Community Matters Live webinar to explore data center development

As interest in data center development grows, communities may face questions about land use, infrastructure, utility demand and local decision-making. An Aug. 26 Community Matters Live webinar will examine how local officials, planners and community partners can assess proposed projects and identify issues to consider before development moves forward.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Community and Economic Development unit will offer “Understanding the Development of Data Centers with the Penn State University Research and Extension Network for Data Centers“ from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar is approved for one American Planning Association Certification Maintenance credit.

“Data centers can present both opportunities and complex questions for communities,” said Jen Hargrove, community development specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “This webinar will help local officials and partners understand the issues they may need to consider and identify the questions they should be asking early in the process.”

The session will address site selection, utility use, permitting, zoning, environmental impacts and other considerations related to data center development.

The presenters are Natalie Rae, assistant professor of learning, design and technology in Penn State’s Department of Learning and Performance Systems; Tom Beresnyak, senior extension educator with the Penn State Extension Energy Team; and Hannah Wiseman, professor of law and professor in Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Wiseman also serves as co-director of the Penn State Center for Energy Law and Policy.

The webinar is intended for local elected officials, city and county staff, planners, zoning officials, economic development professionals, utility representatives, community partners, board and commission members and others involved in community planning and decision-making.

Community Matters Live is a monthly webinar series that highlights timely topics affecting Iowa communities. Sessions bring together extension specialists, researchers and other experts who work with local decision-makers.

For more information or questions about the webinar, email [email protected].

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