NC Chamber Launches Data Center Resource Hub to Help North Carolina Navigate a Defining Infrastructure Debate
Across North Carolina, conversations about data centers are becoming more common, and more consequential.
From county commission meetings to legislative hearings, communities are weighing important questions about energy, water, land use, and economic development. At the same time, companies are making long-term investment decisions that will shape North Carolina’s competitive position for decades to come.
To help bring greater context to the conversation, the NC Chamber has launched a new Data Center Resource Hub, a fact-based resource designed to help business leaders, policymakers, and communities better understand one of the state’s most important infrastructure issues.
“Data centers have become the digital infrastructure that powers the modern economy,” said Gary Salamido, president and CEO of the NC Chamber. “As North Carolina evaluates these opportunities, we believe the conversation should be driven by facts, transparency, and thoughtful planning.”
More Than an Economic Development Project
Data centers support far more than cloud computing.
They power manufacturing operations, financial services, healthcare systems, logistics networks, government services, research institutions and the technologies driving the next generation of innovation. Increasingly, they also represent critical infrastructure supporting military operations, cybersecurity, emergency response, and secure communications.
Just as previous generations invested in highways, ports, broadband, and the electric grid, today’s economy depends on secure digital infrastructure.
Separating Fact from Fiction
The NC Chamber’s new resource hub brings together research, data, and North Carolina case studies covering topics including:
- Economic impact
- Energy and electricity
- Water use
- Workforce and career opportunities
- Community impact
- National security
- Frequently asked questions
The goal is not to dismiss legitimate questions surrounding large infrastructure projects, but to ensure those questions are answered with credible information.
North Carolina communities deserve thoughtful discussions about responsible growth.
A Conversation Worth Having
Recent commentary has highlighted both the opportunities and challenges surrounding data center development. In a recent Carolina Journal opinion piece, “Data Centers Are Good, Actually,” the author argues that data centers are increasingly misunderstood and deserve greater consideration for the role they play in supporting economic growth and technological advancement. While opinions on policy may differ, the article reinforces the importance of grounding the public conversation in facts rather than assumptions.
The NC Chamber believes North Carolina can continue asking tough questions while remaining competitive for the industries shaping the future economy.
Building North Carolina’s Competitive Future
North Carolina has spent decades earning its reputation as one of America’s best places to do business through investments in workforce, transportation, energy, and innovation.
Digital infrastructure is now part of that equation, and our state is poised to lead the digital economy.
The NC Chamber will continue championing policies, advancing thought leadership, and equipping business leaders with the insights needed to strengthen the state’s position as a national leader in digital innovation.