06/18/2026
Yesterday, elected officials, community leaders, economic development professionals, utility representatives, and industry experts from across Missouri gathered in Jefferson City for the Missouri Data Center Summit to discuss one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.
The conversations centered around the opportunities and challenges that data centers present for local communities. Topics included energy demand, water usage, infrastructure improvements, zoning and land-use regulations, economic development incentives, workforce development, tax impacts, environmental considerations, and how communities can balance growth while protecting the interests of residents.
One of the most valuable presentations came from officials in Loudoun County, Virginia, often referred to as the "Data Center Capital of the World." Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, they shared lessons learned from hosting one of the largest concentrations of data centers anywhere in the world. Their message was clear: communities must be proactive, not reactive.
Officials discussed the importance of establishing clear zoning regulations, setback requirements, noise standards, architectural guidelines, utility planning, and infrastructure agreements before projects are approved. They emphasized that communities that plan early are better positioned to protect neighborhoods, manage growth, and maximize the economic benefits of data center development.
At the same time, Loudoun County officials highlighted the tremendous economic impact data centers have had on their community through increased tax revenues that support schools, public safety, transportation improvements, parks, and other public services. Their experience demonstrated that when managed properly, data centers can become long-term economic assets for a community.
Another important discussion focused on the data center developments in Montgomery County, Missouri. Local officials highlighted how communities can negotiate meaningful benefits in exchange for hosting these large-scale projects. Those benefits have included infrastructure improvements, investments in emergency services and communications systems, workforce development opportunities, utility protections, and long-term growth of the local tax base that supports schools, roads, and public services.
A key takeaway from the summit was the growing use of Community Benefit Agreements. These agreements help ensure that local residents receive direct benefits from major developments through commitments such as road improvements, public safety investments, workforce training programs, local hiring opportunities, scholarships, technology grants for schools, parks improvements, broadband expansion, and environmental monitoring.
As communities across Missouri evaluate potential data center projects, leaders are working to understand not only what these facilities require, but also what they can contribute to the communities they call home.
Many of the same topics discussed at the summit are currently being considered here in Joplin as conversations continue regarding proposed data center development and potential updates to our local regulations. As your City Council representative, I believe it is important that we fully understand both the opportunities and the challenges before making decisions that could impact our community for decades to come.
The question is not simply whether a data center should be built. The question is how we can ensure that any project provides meaningful, measurable, and lasting benefits for the citizens of Joplin while protecting our quality of life, infrastructure, and resources.
I appreciate the opportunity for local governments across Missouri to come together, learn from communities that have already navigated these issues, and share best practices. The lessons learned from Loudoun County and Montgomery County provide valuable insight as Joplin continues these important discussions.
https://www.loudoun.gov/DocumentCenter/View/217610/15-Best-Practices-for-Communities-Considering-Data-Centers?bidId=
https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/missouri-secures-15-billion-investment-google-montgomery-county
Creating thousands of jobs and local partnerships to increase energy affordability and job training opportunities
