Massive data centers are gobbling up energy resources and tax breaks while creating few jobs in the region.

Massive data centers are getting hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks in Ohio, reports David Trinko in a piece for Governing.
“The data centers are owned by a mix of consumer-facing brands like Amazon, Google and Meta, plus less familiar names like Quality Technology Services and CyrusOne. While from the outside they may look like large factories, they often employ 20 to 30 or so workers when operational. Some earn tax perks for promising as few as 10 new jobs.” According to Trinko, “The Ohio Department of Development, which until last year was responsible for approving the local property abatements, has refused to say how many local tax deals its officials allowed.”
While the centers don’t bring a significant amount of jobs or economic development, they do require massive energy outlays, “prompting concerns about grid reliability from PJM, operators of the 13-state grid that includes Ohio.” A Goldman Sachs analysis projects a 2.4 percent increase in power demand nationwide after a decade of steady demand, “with nearly 40 percent of that increase attributable to data centers.” By 2030, data centers will use roughly 8 percent of U.S. power resources.
FULL STORY: Ohio Throws Hundreds of Millions to Tech Giants’ Data Centers

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Opinion: Transit Agencies Must View Service Cuts as Last Resort
Reducing service could cripple transit systems by pushing more riders to consider car ownership, making future recovery even less certain.

‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies
Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms
The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.
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