Data centers have quickly become one of the most consequential local issues in the country. More than 3,000 currently operate in the United States, and over half of the world’s hyperscale, or AI data centers, are located here. A recent Gallup Poll shows that 70 percent of Americans oppose data centers in their community, and communities are responding differently. NLC research has found that at least 120 communities have adopted moratoria on data centers, and 60 have passed new zoning regulations this year.
In this episode, American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues Project Director Kate Stoll, Tucson Councilmember Nikki Lee and Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell join CitiesSpeak to discuss policy and the paths different communities are taking.
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Each episode of NLC’s podcast, CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony, dives into a critical issue facing local leaders today, featuring conversations with elected leaders and policy experts from across the country. New episodes of CitiesSpeak are available weekly on all major podcasting platforms and on YouTube:
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Growing Urban Agriculture with Brad Gaolach
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Redeveloping Empty Faith Properties with Rick Reinhard
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Evaluating the Recent Supreme Court Term with Amanda Karras
CitiesSpeak Podcast: NLC’s Guide for Making the Most of August Recess
CitiesSpeak Podcast: Avoiding a Census Undercount with Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chávez