Rural mayor: Data centers are a mixed bag
Haskell Mayor Christina M. Isbell says data center development has brought jobs, business growth and increased tax revenue to the rural Texas town. She also acknowledges that five regional projects have strained housing, roads, water supplies and public services, and calls for earlier community involvement and stronger coordination with developers.
Haskell Mayor Christina M. Isbell describes data center development as a mixed outcome for the rural Texas community. New projects have helped revive the downtown square, with about 30 businesses opening or expanding over the past two years, five vacant buildings returning to use and sales tax collections rising approximately 123% from 2025 to 2026. The additional revenue has supported higher law enforcement wages, a new park and plans for a pool.
Isbell also says rapid growth has exposed shortcomings in Haskell’s housing, roads, water infrastructure and emergency services. She argues that rural communities should not accept development at any cost, but should work with companies to secure benefits and protections before projects arrive. She urges local leaders to ask questions about water, power and other impacts while retaining a meaningful role in decisions affecting their communities.