As opposition to data center development grows in communities across the country, developers are facing increased pressure to engage with residents and address concerns about infrastructure, energy use and local impacts. Industry participants say successful projects increasingly depend on early community outreach and a willingness to build long-term relationships with local stakeholders.
Bracewell’s Frank Maisano told NPR that developers are becoming more sophisticated in their approach to community engagement and recognizing the importance of earning local support.
“You know, as developers engage more, they get better at it, and they know what can get a project to the finish line, and they try to do those things because it’s – not only is it a recipe for success, but it’s the right thing to do to become a neighbor for these communities,” Maisano said.