TL;DR

  • Community alignment is now a critical factor influencing data center permitting timelines and project success.
  • Public perception, environmental concerns, and policy dynamics are reshaping how digital infrastructure projects are evaluated.
  • Clear communication and structured frameworks are essential to help communities make informed decisions.
  • Demonstrating measurable local benefits, such as economic development and infrastructure investment, is key to building trust and advancing projects.

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Data center growth is colliding with a new set of realities that extend well beyond land and power.  What was once driven by access to land, power, and capital is now increasingly shaped by community alignment. At ITW 2026, this shift will take center stage as industry leaders examine how public perception, policy dynamics, and local engagement are influencing development timelines.

As demand accelerates, particularly with AI-driven workloads, developers are encountering new challenges. Projects are being evaluated not only on technical and financial viability, but also on environmental impact, water usage, and long-term community value. Permitting delays and opposition are often tied to uncertainty, reinforcing the need for clearer communication and more transparent planning.

A featured session, “Debunking the Data Center Misinformation Dilemma,” will address these issues on May 19, 2026 during the Digital Infrastructure Policy & Investment Summit. The panel will explore how public perception and policy pressures are shaping project timelines and what the industry must do to respond.

The discussion includes Ilissa Miller CEO at iMiller Public Relations (iMPR), who also serves on the board of OIX and leads its Digital Infrastructure Framework Committee (DIFC). She will be joined by Buddy Rizer of Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, Joanna Soucy of Aligned Data Centers, Holly Elwood of Global Electronics Council, and Kanan Joshi of CVC DIF. The session will be moderated by Chris Pumphrey of Signal Ventures GA, LLC.

At the core of the conversation is the need for better alignment between developers, policymakers, and communities. Many municipalities are being asked to evaluate complex infrastructure projects without consistent frameworks or accessible information, creating gaps that can slow progress.

The panel will highlight practical ways to improve transparency, align messaging, and demonstrate measurable community benefits such as economic development, education funding, and infrastructure investment. These approaches are increasingly critical as the industry works to build trust alongside capacity.

As digital infrastructure continues to scale, the ability to engage communities effectively is becoming a defining factor in project success. ITW 2026 offers a timely forum to advance that discussion and explore how the industry can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Read more in the press release.

To learn more about iMiller Public Relations, visit www.imillerpr.com. For information about the OIX DIFC, go to www.oix.org/standards-and-certifications/oix-dif-standard.