EXPLORESmart Cities Dive · 1d ago
Data centers are stress-testing local governments. Here are 5 strategies to rein them in.
Executive Brief
The 30-second read
Local governments are implementing regulatory frameworks to manage the infrastructure and community impacts of rapid data center expansion. Executives should monitor emerging zoning and permitting strategies designed to increase operational transparency and resource accountability.
- 01New zoning and permitting requirements address transparency and infrastructure pressure
- 02Municipalities are seeking formal community benefit agreements from data center developers
- 03Legal experts recommend integrated strategies to mitigate environmental and resource strain
- 04Policy shifts focus on balancing technological growth with long-term local sustainability
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London Business News: Executive Guide →AI-generated summary · Verify at source
Tools including zoning and permitting can address transparency, infrastructure, community benefits and other concerns, panelists at a Southern Environmental Law Center event said.