Take Action
Seven things you can do this week to engage with data center development in your community
Find out what's happening in your state
Check if there are data center projects announced, under construction, or proposed near you. Our state-by-state database tracks 600+ projects.
Browse by stateSign up for meeting notifications
Most townships post meeting agendas online 3-7 days in advance. Find your township or county website and sign up for email notifications. If there's no notification system, bookmark the meetings page and check it weekly.
Attend the next public meeting
You don't need to speak—just showing up matters. Planning commission and township board meetings are where decisions get made. Arrive early, sign in, and observe how things work.
- • Meetings are usually evenings, 1-2 hours
- • Agendas tell you what's being discussed
- • Public comment periods let you speak (usually 2-3 minutes)
Write to your local officials
Email your township supervisor, planning commission members, or county commissioners. Introduce yourself, state where you live, and ask what data center projects are being considered. Your email becomes part of the public record.
"My name is [Name], and I live at [Address]. I'm writing to ask about any data center projects currently proposed or under review in our township..."
Talk to your neighbors
Share what you've learned. Many people don't know what's happening until construction starts. A neighborhood conversation—even informal—helps everyone get informed and decide how they want to engage.
- • Share links to meeting agendas
- • Discuss what you've learned about the project
- • Coordinate who attends which meetings
- • Respect that neighbors may have different views
Request public records
File a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request for documents related to any proposed project. You have the right to see development applications, correspondence between developers and officials, and draft agreements.
- • "All documents related to [Project Name or Address]"
- • "Correspondence between [Township] and [Developer]"
- • "Draft PILOT or tax abatement agreements"
Ask the right questions
When you speak at meetings or write to officials, ask specific questions about water usage, power rates, tax agreements, jobs, and community impacts. Specific questions get better answers than general concerns.
80+ questions to askWant to go deeper?
Explore our comprehensive resources covering citizen engagement, legal strategies, and policy options.