My Turn: The digital economy has a local address
Local leaders in North Carolina are reevaluating their approach to growth as large data centers and related infrastructure are proposed, considering the long-term consequences for nearby communities. The state-level tax exemptions for data centers mean local communities miss out on potential tax revenue while shouldering the day-to-day impacts.
Local leaders have approached growth with caution, balancing rural quality of life with access to urban amenities. Large data centers are being proposed, bringing potential disruption and resource demands. Construction can take years, causing heavy truck traffic and noise, while operational data centers require substantial energy and water. In North Carolina, large data centers are exempt from state-level sales and use taxes, depriving local communities of revenue. Responsible growth requires zoning transparency and consideration of community impact, potentially through targeted local taxes or fees tied to the data centers' effects on local communities.
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