Data Center

Experts Emphasize Community Involvement in Data Center Decisions

To continue data center expansions, developers need to work with local communities, panelists say.

Abby Larkin

Jun 25, 2026 — 2 min read

Screenshot of panelists from left to right: Moderator and CSIS Deputy Director of Strategic Technologies Lauryn Williams; NTIA Deputy Associate Administrator Maureen Russell; President of Mission Critical at Suffolk Construction Charles McCarthy; and Executive Director for Economic Development in Loudon County, Va. Buddy Rizer.

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2026 – Experts emphasized the need for data center developers to partner with communities in a Center for Strategic and International Studies event on Thursday.

As the demand for artificial intelligence increases, data centers have become crucial to keep up with the computing power necessary to expand the capabilities of AI. The U.S. is currently a global leader in the AI race, with half of the world’s data centers being in the country. However, more data centers are required to expand the technology and remain a leader in AI.