AI for Impact 
Ten Things To Know About Data Centers
Ten Things To Know About Data Centers
As governments explore and adopt AI, the conversation often centers on tools and use cases—but rarely on the infrastructure that makes it all possible. Data centers, the physical backbone of AI, are rapidly expanding, bringing new pressures on energy systems, land use, water resources, and community relations. For public professionals, these are no longer abstract technical issues—they are policy, planning, and governance challenges.
In this session, you will build a practical understanding of how data centers work and what drives their growth. You will examine how decisions about siting, energy consumption, resilience, and community impact intersect with public priorities.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
-
Explain the core components of data centers and how they support AI systems
-
Assess the policy and planning implications of data center growth, including energy and land use
-
Evaluate tradeoffs related to sustainability, resilience, and community impact
-
Identify key questions to ask when reviewing or approving data center projects
-
Apply practical considerations to align data center development with public goals and constraints