A recent economic development incentive approved for a data center expansion in Northeast Ohio is sparking debate about how states attract high-tech investment—and whether the public benefits justify the cost.

Ohio officials recently approved a $4.5 million tax incentive package for Ark Data Centers to expand facilities in Akron and Independence. The project involves a large capital investment in digital infrastructure but is expected to create only 10 new full-time jobs, according to project documents.

That math—roughly $450,000 in incentives per job—has triggered questions from economists, lawmakers, and taxpayers about the long-term value of such deals.

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