In a significant win for public opposition, the Tucson City Council unanimously killed Project Blue, a massive data center proposal shrouded in secrecy and dogged by environmental concerns. Despite efforts to rebrand the project as a responsible corporate neighbor, the community pushed back hard—and won. Tucson is now preparing new zoning regulations specifically targeting data center development. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, the late Dale Earnhardt’s widow, Teresa Earnhardt, has found herself in a different kind […]

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This week’s Zoning In highlights mounting community pushback from Alabama to Virginia, evolving state-level incentive policies, and renewed scrutiny on utility tariffs and water usage. Meanwhile, some jurisdictions—like Tucson and Janesville—are embracing digital infrastructure as a catalyst for long-term growth. From postponed billion-dollar votes and well water disputes to thoughtful strategies for building trust with communities, this week’s headlines capture the high stakes and growing pains of hyperscale expansion.  Janesville Eyes Data Centers to Revitalize […]

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As we approach the Fourth of July, the bright bursts of fireworks aren’t the only displays lighting up the sky—data center development is sparking significant growth and challenges across the U.S. But like a fireworks show, the excitement often comes with unexpected headwinds. Communities are raising concerns over the environmental impact, with increasing opposition to new data center projects. A prime example is the recently filed lawsuit by the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the Sierra […]

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