How to discuss issues with your community?
BY Susan Schrack Wood, Director of Communications, The League
In navigating the data center development process, a very important aspect is communication with your residents and your community. This can be a fairly intimidating aspect of development, particularly if your governing board has an uneasy relationship with your residents. Or your residents dislike change in general.
Community support or opposition can make the process much smoother or much more difficult. Some communities are more open to the idea of development, and others are more resistant. Development, by its very nature, means change and change can bring concerns about future impacts on standards of living, and fears of the unknown.
Regardless of how your community views change, NOT communicating plans and proposals is not a viable option. So here is some suggested messaging for communicating different aspects of the proposal and development process. These messages can be used on social medias, traditional media statements, and in meetings. As always, you should use these as a starting point and personalize them for your own unique communities and populations.
Suggested Messaging Templates:
Economic Benefits Messaging
“Strengthening Our Local Economy” Data centers represent a significant investment in our community’s future. This facility will generate [X] construction jobs over [timeframe] and [X] permanent positions with competitive wages and benefits. Beyond direct employment, the project will create opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and service providers. The facility is projected to contribute $[X] million annually to our tax base, supporting essential services like schools, infrastructure, and public safety.
“Building for Tomorrow’s Economy” As our economy becomes increasingly digital, data centers are critical infrastructure—much like highways and power plants were in previous generations. By attracting this investment, we’re positioning our community as a hub for modern technology and ensuring our relevance in the 21st-century economy.
Infrastructure and Investment Messaging
“Smart Growth with Community Standards” This development will be subject to rigorous site plan review and must meet all local zoning, environmental, and safety requirements. We’re working to ensure the facility integrates appropriately with surrounding land uses and maintains our community’s character. The developer has committed to [specific commitments like buffering, architectural standards, traffic improvements].
“Infrastructure Improvements for Everyone” The data center project includes [road improvements, utility upgrades, stormwater management] that will benefit the broader community. These infrastructure enhancements, funded primarily by the developer, represent investments that would otherwise fall to taxpayers.
Environmental and Utility Messaging
“Responsible Resource Management” We understand concerns about water and energy consumption. The facility will [specific commitments: use advanced cooling technology, implement water recycling systems, source renewable energy]. We’re requiring detailed impact studies and ongoing monitoring to ensure municipal resources remain adequate for all residents. The developer has committed to [specific environmental measures].
“Addressing Climate Considerations” Modern data centers are increasingly focused on sustainability. This facility plans to [use renewable energy sources, achieve efficiency certifications, implement waste heat recovery]. While any industrial facility has environmental impacts, data centers are essential to the digital services we all depend on daily—from healthcare to banking to education.
Transparency and Engagement Messaging
“Your Voice Matters” We’re committed to an open process. We’ll be hosting [public hearings, community meetings, online forums] where you can ask questions, voice concerns, and learn more about the project. Your input will help shape the conditions and requirements we place on this development.
“Keeping You Informed” We’ll provide regular updates throughout the review and construction process through [website, newsletter, social media, community meetings]. You can access project documents, impact studies, and meeting minutes at [location/website]. We’re here to answer your questions at [contact information].
Addressing Concerns Directly
“We Hear Your Concerns About [Traffic/Noise/Visual Impact]” These are valid considerations. We’re requiring the developer to [conduct traffic studies, implement noise mitigation, provide landscaping buffers]. The facility will operate under strict performance standards, and we’ll have mechanisms to address any issues that arise.
“Balancing Growth and Community Character” We understand that change can be unsettling. Our job is to carefully evaluate whether this project serves our community’s long-term interests while protecting what makes our area special. We’re not approving anything that doesn’t meet our standards or serve our residents’ needs.
- Call to Action Messaging
- “Get Involved”
- Attend our public meeting on [date] at [location]
- Submit comments by [deadline] to [email/address]
- Visit [website] for project documents and updates
- Contact [office/official] with questions at [phone/email]
“Together We’ll Make the Right Decision” This is an important decision for our community’s future. We’re committed to a thorough, transparent process that weighs all factors—economic, environmental, and social. Your participation helps ensure we make the choice that best serves our community’s long-term interests.
- Some key points to remember as you consider your communication:
- Be honest about trade-offs: Acknowledge that development involves balancing benefits and impacts
- Avoid overpromising: Use specific, verifiable commitments rather than vague assurances
- Show you’re listening: Reference specific community concerns and explain how they’re being addressed
- Provide context: Help residents understand how data centers fit into broader economic and technological trends
- Emphasize process: Demonstrate that decisions follow established procedures with multiple checkpoints
- Stay accessible: Use plain language and avoid technical jargon
Article from the February 2026 Municipal Reporter | Pennsylvania Data Centers Edition
