Data Centers, Done Right: Positioning Us for Responsible Growth

As data centers appear more often in national and regional headlines, it’s natural for local communities—especially rural ones—to have questions. These facilities are large, energy-intensive, and highly technical, and without the right safeguards in place, they can raise concerns about utilities, water resources, and long-term community impact. At CEDC, we believe the question is not simply whether data centers belong in Chippewa, but under what conditions they make sense. For several years, CEDC has worked alongside state and local leaders to ensure communities are informed, protected, and positioned to take advantage of data center opportunities when they arise—and when they align with local priorities.

When developed under the right conditions, data centers can be a strong fit for Chippewa’s broader economic development strategy. They represent significant, long-term private investment and contribute a stable property tax base that supports schools, public safety, and essential services. These projects often generate hundreds of millions of dollars in capital investment, support high-wage technical jobs, and create substantial indirect employment in construction, trades, maintenance, and local suppliers. Wisconsin’s is working towards building a framework that works with qualified data center that will tie any incentives to long-term commitments, helping ensure communities see lasting benefit.

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