Why does everyone hate data centers? In this episode of Develop This!, <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-fraise-62991310">Dennis Fraise</a> talks with <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lloyd-4740168">Chris Lloyd</a> of <a href="https://www.mcguirewoods.com/">McGuireWoods Consulting LLC</a> to explore the growing debate surrounding data centers and what they mean for communities. The conversation examines why public opinion around data centers has shifted, from excitement over investment and economic growth to concerns about power, water, noise, land use, and long-term community impact. Chris and Dennis discuss the economic benefits data centers can bring, including tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and new opportunities for communities. They also take a closer look at the trade-offs and why not every data center project is the right fit for every community. The episode explores the role of incentives, community engagement, and thoughtful planning in evaluating these projects, as well as how the rapid growth of AI could continue driving demand for data center infrastructure. A key takeaway? Communities don't have to be simply for or against data centers. The better approach is asking the right questions, understanding the trade-offs, and determining whether a project aligns with the community's long-term goals. Key Takeaways <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Data centers can create significant economic opportunities for communities </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Community concerns around power, water, noise, and land use must be addressed </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Not every data center project is the right fit for every community </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Incentives should be evaluated against long-term community benefits </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Public opinion toward data centers has changed dramatically </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> AI is likely to continue driving demand for data center infrastructure </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Thoughtful planning and community engagement are critical to successful projects </li> </ul> Key Topics Covered <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The growing opposition to data centers </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Economic benefits and community trade-offs </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Power and water requirements </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Land use and noise concerns </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Tax incentives and community benefits </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> AI and the future of data center growth </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> How communities can evaluate potential projects </li> </ul> Sound Bites "Why does everyone hate data centers?" "Public opinion turned radically on data centers." "Not every project is a right fit for every community."

Why does everyone hate data centers? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with Chris Lloyd of McGuireWoods Consulting LLC to explore the growing debate surrounding data centers and what they mean for communities. The conversation examines why public opinion around data centers has shifted, from excitement over investment and economic growth to concerns about power, water, noise, land use, and long-term community impact. Chris and Dennis discuss the economic benefits data centers can bring, including tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and new opportunities for communities. They also take a closer look at the trade-offs and why not every data center project is the right fit for every community. The episode explores the role of incentives, community engagement, and thoughtful planning in evaluating these projects, as well as how the rapid growth of AI could continue driving demand for data center infrastructure. A key takeaway? Communities don't have to be simply for or against data centers. The better approach is asking the right questions, understanding the trade-offs, and determining whether a project aligns with the community's long-term goals. Key Takeaways Data centers can create significant economic opportunities for communities Community concerns around power, water, noise, and land use must be addressed Not every data center project is the right fit for every community Incentives should be evaluated against long-term community benefits Public opinion toward data centers has changed dramatically AI is likely to continue driving demand for data center infrastructure Thoughtful planning and community engagement are critical to successful projects Key Topics Covered The growing opposition to data centers Economic benefits and community trade-offs Power and water requirements Land use and noise concerns Tax incentives and community benefits AI and the future of data center growth How communities can evaluate potential projects Sound Bites "Why does everyone hate data centers?" "Public opinion turned radically on data centers." "Not every project is a right fit for every community."

Why does everyone hate data centers? In this episode of Develop This!, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-fraise-62991310" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dennis Fraise</a> talks with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lloyd-4740168" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Lloyd</a> of <a href="https://www.mcguirewoods.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">McGuireWoods Consulting LLC</a> to explore the growing debate surrounding data centers and what they mean for communities. The conversation examines why public opinion around data centers has shifted, from excitement over investment and economic growth to concerns about power, water, noise, land use, and long-term community impact. Chris and Dennis discuss the economic benefits data centers can bring, including tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and new opportunities for communities. They also take a closer look at the trade-offs and why not every data center project is the right fit for every community. The episode explores the role of incentives, community engagement, and thoughtful planning in evaluating these projects, as well as how the rapid growth of AI could continue driving demand for data center infrastructure. A key takeaway? Communities don't have to be simply for or against data centers. The better approach is asking the right questions, understanding the trade-offs, and determining whether a project aligns with the community's long-term goals. Key Takeaways <ul> <li> Data centers can create significant economic opportunities for communities </li> <li> Community concerns around power, water, noise, and land use must be addressed </li> <li> Not every data center project is the right fit for every community </li> <li> Incentives should be evaluated against long-term community benefits </li> <li> Public opinion toward data centers has changed dramatically </li> <li> AI is likely to continue driving demand for data center infrastructure </li> <li> Thoughtful planning and community engagement are critical to successful projects </li> </ul> Key Topics Covered <ul> <li> The growing opposition to data centers </li> <li> Economic benefits and community trade-offs </li> <li> Power and water requirements </li> <li> Land use and noise concerns </li> <li> Tax incentives and community benefits </li> <li> AI and the future of data center growth </li> <li> How communities can evaluate potential projects </li> </ul> Sound Bites "Why does everyone hate data centers?" "Public opinion turned radically on data centers." "Not every project is a right fit for every community."

DT #694 The Data Center Debate: Opportunity, Opposition, and Community Impact

How can economic development professionals better connect with their communities and create a shared vision for regional success? In this episode of Develop This!, <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-fraise-62991310">Dennis Fraise</a> sits down with M<a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/markperna">ark Perna</a> to discuss the importance of understanding the "why" behind economic development and creating stronger connections between communities, education, employers, and young people. Mark explains why younger generations want purpose and relevance, and how economic developers can help students understand the opportunities available to them long before they enter the workforce. The conversation explores early career exploration, career trees, and the importance of balancing academic achievement with technical and life skills. Another major focus is breaking down the silos that often exist between education, employers, economic development organizations, and community groups. Mark shares why bringing these stakeholders together is essential to building a workforce strategy that reflects the needs of the entire region. The conversation also highlights the power of storytelling. Mark explains how communities can use compelling stories to communicate their vision, attract talent and investment, and help residents understand why economic development matters. Throughout the episode, Dennis and Mark emphasize the importance of community engagement, experiential learning, and creating a shared rallying point that brings people together around a common vision. Key Takeaways <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Explaining the "why" creates stronger community engagement </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Early career exploration can help young people understand future opportunities </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Breaking down silos strengthens regional workforce development </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Storytelling can help communities attract talent and investment </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Education, employers, and economic developers must work together </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Experiential learning helps connect young people with real-world opportunities </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> A shared community vision can create momentum for regional growth </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Taking action early is critical to building community buy-in </li> </ul> Key Topics Covered <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The importance of explaining the "why" in economic development </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Career exploration and workforce development </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Connecting education, employers, and communities </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Breaking down silos between regional stakeholders </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Storytelling and community engagement </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Building a shared vision for regional success </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Engaging younger generations </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Strategies for bringing diverse stakeholders together </li> </ul> Sound Bites "Are we good at explaining the 'why'?" "Young people refuse to waste their time." "You can be successful with a 2.5 GPA."

How can economic development professionals better connect with their communities and create a shared vision for regional success? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mark Perna to discuss the importance of understanding the "why" behind economic development and creating stronger connections between communities, education, employers, and young people. Mark explains why younger generations want purpose and relevance, and how economic developers can help students understand the opportunities available to them long before they enter the workforce. The conversation explores early career exploration, career trees, and the importance of balancing academic achievement with technical and life skills. Another major focus is breaking down the silos that often exist between education, employers, economic development organizations, and community groups. Mark shares why bringing these stakeholders together is essential to building a workforce strategy that reflects the needs of the entire region. The conversation also highlights the power of storytelling. Mark explains how communities can use compelling stories to communicate their vision, attract talent and investment, and help residents understand why economic development matters. Throughout the episode, Dennis and Mark emphasize the importance of community engagement, experiential learning, and creating a shared rallying point that brings people together around a common vision. Key Takeaways Explaining the "why" creates stronger community engagement Early career exploration can help young people understand future opportunities Breaking down silos strengthens regional workforce development Storytelling can help communities attract talent and investment Education, employers, and economic developers must work together Experiential learning helps connect young people with real-world opportunities A shared community vision can create momentum for regional growth Taking action early is critical to building community buy-in Key Topics Covered The importance of explaining the "why" in economic development Career exploration and workforce development Connecting education, employers, and communities Breaking down silos between regional stakeholders Storytelling and community engagement Building a shared vision for regional success Engaging younger generations Strategies for bringing diverse stakeholders together Sound Bites "Are we good at explaining the 'why'?" "Young people refuse to waste their time." "You can be successful with a 2.5 GPA."

How can economic development professionals better connect with their communities and create a shared vision for regional success? In this episode of Develop This!, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-fraise-62991310" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dennis Fraise</a> sits down with M<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/markperna" rel="noopener noreferrer">ark Perna</a> to discuss the importance of understanding the "why" behind economic development and creating stronger connections between communities, education, employers, and young people. Mark explains why younger generations want purpose and relevance, and how economic developers can help students understand the opportunities available to them long before they enter the workforce. The conversation explores early career exploration, career trees, and the importance of balancing academic achievement with technical and life skills. Another major focus is breaking down the silos that often exist between education, employers, economic development organizations, and community groups. Mark shares why bringing these stakeholders together is essential to building a workforce strategy that reflects the needs of the entire region. The conversation also highlights the power of storytelling. Mark explains how communities can use compelling stories to communicate their vision, attract talent and investment, and help residents understand why economic development matters. Throughout the episode, Dennis and Mark emphasize the importance of community engagement, experiential learning, and creating a shared rallying point that brings people together around a common vision. Key Takeaways <ul> <li> Explaining the "why" creates stronger community engagement </li> <li> Early career exploration can help young people understand future opportunities </li> <li> Breaking down silos strengthens regional workforce development </li> <li> Storytelling can help communities attract talent and investment </li> <li> Education, employers, and economic developers must work together </li> <li> Experiential learning helps connect young people with real-world opportunities </li> <li> A shared community vision can create momentum for regional growth </li> <li> Taking action early is critical to building community buy-in </li> </ul> Key Topics Covered <ul> <li> The importance of explaining the "why" in economic development </li> <li> Career exploration and workforce development </li> <li> Connecting education, employers, and communities </li> <li> Breaking down silos between regional stakeholders </li> <li> Storytelling and community engagement </li> <li> Building a shared vision for regional success </li> <li> Engaging younger generations </li> <li> Strategies for bringing diverse stakeholders together </li> </ul> Sound Bites "Are we good at explaining the 'why'?" "Young people refuse to waste their time." "You can be successful with a 2.5 GPA."

DT #695 How Storytelling and Career Exploration Can Transform Communities

What does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up? In this episode of Develop This!, <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-fraise-62991310">Dennis Fraise</a> sits down with <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/mason.ainsworth.1/">Mason Ainsworth</a> to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth. Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum. The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership, placemaking, and creating communities where people want to live, work, and invest. Mason also discusses the importance of education, continuous learning, and attracting young professionals to the economic development field. He shares why great economic developers need strong people skills—and, most importantly, the ability to listen. Key Takeaways <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Strong relationships and community trust are essential to economic development. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Small victories can create momentum for long-term community growth. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Rural communities have unique assets and opportunities to leverage. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Placemaking helps create communities where people want to live and invest. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Listening and approachability are critical skills for economic developers. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Young professionals have an important role in the future of the profession. </li> </ul> Key Topics Covered <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Mason Ainsworth's journey into economic development </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Local government and community leadership </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Rural economic development </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Placemaking and quality of place </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Building relationships and community trust </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Recruiting young talent into economic development </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Education and continuous learning </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Podcasting and community engagement </li> </ul> Sound Bites "You gotta kick the tires." "Most people don't wake up and say, I want to be an economic developer." "A great economic developer listens."

What does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mason Ainsworth to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth. Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum. The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership, placemaking, and creating communities where people want to live, work, and invest. Mason also discusses the importance of education, continuous learning, and attracting young professionals to the economic development field. He shares why great economic developers need strong people skills—and, most importantly, the ability to listen. Key Takeaways Strong relationships and community trust are essential to economic development. Small victories can create momentum for long-term community growth. Rural communities have unique assets and opportunities to leverage. Placemaking helps create communities where people want to live and invest. Listening and approachability are critical skills for economic developers. Young professionals have an important role in the future of the profession. Key Topics Covered Mason Ainsworth's journey into economic development Local government and community leadership Rural economic development Placemaking and quality of place Building relationships and community trust Recruiting young talent into economic development Education and continuous learning Podcasting and community engagement Sound Bites "You gotta kick the tires." "Most people don't wake up and say, I want to be an economic developer." "A great economic developer listens."

What does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up? In this episode of Develop This!, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-fraise-62991310" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dennis Fraise</a> sits down with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mason.ainsworth.1/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mason Ainsworth</a> to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth. Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum. The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership, placemaking, and creating communities where people want to live, work, and invest. Mason also discusses the importance of education, continuous learning, and attracting young professionals to the economic development field. He shares why great economic developers need strong people skills—and, most importantly, the ability to listen. Key Takeaways <ul> <li> Strong relationships and community trust are essential to economic development. </li> <li> Small victories can create momentum for long-term community growth. </li> <li> Rural communities have unique assets and opportunities to leverage. </li> <li> Placemaking helps create communities where people want to live and invest. </li> <li> Listening and approachability are critical skills for economic developers. </li> <li> Young professionals have an important role in the future of the profession. </li> </ul> Key Topics Covered <ul> <li> Mason Ainsworth's journey into economic development </li> <li> Local government and community leadership </li> <li> Rural economic development </li> <li> Placemaking and quality of place </li> <li> Building relationships and community trust </li> <li> Recruiting young talent into economic development </li> <li> Education and continuous learning </li> <li> Podcasting and community engagement </li> </ul> Sound Bites "You gotta kick the tires." "Most people don't wake up and say, I want to be an economic developer." "A great economic developer listens."

DT #693 How Rural Communities Can Build Stronger Futures With Mason Ainsworth

Velocity of money is a phrase economic development professionals should understand and appreciate.  Co-hosts Jason and Dennis break down the definition and explain how this concept plays a key role in local economies.

Velocity of money is a phrase economic development professionals should understand and appreciate. Co-hosts Jason and Dennis break down the definition and explain how this concept plays a key role in local economies.

Velocity of money is a phrase economic development professionals should understand and appreciate.&nbsp; Co-hosts Jason and Dennis break down the definition and explain how this concept plays a key role in local economies.

What is the Velocity of Money?

Let's face it: incentives are a necessary component of many large economic development deals.  They are also controversial and easy targets for the established media and both political parties.

This episode walks through a major economic development deal case study that received national attention and the ire of the LA Times.  Tune in as Jason breaks down the facts and figures and cuts through the spin to share the whole story.

Let's face it: incentives are a necessary component of many large economic development deals. They are also controversial and easy targets for the established media and both political parties. This episode walks through a major economic development deal case study that received national attention and the ire of the LA Times. Tune in as Jason breaks down the facts and figures and cuts through the spin to share the whole story.

Let's face it: incentives are a necessary component of many large economic development deals.&nbsp; They are also controversial and easy targets for the established media and both political parties.

This episode walks through a major economic development deal case study that received national attention and the ire of the LA Times.&nbsp; Tune in as Jason breaks down the facts and figures and cuts through the spin to share the whole story.

Economic Development Incentives: A Case Study Behind the Numbers

Dennis and Jason explore the basics of workforce development, the necessary terminology, and the national trends behind labor participation.  This is an entry-level show designed for those new to the economic development industry.

Recommended Authors:  Kevin J. Fleming, Mark Lautman

Dennis and Jason explore the basics of workforce development, the necessary terminology, and the national trends behind labor participation. This is an entry-level show designed for those new to the economic development industry. Recommended Authors: Kevin J. Fleming, Mark Lautman

Dennis and Jason explore the basics of workforce development, the necessary terminology, and the national trends behind labor participation.&nbsp; This is an entry-level show designed for those new to the economic development industry.

Recommended Authors:  Kevin J. Fleming, Mark Lautman

The Basics of Workforce Stats for Economic Development

Become a Certified Economic Developer

Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development.  It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.

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Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development. It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.

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