Decoding Data Centers: Local Impacts and Strategies for Community Preparedness

Date: June 4th, 4:00-5:00pm

Jay, Sanford, Limestone, Wiscassett, Eastport, Scarborough, Lewiston – what do these towns have in common? They have each been in the news as a prospective host community for data center development in the state. 

The landscape has shifted dramatically regarding data center development in Maine. High energy costs were long-assumed to be a barrier to their arrival in the state, but as proposals land on town and city council dockets, it’s clear that Maine communities are not insulated from navigating the opportunities and challenges associated with these facilities.

From the public perspective, for every certainty provided in the data center development process, there are two unknowns. It’s certain that data centers will have significant impact on local economies, the environment, and ratepayers; the extent to which those impacts can offset one another, nevermind represent an overall improvement in the communities they’re sited in is unknown. Investment in AI companies and data center development has become a major macroeconomic force, with some projections forecasting that companies will invest nearly $7 trillion dollar in data centers by 2030 and the valuations of AI companies ballooning into the billions, if not trillions, of dollars; what is less clear is the economic growth that occurs at the local level as a result of data center development, particularly after these facilities are built.

Community wellbeing relative to these projects is dependent on a robust and transparent public process that persistently contextualizes what’s at stake for the community as a whole.

How can communities prepare themselves to approach planning and development decisions that balance a diverse array of local priorities? What tools and resources are out there to build and implement a sound decision-making process; and which are necessary to create? 

Join us on June 4th to learn about the unique impacts and considerations associated with data center developments and a discussion of the strategies for empowering communities in Maine and around the nation to make sound decisions.

Sponsored by Kennebec Savings Bank

Event details:

Date: Thursday, June 4th, 2026

Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm ET

Location: Online (Webinar link will be provided upon registration)

Cost:

Suggested registration ($25)

Member registration (free)

Click here to register