AI Data Center Investment Surge Sparks Concerns in Communities

Can AI Grow Without Hurting Local Communities? The rush to build AI data centers is drawing trillions of dollars in investment and long-term bets from infrastructure firms such as DigitalBridge. But in communities where those facilities are being built, residents and officials are raising concerns about electricity costs, water use, noise, transparency and who bears the risk if demand falls short. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging approval of a major data center project near Ann Arbor, arguing that ratepayers deserve more transparency about contracts and potential costs. DigitalBridge CEO Marc Ganzi says the industry can navigate the backlash, but only by working with local communities and showing how the benefits outweigh the burdens.