Boswell recently assembled our municipal engineering representatives, led by Paul Ferriero, to meet with Bruce Rockwell and Jason Schuler of our Power & Energy division, to discuss the benefits, concerns, and most effective ways to gather information to effectively consult on matters related to data centers in the locales in which we serve. It was an informative session that underlined how Boswell’s multidisciplinary approach, and having so many varied subject matter experts under one roof, makes us specifically tailored to weigh in on matters that are as important, timely, and complicated as this.
The issue of data center development in 2026 is the epitome of a hot-button topic. It seems that no matter where we turn, strong voices are sharing their position on the merits and concerns about data center construction. As is often the case, there is value in listening to both sides.
The merits are strong and can have significant impact on certain communities that possess the available land and infrastructure to support a data center. Developers can offer financial incentives that make some small inconveniences tolerable when weighed against the benefits. Job creation, both short and long-term, also needs to be considered. Finally, acknowledging the inevitability of AI and the increasing ways its being used, as a collective society we must be aware that we lose competitive and possible strategic edges if we force the essential AI infrastructure off our shores.
But what about the concerns? Residents are right to be worried about the issues that have been brought on by other data center projects, and many are quite vocal on the topic. For officials, impacts regarding water and local power availability need to be considered along with noise and other quality of life issues. Leaders are in the difficult position of having to figure out how to benefit the larger community without disrupting the lives of a smaller population in such a way that would be unacceptable.
In the end, the answer is that every situation is different. But the right advice, determined by the most qualified experts, can facilitate the best decision making by officials who depend on us to guide the future of their communities.