Community Resource
A DATA CENTER IS BEING PROPOSED
IN MY COMMUNITY.
NOW WHAT?
This plain-English guide helps residents understand what's happening, ask the right questions, find information, and engage effectively in decisions that affect your community.
About This Toolkit
The American Digital Infrastructure Coalition provides this toolkit as an educational resource for communities. We are not attorneys, and this does not constitute legal advice. We aim to provide factual, balanced information that helps communities make informed decisions. We believe communities deserve credible information regardless of whether they ultimately support or oppose specific projects.
Questions to Ask
Essential questions for developers, utilities, and local officials when a data center is proposed in your community.
For the Developer
- 1What is the total electrical load (in MW) this facility will require?
- 2What cooling technology will be used, and what is the projected water consumption?
- 3How many construction jobs and permanent jobs will be created, and at what wage levels?
- 4What is the projected property tax contribution to our jurisdiction?
- 5What noise mitigation measures will be implemented?
- 6What community benefits or agreements are you prepared to offer?
- 7What is your timeline for construction and operation?
- 8Have you engaged with similar communities about their experiences with your projects?
For Your Utility
- 1Will new generation or transmission infrastructure be required to serve this project?
- 2How will the costs of new infrastructure be allocated among customers?
- 3Will existing ratepayers see any impact on their electric bills?
- 4Is there sufficient existing capacity, or will upgrades be needed?
- 5What is the timeline for any required infrastructure improvements?
- 6Has an independent cost-benefit analysis been conducted?
For Local Government
- 1What tax incentives or abatements are being offered, and what are we getting in return?
- 2What zoning changes or variances are being requested?
- 3What infrastructure improvements (roads, water, sewer) will the project require?
- 4How will increased demand on local services be addressed?
- 5Are there clawback provisions if job commitments are not met?
- 6What public input opportunities exist in the approval process?
Understanding Key Terms
Plain-English explanations of technical terms you'll encounter in data center discussions.
Understanding Specific Issues
Quick guides to the major issues communities face when data centers are proposed.
Electric Bills & Ratepayer Protection
Understanding how large projects can affect utility rates and what protections exist.
Read AnalysisEnergy & Power Supply
Where power comes from, grid reliability concerns, and generation planning.
Read AnalysisWater Use & Cooling
How much water data centers use, cooling options, and watershed impacts.
Read AnalysisJobs & Economic Impact
Realistic expectations for employment, tax revenue, and economic effects.
Read AnalysisNoise Concerns
Cooling equipment noise, mitigation measures, and setback requirements.
Read AnalysisCommunity Engagement
Your rights to participate, public meeting processes, and effective advocacy.
Read AnalysisFinding Information
Where to look for official documents, filings, and data about proposed projects.
Public Utility Commission
Rate cases, tariff proceedings, interconnection applications, and cost allocation dockets.
Where to look: State PUC/PSC website — search by utility name or docket number
Local Planning/Zoning Department
Site plans, variance requests, environmental reviews, and conditional use permits.
Where to look: City/county planning department website or office
County Clerk / Recorder
Property records, deed transfers, and recorded agreements.
Where to look: County clerk website — search by parcel number or address
SEC Filings (for publicly traded companies)
Material project disclosures in 10-K and 10-Q reports.
Where to look: SEC EDGAR database — search by company name
City Council / County Commission Meetings
Minutes, recordings, and agenda items related to project approvals.
Attend meetings, request records under open records laws.
Where to look:
News Archives
Local newspaper coverage, press releases, and public statements.
Where to look: Local news websites, library archives, Google News alerts
Navigating Public Approval Processes
How decisions get made and how you can participate effectively.
Early Awareness
Projects often appear first as rumors, real estate purchases, or preliminary filings. Stay informed through local news and planning commission agendas.
Information Gathering
Request available documents from planning department, utility, and county clerk. Understand the formal proposal before forming opinions.
Public Comment Periods
Most processes have designated windows for public input. Mark these dates early and prepare written comments.
Public Hearings
Attend hearings, sign up to speak, keep comments focused and factual. Bring neighbors — organized presence matters.
Commission/Council Votes
Final decision points. Continue engagement until votes are cast. Follow up on any conditions attached to approval.
Ongoing Monitoring
Post-approval monitoring ensures conditions are met. Track construction milestones, hiring, and community commitments.
Have a Question About a Project?
The ADIC accepts questions, concerns, tips, and research suggestions from community members nationwide. Anonymous submissions accepted.
Continue Learning
Explore our issue analyses, research library, and national project database for more in-depth information.
Purpose: Educational resource for community members
Last Updated: August 17, 2026
Note: This toolkit does not constitute legal advice. Consult qualified professionals for decisions affecting your rights.