Explore data center development through a community lens.
Explore data center development through a community lens.
Clear information and thoughtful questions can help Indiana communities weigh opportunities, understand trade-offs and shape local priorities.
A practical community readiness guide
Start with local priorities—not a promise of a project.
Use these steps as a working agenda for residents, local officials and economic development leaders. Rural communities can benefit from coordinating early with utility providers and neighboring jurisdictions.
01 / Set priorities
Define what success means
Identify community goals, concerns and limits before discussing a particular site.
- Which outcomes matter most: revenue, careers, business activity or infrastructure?
- What farmland, natural resources and community assets need protection?
- How will residents participate throughout the process?
02 / Test feasibility
Review sites and utilities
Bring planning staff and utility providers into the conversation before describing land as development-ready.
- Check zoning, access, drainage and environmental constraints.
- Confirm electricity, fiber and any water or wastewater requirements.
- Identify upgrade costs, permitting needs and realistic timelines.
03 / Build capacity
Prepare people and businesses
Connect workforce partners, educators and local suppliers with the project's actual requirements.
- Separate construction roles from permanent operations roles.
- Identify credentials, training costs and accessible career pathways.
- Ask how small and local businesses can compete for contracts.
04 / Review commitments
Put expectations in writing
Use qualified legal, technical and financial advice to evaluate the proposal and proposed agreements.
- Compare public costs and revenue under different scenarios.
- Document responsibilities, deadlines and reporting requirements.
- Address compliance, community concerns and long-term site obligations.
Bring these questions to a developer meeting
What exactly is proposed? Which estimates are preliminary? Who pays for utility upgrades? How will impacts be measured? Which community commitments will be binding? What happens if the project changes or closes?
Keep a shared record of answers, supporting documents and unresolved questions. Update it as the proposal develops.
Opportunity deserves a clear-eyed review
Welcoming investment and asking careful questions go together. Compare potential benefits with the resources, costs and commitments a project requires.
Understand the potential value
- Employment: Distinguish temporary construction work from ongoing jobs, wages and benefits.
- Local purchasing: Ask how area businesses can access contracts.
- Public revenue: Review net fiscal benefits after incentives and public costs.
- Community partnerships: Seek specific, funded commitments tied to local priorities.
Account for the demands
- Infrastructure: Verify power, fiber and water needs, costs and delivery schedules.
- Land and neighbors: Assess noise, traffic, drainage, lighting and site compatibility.
- Public obligations: Identify financial exposure and ongoing service responsibilities.
- Accountability: Establish reporting, complaint handling and follow-through.
Use project-specific evidence and qualified independent advice. Benefits and impacts vary; no single checklist replaces local review.