Examples from Other Communities
Communities across the United States have taken different approaches to evaluating and hosting data centers. These examples provide context on how data center development has affected local economies, infrastructure, and public services in other regions.
Each community’s experience is unique. Local priorities, regulations, infrastructure, and agreements all play a role in shaping outcomes.
CASE STUDIES
-
West Des Moines, Iowa: Leaders negotiated a community agreement with Microsoft for several data centers powered entirely by renewable energy. The project is generating an estimated $2 billion in tax revenue, at least 3,000 construction jobs, and 400 permanent positions.
-
Amazon announced a $15 billion data center investment, committing to 1,100 new jobs, local utility infrastructure improvements, and new STEM learning programs for area K-12 schools.
-
In Umatilla, Oregon, a massive investment from Amazon Web Services has contributed to increased tax revenue and expanded the city’s budget from approximately $7 million to $144 million over time, supporting infrastructure and public services, and created thousands of construction and tech jobs.
Nationally, data center construction has surged more than 400% since 2019, with $41 billion in annual investment concentrated in just 1% of U.S. counties. Beyond jobs, these facilities boost tax revenues, fund infrastructure and support education through programs such as Amazon’s robotics and trade training.
-
In rural Washington, data center investments have significantly enhanced local economies. A 2022 report by the Washington Technology Industry Association revealed these investments have led to job creation, increased tax revenues and greater support for public services.
The presence of data centers has also attracted other businesses, creating an amplifying effect that benefits the broader community.
-
Loudoun County, Virginia, is one of the largest data center markets in the world, with more than 275 data centers located in the region.
According to a 2018 economic impact analysis, the data center industry in Virginia supported approximately 45,290 full-time-equivalent jobs, generated $3.5 billion in labor income, and contributed $10.1 billion in economic output statewide.
Data centers have also contributed significantly to local tax revenue. In Loudoun County, data center-related tax revenue has helped fund public services such as schools, transportation, public safety, and infrastructure. One county analysis found that for every $1 in local government spending associated with data centers, approximately $8.60 in tax revenue was generated.
Google’s operations in Northern Virginia alone supported around 3,500 jobs per year between 2017 and 2022 and contributed to local education, infrastructure, and nonprofit initiatives.