Ayana Gray: Data doesn’t add up for data center job predictions in Butte

Ayana Gray, a resident of Great Falls and a Master's degree holder in the Ethics of AI, Data, and Algorithms, has expressed significant concerns regarding the job creation projections for the proposed Sabey Data Center in Butte, Montana. Gray contends that the claims made by Sabey Data Centers' CEO, John Sabey, about 200 permanent jobs and 600 temporary construction jobs, are inflated and lack independent verification. During a November 14 meeting with the Montana Connections Targeted Economic Development District board, Sabey cited his company's Quincy, Washington, facility as a model for job creation. However, Gray's research, referencing independent studies, suggests that data centers typically create far fewer jobs, often averaging around six permanent positions per facility, with some analyses indicating only one permanent job for every $54 million invested. Gray also highlighted that the Butte Ad Hoc Committee on Data Center Impacts, tasked with investigating community concerns, relied solely on John Sabey's figures for its employment section. Despite multiple attempts, Gray was unable to obtain redacted payroll or other evidence from Sabey Data Centers to support their claims. She also raised concerns that the temporary construction jobs might not benefit local businesses, noting that Sabey operates its own construction company. Gray concludes that formalized agreements, rather than anecdotal accounts, are necessary to ensure job creation for the Butte community.