How Data Centers Can Be Better Neighbors: Building Community Trust
DataCenter Knowledge, Monday, February 2nd, 2026
Practical steps to reduce residential backlash and build lasting community trust.
Communities across the US are growing wary of rapid AI-scale data center expansion. In crowded public hearings, residents are questioning rising utility bills and the strain on local infrastructure, and more projects are facing delays or rejection. One flashpoint occurred in Chandler, Ariz., in December 2025, where the city rejected a proposal for an AI data center despite lobbying by former US senator Kyrsten Sinema. Residents were unmoved by officials' assurances.