politicians Admit Using AI to Draft Public Op-Eds
Several New York elected officials, including the governor's running mate and Albany's mayor, have acknowledged using artificial intelligence to help write opinion articles, raising questions about transparency and new disclosure rules
Dozens of U.S. Cities Enact Data Center Moratoriums and Bans
At least 76 local governments across the U.S. have moved to restrict or ban new data centers, with most efforts succeeding. The trend is driven by concerns over electricity, water use, and community impact, according to new tracking data.
Lowndes County Residents Press for Data Center Transparency
More than 150 residents gathered at the Hayneville courthouse to demand answers from county officials about the proposed 800-acre Project Red Clay data center, which has requested enough power for one million homes and raised concerns over local oversight
South Dakota Local Governments Face Cybersecurity Funding Deadline
South Dakota's $7 million SecureSD program, which helps local governments defend against cyberattacks, will run out of state funding in 2028, leaving counties and cities to cover ongoing cybersecurity costs themselves
Data Center Debate Shapes Pennsylvania Governor's Race
Pennsylvania's race for governor is now centered on data center development, with new state standards, campaign attacks, and public opposition influencing both candidates' positions ahead of the November election.
Michigan Officials Face Recall Efforts Over Data Center Projects
Local leaders across Michigan say they have little authority to block new data centers, as residents frustrated by recent approvals struggle to get recall votes on the ballot. Only one recall will proceed this November despite dozens of attempts.
TeraWulf Pledges to Meet Kentucky Data Center Rules at Hancock Site
TeraWulf plans to build a 482-megawatt data center at a former Hancock County aluminum smelter, promising to follow Kentucky's new requirements on taxes, transparency, and environmental compliance as state regulators review its energy contract.
Key Issues Shape Michigan Senate Race Between Rogers and El-Sayed
Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat has sparked a high-stakes contest between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed, with voters focused on health care, affordability, and the candidates' ties to national figures ahead of the November election
How Tool Sprawl Is Complicating Local Government IT Operations
State and local agencies are facing mounting challenges from fragmented technology systems, increasing manual workloads and security risks. Leaders are now rethinking how to streamline IT tools and improve service reliability.
Alabama Data Centers May Outpace Statewide Home Power Use
A wave of proposed data centers in Alabama could consume more electricity than all residential homes combined. Alabama Power says rates won't rise, but residents and experts question whether new laws and oversight will truly protect customers.
New Guide Helps Cities Build Digital Service Teams for Residents
A new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance for city and state officials looking to launch digital service teams, aiming to improve access to government services and address challenges with technology and staffing.
Cloud Security Gaps Challenge Local Governments Adopting New Systems
Local governments are moving finance operations to cloud-based ERP systems, but experts warn that misconfigurations and overlooked security practices can leave sensitive data at risk despite modern technology.
Pennsylvania Sets New Rules for Data Center Projects Statewide
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order making stricter standards mandatory for new data center developments in Pennsylvania, responding to mounting criticism and concerns about local impacts and energy use
Loudoun County May End Fast-Track Data Center Approvals
Loudoun County supervisors are proposing to require public hearings and board votes for more than 20 pending data center applications that were previously exempt from new zoning rules, potentially changing the approval process as soon as September 1
Iowa Launches Tool to Guide Local Data Center Decisions
A new online tool from University of Iowa experts aims to help local governments evaluate the benefits and challenges of proposed data centers, as more communities weigh the impact of these large facilities on resources and infrastructure
Ypsilanti Township Considers Power Moratorium for U-M Data Center
Ypsilanti Township officials will vote on a six-month pause for new power transmission projects as they review the University of Michigan's $1.2 billion data center plan, which could reshape local infrastructure and impact residents near Textile Road.
California's Former CISO Reflects on Cybersecurity Challenges in Government
After two decades in California state agencies, Vitaliy Panych discusses the evolution of cybersecurity, the launch of Cal-Secure, and the growing risks facing public sector organizations as technology and AI reshape government operations.
Local Governments Shift Toward Leaner, Accountable AI Systems
Cities and public agencies are moving away from massive, generic AI models in favor of smaller, purpose-built systems that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and local needs. The change aims to improve service delivery and meet strict governance standards.
Texas Data Center Audit Raises Questions as Grid Connections Paused
Texas has paused new data center grid connections for an audit, but key details remain unclear. Tech companies support the move, yet policy experts question whether the audit will slow rapid data center growth or address local concerns.
Data Center Industry Faces Growing Pushback in North Carolina
A wave of new data center proposals in North Carolina is meeting increased public resistance, as residents and local governments question industry claims and demand greater transparency about energy use, tax breaks, and community impact
Experts Urge Stronger Safeguards for Government Data Sharing
As state and local governments expand data sharing to improve services, experts warn that privacy, security, and accountability must be prioritized to prevent errors and protect public trust. New guidance outlines key steps for agencies.
AI Security Incidents Raise New Questions for Local Governments
Recent disclosures from leading AI companies reveal that advanced agentic AI systems have bypassed security barriers, prompting local governments to reconsider how they evaluate and deploy these technologies in public services
Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Guardrails for Data Center Expansion
A Michigan House representative is urging the state to adopt clear rules for new data centers, focusing on land use, water, electricity, and noise, as Michigan seeks to attract AI-driven industry while protecting local resources.
U-M Confirms $1.2B Data Center in Ypsilanti Township Despite Opposition
The University of Michigan will move forward with a $1.2 billion research computing center in Ypsilanti Township, partnering with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Local officials say too many project details remain undisclosed and vow to keep fighting.
Cities Turn to AI for Services, Raising Questions About Oversight
Local governments across the U.S. are adopting artificial intelligence to manage services like traffic, waste, and resident inquiries, but experts say stronger oversight and public trust are needed as use expands.
Senator Proposes New Federal Tax on AI Data Centers
A draft proposal from Sen. Ron Wyden would remove current tax breaks for new data centers and introduce an excise tax on facilities handling AI workloads, aiming to address rising energy costs and community impacts. Public feedback is open through August 31.
Utah Enacts First State Law Requiring Data Center Water Reporting
Utah now requires large new data centers to publicly report annual water use, aiming to increase transparency as water demand grows. The law, signed in March, is already influencing similar efforts in other states.