Data Centers Need More Than Power. They Need Public Trust

Last week, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced a new initiative called "Built Together," committing more than $1 billion over the next five years to support communities where its data centers are located. The program includes investments in things like workforce development, community college access, energy efficiency improvements, and water stewardship.  

For me, this wasn’t a surprise, as AWS has followed these principles as it's developed its site near New Carlisle. I think our community found great partners in AWS, and we’ve seen first-hand their commitments and investments in each of those program areas. Those investments are significantly larger than any private sector employer we’ve ever had here in our region.

Although the Microsoft project on the east side of the County is still early in the development process, we anticipate the company will make similar investments and commitments in workforce development, energy efficiency, and water stewardship. It’s what our community has asked of them, and it aligns with their development priorities.

These two projects are the largest in St. Joseph County history. When complete, those projects will cover 0.7% of the land in St. Joseph County and employ about 1.4% of our workforce. Both will be amongst our county’s top taxpayers, from day one. Both will also employ workers at an average wage higher than the county’s current average wage. These new jobs will be a game changer for many St. Joseph County families.  

Over the past year, data centers have become one of the most discussed economic development topics in St. Joseph County and a hot topic for candidates in the November elections. Most candidates are trying to prove they hate data centers more than their opponent. Few have offered alternatives as to how they believe we should attract new jobs, taxpayers, or capital investment. Second-guessing seems to be the favorite strategy of many incumbents and challengers.

The community's concerns deserve honest discussion. But the conversation should be grounded in facts, not fear. Data centers are essential infrastructure. Just as previous generations built railroads, interstate highways, electric grids, and telecommunications networks, today's economy depends on digital infrastructure. Most people do not think about data centers when they check a bank account, stream a movie, use GPS navigation, or interact with an AI tool. Yet every one of those activities depends on servers operating somewhere.

The question facing communities all over Indiana today is not whether data centers will be built. They will be. The real question is whether Indiana communities will compete successfully for those investments or watch them go elsewhere.

That does not mean giving developers a blank check. Communities should expect transparency. They should expect responsible environmental practices. They should expect infrastructure planning that protects residents and businesses. And they should expect meaningful local engagement before major decisions are made. Those expectations are reasonable, and I believe we’ve gotten that from both AWS and Microsoft.

As we approach the next data center project, or any economic development opportunity, we should ask tough questions. We should insist on accurate information. We should evaluate projects on their merits. But we should also recognize the opportunity before us. Development is not something to fear. It is something to manage wisely.

Economic development has always involved change. A century ago, communities debated rail lines and factories. A generation ago, they debated industrial parks and distribution centers. Today, they are debating data centers. History suggests that communities willing to thoughtfully embrace new forms of infrastructure often position themselves for long-term success.

The goal is not to win every project. The goal is to ensure that when investment comes, it aligns with community priorities and creates lasting value for residents. Communities cannot simply reject change because it is unfamiliar.

As we continue this conversation locally, let's keep asking questions. Let's keep demanding facts. And let's keep our focus on creating opportunity for the next generation of residents who will live and work in the economy we're helping shape today.