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

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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