Experts Say Data Centers Face Permitting, Economic, and Community Support Obstacles

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2026 – Only a third of Americans are supportive of data centers, which is less than their support of building a stadium or airport near their home, said Chris Jordan , the program manager of AI and innovation at the National League of Cities.

“Then if you ask that third of people, what if we increased your electricity bills by $10 a month? That number of supporters is basically split in half already,” Jordan said.

Jordan joined Moderator Chris Seidt and CTC Technology & Energy Principal Analyst and Market Intelligence Specialist Jacob Levin for a conversation on the landscape of data centers, including both the economic promises and pressure to move quickly. At the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors’ webinar Monday, the panelists spoke about residents’ concerns on environmental impact and community cost.

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