Community Matters Live webinar to explore data center development
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with Penn State, is hosting an Aug. 26 webinar titled "Understanding the Development of Data Centers." The session aims to assist local officials and community partners in assessing proposed data center projects. It will cover critical issues such as site selection, utility use, permitting, zoning, and environmental impacts.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach's Community and Economic Development unit is offering a webinar to help local officials, planners, and community partners understand data center development. Titled "Understanding the Development of Data Centers with the Penn State University Research and Extension Network for Data Centers," the webinar is scheduled for Aug. 26 from noon to 1 p.m. and is approved for American Planning Association Certification Maintenance credit.
Jen Hargrove, a community development specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, emphasized that data centers present both opportunities and complex questions for communities. The session is designed to equip local leaders with the knowledge to identify critical issues and questions early in the development process.
The webinar will address key considerations including site selection, utility usage, permitting, zoning, and environmental impacts. Presenters include Natalie Rae, assistant professor at Penn State; Tom Beresnyak, senior extension educator with the Penn State Extension Energy Team; and Hannah Wiseman, professor of law and co-director of the Penn State Center for Energy Law and Policy.
The target audience for this informational session includes local elected officials, city and county staff, planners, zoning officials, economic development professionals, utility representatives, and other community planning stakeholders. The webinar is part of the monthly "Community Matters Live" series, which focuses on timely topics relevant to Iowa communities.